There’s something so comforting about baked oats—they’re like having cake for breakfast but with a healthy twist! This Chocolate Banana Baked Oats recipe is perfect for when you want something sweet yet nourishing to kick off your day. The combination of rich cocoa, ripe banana, and gooey chocolate chips makes it feel indulgent, but it’s packed with wholesome ingredients. Trust me, it’s the ultimate treat-yourself breakfast!
Method
Prepare the oats
Begin by blitzing the oats in a blender or food processor until they are transformed into a fine powder. This step is crucial for achieving a cake-like texture in the final baked oats. The finer the oat powder, the smoother and more cake-like the texture will be. Ensure that the oats are thoroughly ground, leaving no coarse pieces. This might take a minute or two of blending, depending on the power of your blender or food processor. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the container to ensure all the oats are processed evenly.
Mix the ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the blitzed oat powder, mashed banana, chocolate protein powder, baking powder, cocoa powder, and milk. Any type of milk can be used, according to preference (dairy, almond, soy, oat, etc.). Mashing the banana well beforehand will help ensure a smooth batter. Stir the ingredients together thoroughly until you achieve a thick batter. The consistency of the batter is important; the thicker the batter, the more “cakey” your baked oats will be. Ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated and there are no lumps. If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Chocolate chips and bake
Pour the prepared batter into an ovenproof dish. The size of the dish will affect the thickness of the baked oats; a smaller dish will result in thicker oats, while a larger dish will create thinner oats. A ramekin or a small oven-safe bowl works well. Sprinkle the mixed chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter. These chocolate chips will melt during baking, adding pockets of gooey chocolate to the finished product. You can use any type of chocolate chips you prefer – milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the oats for 16 minutes, or until the top is slightly firm to the touch and the chocolate chips are melted. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, though it might be slightly moist due to the melted chocolate. Keep an eye on the oats while they are baking, as oven temperatures can vary. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with foil.
Serve and enjoy
Once the baked oats are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The baked oats are best enjoyed warm for the ultimate gooey, chocolatey experience. Cooling them completely might make them a little less gooey and more firm. You can enjoy them on their own or top them with additional ingredients, such as fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Chocolate Banana Baked Oats
Equipment
- Blender or food processor (to blitz the oats)
- Mixing bowl
- Ovenproof dish
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 45 g oats blitzed into a fine powder
- 15 g chocolate protein powder
- 100 ml milk any type
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 70 g mashed banana
- 20 g mixed chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prep the Oats.Start by blitzing your oats in a blender or food processor until they turn into a fine powder. This will give your baked oats a cake-like texture.
- Mix the Ingredients.In a mixing bowl, combine the blitzed oats, mashed banana, protein powder, baking powder, cocoa powder, and milk. Stir well until you get a thick batter. The thicker the batter, the more “cakey” your baked oats will feel.
- Add Chocolate Chips.Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish, then sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Bake.Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the oats for 16 minutes or until the top is slightly firm and the chocolate chips are melted.
- Serve.Let the baked oats cool slightly before digging in. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate gooey, chocolatey experience!
Notes
- Check the Consistency: The batter should be thick, not runny, for the best cake-like texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the time to avoid drying out the oats. They should be soft but firm on top.
- Cool Before Serving: Letting the baked oats sit for a minute or two makes them easier to scoop and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with a spoonful of peanut butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- Add fresh berries on the side for a fruity contrast.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect breakfast combo.
Fun Fact
Did you know that oats have been a staple food for over 4,000 years? They’re one of the healthiest grains, packed with fiber and nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning long.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Banana Baked Oats are a game-changer for breakfast! They’re easy to make, deliciously indulgent, and loaded with nutrients to fuel your day. Whether you’re meal-prepping or whipping them up fresh, they’re a surefire way to start your morning on a sweet note. Try them out and let me know how you customize yours—extra chocolate chips, perhaps?