If you have a soft spot for both brownies and a hearty breakfast, then the Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This dish masterfully blends rich, chocolatey goodness with the wholesome, comforting texture of baked oatmeal, creating a treat that’s perfect for mornings when you want something special, yet nourishing. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent without a ton of fuss, making it an excellent choice whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy weekend brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this recipe are simple, wholesome ingredients that work together like a dream to deliver amazing texture, flavor, and that deep chocolate punch. Each element plays a key role, from the oats which provide hearty bulk, to the cocoa powder that infuses the bake with rich chocolate notes, and the maple syrup that lends a natural sweet touch.
- 2 cups rolled oats: The foundation of this bake, giving it bulk and a satisfying chew.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: For that unmistakable chocolate flavor and gorgeous dark color.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps give the bake a gentle lift and lightness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate taste.
- 2 eggs: Essential binders, adding protein and structure.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup: A natural, rich sweetener that complements the chocolate.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil: Adds moisture and a subtle tropical note.
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk: Keeps the bake dairy-free while ensuring a creamy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens flavor complexity beautifully.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping): The ultimate chocolate boost, melted and gooey inside.
- Optional toppings: Peanut butter, whipped cream, nuts, or extra maple syrup for personal flair.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan is key here to prevent sticking and ensure your bake lifts out beautifully once cooked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and stir together the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This blend creates the chocolatey, hearty base that will soak up all the luscious wet ingredients.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. This mixture is what brings creaminess and sweetness to the dish.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix thoroughly. Making sure they are well combined is crucial for an even bake with consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Transfer
Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips gently, keeping those little pockets of melted chocolate intact. Then pour the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle a generous handful of extra chips on top to make it extra chocolatey.
Step 6: Bake Until Set
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should be firm and the center mostly set—check with a toothpick which should come out mostly clean but with a little melted chocolate bit, for that fudgy finish.
Step 7: Cool and Add Toppings
After removing from the oven, let your Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe cool for about 10 minutes right in the pan. This pause lets everything settle perfectly. Now is the time to add your favorite toppings—maybe a drizzle of peanut butter, a dollop of whipped cream, nuts, or maple syrup to make it truly irresistible.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe
Garnishes
The toppings are where you can really make this dish your own. I love a swirl of peanut butter paired with some chopped nuts for crunch. Whipped cream adds lightness, and a splash of maple syrup on top finishes it with a touch of sweetness that highlights the chocolate beautifully.
Side Dishes
While rich and filling on its own, this bake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit on the side—think raspberries or sliced bananas. A cup of your favorite coffee or a creamy latte balances out the chocolate intensity perfectly for a complete breakfast experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe in rustic ramekins or small individual dishes for a beautiful brunch presentation. You can also layer pieces with yogurt and berries for a stunning parfait-like effect that adds freshness and texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your baked oatmeal tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, retaining most of its softness and flavor so you can enjoy it all week long without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, the Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This way, you have a decadent breakfast ready to pop in the oven anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through. Adding a splash of almond milk before reheating can help restore the creamy texture and keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can try, steel-cut oats have a much denser texture and require longer cooking times, so they may not produce the same soft, tender result as rolled oats in this bake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?
Absolutely! Honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar can work in place of maple syrup, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with each swap.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
Butter or a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil can be used instead of coconut oil, though the subtle coconut flavor will be missing.
How do I know when the bake is done?
Look for firm edges and a mostly set center. Using a toothpick inserted in the middle will help; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs or melted chocolate—not wet batter.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe is such a delightful way to start your day with a bit of chocolate indulgence mixed with wholesome ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, versatile in presentation, and loved by kids and adults alike. Give it a try for your next breakfast or brunch—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, craving that perfect chocolatey comfort in every bite.
Print
Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Brownie Oatmeal Bake is a rich, chocolatey twist on traditional baked oatmeal. Combining rolled oats with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a hint of maple syrup, this dish delivers the comforting flavors of a brownie in a wholesome breakfast bake. Perfectly moist and subtly sweet, it’s ideal for a cozy morning or a decadent snack, topped with optional peanut butter, whipped cream, or nuts for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins & Toppings
- 1 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
- Optional toppings: peanut butter, whipped cream, maple syrup, nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly to combine all components into a uniform batter.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top evenly for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the oatmeal bake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. Add optional toppings such as peanut butter, whipped cream, maple syrup, or nuts as desired and enjoy.
Notes
- Use rolled oats, not instant or steel-cut oats, for best texture.
- Coconut oil can be substituted with melted butter or another neutral oil if preferred.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup depending on dietary preference.
- Almond milk can be substituted with any other plant-based or dairy milk.
- For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacer.
- This bake stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding nuts on top increases crunch and provides extra protein and healthy fats.
