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Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 9 reviews

If you’re craving something chocolatey yet wholesome to start your day, I’ve got you covered with this Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s like indulging in a brownie for breakfast—but without that heavy guilt. Trust me, this recipe has become my go-to comfort breakfast because it’s perfectly fudgy, naturally sweetened, and super easy to whip up. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every detail so you can nail it on your first try!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple, wholesome ingredients: Using pantry staples like rolled oats and bananas keeps it healthy and easy to find.
  • Perfect fudgy texture: The cashew butter and bananas lend rich moisture without needing oil or butter.
  • Natural sweetness: Maple syrup and ripe bananas sweeten the dish gently—no refined sugar overload.
  • Baked, not fried: Baking keeps this breakfast guilt-free while giving a cozy, warm brownie feel.
Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal, healthy breakfast ideas, chocolate oatmeal recipe, wholesome brownie breakfast, easy baked oatmeal recipes - The image shows an oval-shaped white dish filled with a thick, dark brown chocolate oat mixture. The texture is chunky with visible oats mixed in a glossy chocolate sauce. Scattered on top are small, dark chocolate chips that add a slightly raised detail. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the rich color of the mixture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a role in flavor, texture, and nutrition. I love how the combo of oats, banana, and cashew butter creates a satisfying and wholesome breakfast that actually feels like dessert—bonus points if you grab organic or higher-quality items for even better taste.

Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal, healthy breakfast ideas, chocolate oatmeal recipe, wholesome brownie breakfast, easy baked oatmeal recipes - Flat lay of two ripe bananas, a small mound of cashew butter on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with unsweetened almond milk, a small white bowl holding pure maple syrup, a small white bowl containing vanilla extract, a neat pile of rolled oats, a small white bowl with unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small pinch of salt on a white ceramic dish, and a few chocolate chips scattered on a white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Bananas: They add natural sweetness plus moisture, binding everything together without eggs.
  • Cashew Butter: Creamy and mild, it brings healthy fats and a silky texture that’s just dreamy.
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk: Keeps the base light and dairy-free, essential for a smooth mix.
  • Pure Maple Syrup: A lovely natural sweetener that deepens flavor without being overpowering.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate notes beautifully.
  • Rolled Oats: The heart of this baked oatmeal, they give chew and ensure a good fiber hit.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Real-deal chocolate flavor without the sugar, perfect for that brownie vibe.
  • Baking Powder: Helps it rise just enough for a soft, fluffy texture that’s not too dense.
  • Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it!
  • Chocolate Chips: They melt into little pockets of bliss—go ahead, add a bit more on top!
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe—it’s like a blank canvas. Feel free to swap in your favorite nut butters, or toss in some nuts or berries for extra texture. It’s super forgiving, so making it your own is really part of the fun.

  • Variation: Once, I swapped cashew butter for almond butter and added chopped walnuts—totally delicious with a nice crunch!
  • Dietary Modifications: Use a coconut milk variety for richer flavor, or replace maple syrup with mashed dates if you want natural sugar alternatives.
  • Seasonal twists: In colder months, sprinkle cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to spice things up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Gear

I always start by setting my oven to 400°F (about 200°C). While that’s heating up, I grease my baking dish lightly or use parchment paper—easy cleanup is a must! This way, everything’s ready for the batter to go straight in without waiting.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth (a fork works just fine). Then add the cashew butter, unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract. I love using a whisk here to get everything velvety and combined nicely. Pro tip: if your cashew butter is thick, give it a quick warm-up so it mixes beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, stir in the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. It might seem thick at first, but that’s just right for a baked oatmeal that’s going to be dense and fudgy like a brownie. Give it a gentle but thorough stir until everything’s evenly distributed.

Step 4: Fold in Those Chocolate Chips

Time for the fun part—stir in the chocolate chips! I like to save a handful to sprinkle on top before baking, for that extra melty chocolate goodness on the surface. This little touch takes it from ordinary to wow every time.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spread evenly, then pop it in the oven for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end—the edges should look set and a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean but with a few crumbs. Let it cool for a bit before slicing. This helps it firm up so your squares cut nice and neat.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined; overmixing can make the texture tough instead of fudgy.
  • Room Temperature Wet Ingredients: Using room-temp bananas and almond milk helps everything blend seamlessly.
  • Test Your Oven Time: Baking times vary, so check around 22-25 minutes to avoid drying it out.
  • Cool Before Cutting: Patience pays off here—cut too soon and it crumbles. I learned this the hard way!

How to Serve Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal, healthy breakfast ideas, chocolate oatmeal recipe, wholesome brownie breakfast, easy baked oatmeal recipes - A rectangular white ceramic dish filled with a baked dark brown oat and chocolate chip mixture that is thick and textured. The surface is rough with visible oats and small shiny chocolate chips scattered throughout. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible at the bottom left. The top is divided into six uneven square pieces that show the dense and moist texture inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe, I love topping it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of almond butter for some creaminess. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced banana add a bright contrast that cuts through the chocolate richness beautifully. And, of course, a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips never hurts!

Side Dishes

Sometimes I pair it with a simple green smoothie to balance the chocolate indulgence with fresh greens and vitamins. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea also complements this breakfast perfectly, making it feel like a little breakfast celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered slices of this baked oatmeal in parfait glasses with fresh fruit and whipped coconut cream, turning it into a breakfast parfait that impresses guests without extra fuss. You can even drizzle some warmed almond butter or nut milk caramel sauce on top for a decadent touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. When I grab a piece in the morning, it still tastes fresh and moist—it’s honestly a lifesaver for busy days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! I slice it into squares, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place all pieces in a ziplock. When I want a quick breakfast, I pull one out the night before to thaw in the fridge, or microwave it for about 30 seconds if I’m in a rush.

Reheating

I reheat my baked oatmeal in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or pop it in a toaster oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-baked feel. If it’s a little dry, a quick swipe of nut butter or a splash of almond milk helps restore moisture instantly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use another nut butter instead of cashew butter?

    Absolutely! Almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter all work well and will slightly change the flavor but keep that creamy texture. Just make sure the nut butter isn’t too thick for easy mixing—warming it gently can help.

  2. Is this Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten but still craving chocolatey oatmeal goodness.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    It already is vegan! It uses plant-based ingredients like almond milk and cashew butter, without any eggs or dairy. Just be sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to keep it fully vegan-friendly.

  4. How do I know when it’s done baking?

    Look for set edges and a slightly firm center—when you insert a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Let it cool to let the baked oatmeal set further before slicing.

  5. Can I add other mix-ins to the baked oatmeal?

    For sure! Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried fruit, or fresh berries all make delicious additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe is one of those delightful surprises that changes your morning routine. It’s such a treat to wake up to something that tastes indulgent without the sugar crash later. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—try customizing it with your favorite flavors and textures, and it might just become your new breakfast staple too. Here’s to mornings that feel a little sweeter and a lot healthier!

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Healthy Chocolate Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

This delicious Brownie Baked Oatmeal combines the comforting flavors of brownies with the wholesome goodness of oats, making it a perfect nutritious breakfast or snack option. Made with bananas, cashew butter, and cocoa powder, this baked oatmeal is naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying start to your day.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 cup cashew butter
  • 1 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Add-ins

  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the oatmeal.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, cashew butter, unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and evenly incorporated.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  4. Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips evenly throughout the oatmeal batter for added richness.
  5. Prepare and Bake: Transfer the oatmeal mixture into a prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Cut into 8 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and enhanced flavor.
  • Cashew butter can be substituted with almond or peanut butter if preferred.
  • For a dairy option, regular milk can replace almond milk.
  • Adding extra chocolate chips on top before baking creates a gooey chocolate crust.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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