If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious breakfast or snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome, this Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a warm, chocolatey baked treat brimming with rich cocoa and pockets of melted chocolate chips, all made with simple, natural ingredients that nourish your body and satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s the perfect way to start any day or to enjoy as a decadent yet healthy pick-me-up. Trust me, once you try these fudgy baked oats, they’ll become your new favorite go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a vital role in crafting the perfect texture, depth of flavor, and luscious fudginess that make this recipe so special.
- Unsweetened soy milk or oat milk (2 cups): A creamy, dairy-free base that keeps this recipe rich but light.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips (1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons): Provide gooey, melty pockets of chocolate bliss throughout the dish.
- Espresso powder (1 teaspoon, optional): Intensifies the chocolate flavor without overpowering the oats.
- Ground flaxseed (1 tablespoon): Acts as a natural binder and adds a subtle nuttiness packed with nutrients.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder (7 tablespoons): Gives that deep, rich chocolate taste and the signature fudgy color.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the oats rise just enough for a tender crumb without drying out.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the sweet and chocolatey flavors.
- Maple syrup (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a lovely hint of caramel complexity.
- Peanut butter or almond butter (1/3 cup): Brings creaminess, richness, and a touch of nutty depth.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brightens the mix with its sweet, aromatic notes.
- Gluten-free rolled oats (2 cups): The hearty base that provides texture and wholesome goodness throughout.
How to Make Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (about 350°F). While it heats up, grease a 20 by 20 cm ceramic baking dish thoroughly to ensure the oats don’t stick and that you get those perfect edges when slicing. This preparation is the simple foundation for your fudgy masterpiece.
Step 2: Warm the Milk and Melt Chocolate Chips
Pour the soy or oat milk into a heatproof bowl and microwave it for about 90 seconds, just until it’s warm but not boiling. This warmth helps the chocolate chips melt smoothly in the next step, creating that beautiful, chocolatey base you’ll love.
Step 3: Create a Velvety Chocolate Mixture
Add 2 tablespoons of the dairy-free chocolate chips to the warm milk and whisk until fully melted and silky smooth. This step ensures every bite of your baked oats will be decadently rich.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Flavorings
To your chocolatey milk mixture, whisk in the espresso powder, ground flaxseed, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, maple syrup, peanut or almond butter, and vanilla extract until everything comes together in a uniform, luscious batter. This combination hovers between healthful and indulgent, perfectly balanced for maximum enjoyment.
Step 5: Fold in the Oats and Remaining Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the gluten-free rolled oats along with the remaining chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed but not overmixed. This step adds that hearty texture and the gooey chocolate pockets that make this Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake it in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. The oats should be set and slightly firm to the touch but still moist inside. This slow baking creates the classic fudgy texture that gives this dessert-like breakfast its signature appeal.
Step 7: Cool before Serving
Once baked, remove your dish from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the oats settle so each slice holds together beautifully, making it easy to enjoy every fudgy bite.
How to Serve Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe, consider adding a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips for an extra pop of richness. Fresh berries or sliced bananas bring a bright contrast and complementary flavor that balances the intense chocolate.
Side Dishes
Serve your baked oats alongside a cup of rich coffee or a creamy latte for an indulgent brunch treat. Alternatively, a fresh green smoothie or fruit salad can add a refreshing note to your cozy chocolate experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop portions of the cooled baked oats into individual ramekins and drizzle with nut butter or melted chocolate. You can also layer warm baked oats with yogurt and granola for a parfait-like breakfast that’s both elegant and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to remain moist, ready for quick reheating.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply slice the cooled baked oats into portions and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated slices, reheat them in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds or warm them in the oven at 175°C for 10-15 minutes. Either way will bring back that cozy, fudgy texture and warm chocolate aroma.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of soy or oat milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular dairy milk with no problem. The choice of soy or oat milk just keeps this recipe dairy-free and adds a slightly different creaminess.
Is the espresso powder necessary?
The espresso powder is optional but highly recommended as it enhances the chocolate flavor without making the oats taste like coffee. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free rolled oats to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
What nut butters work best in this recipe?
Peanut butter and almond butter are both excellent choices. You can even experiment with cashew or sunflower seed butter if you want to mix things up.
How fudgy is this baked oats recipe?
This Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is delightfully fudgy yet tender, striking the perfect balance between a moist brownie-like texture and hearty oats for a comforting treat.
Final Thoughts
This Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe is more than just breakfast; it’s a warm hug in a dish that’s easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and utterly delicious. Give it a try and you might just find yourself making it again and again for those moments when you want chocolate and comfort wrapped into one. I promise, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Fudgy Chocolate Baked Oats recipe offers a deliciously rich, dairy-free, and gluten-free breakfast or snack option. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and dairy-free chocolate chips, this baked oat dish combines the indulgence of chocolate with the nutritional benefits of oats, making it a perfect morning treat or anytime delight that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened soy milk or oat milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 7 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
Chocolate Chips
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 20 x 20 cm ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Warm the Milk: Pour the soy or oat milk into a heatproof bowl and microwave for about 90 seconds until it’s warm but not boiling. This warms the liquid to help melt the chocolate smoothly.
- Melt Chocolate in Milk: Add 2 tablespoons of the chocolate chips to the warm milk and whisk continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the espresso powder (if using), ground flaxseed, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla extract into the chocolate milk mixture until everything is well combined and homogeneous.
- Incorporate Oats and Remaining Chocolate: Gently fold in the gluten-free rolled oats along with the remaining chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the oats are set and the surface feels slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked oats cool for about 20 minutes to firm up before slicing into portions and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute soy milk with any other plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, but soy milk works best for creaminess.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor significantly.
- Make sure not to overbake; the baked oats should be firm but fudgy.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free oats.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat before serving.
- To make it nut-free, substitute peanut/almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
