Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love starting your day with a warm, comforting breakfast that’s also packed with wholesome goodness, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of cozy oats and melty chocolate that comes together in one fantastic, fuss-free dish. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your new morning go-to!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Recipe comes down to simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully together for flavor, texture, and nutrition. You’ll find that sourcing good quality oats and ripe bananas really makes a difference here.

• Gluten-free rolled oats: I always keep a good batch of gluten-free rolled oats on hand because they soften well but still give some chewiness.
• Unsweetened non-dairy milk: Almond, oat, or cashew milk all work — just pick your favorite or what you have.
• Ripe banana: This adds natural sweetness and helps create that moist, tender crumb I love.
• Flaxseed meal (or chia seeds): Acts as a binder and packs a little extra fiber and omega-3s.
• Maple syrup: Adds a subtle, rich sweetness that complements the chocolate chips perfectly.
• Nut or seed butter: I usually use almond butter for a creamy texture and a hint of nuttiness.
• Vanilla extract: A splash makes all the flavors pop.
• Baking soda & baking powder: They help the oatmeal rise just enough so it’s not heavy.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth — I like to be generous here!
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Dark chocolate chips: The star ingredient; I recommend using good quality chips with at least 60% cocoa.

Variations

I love giving this Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Recipe a little twist now and then — it’s such a forgiving base! Feel free to get creative to fit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Nut-free option: Swap out nut butter for sunflower seed butter — my niece has allergies, and she still raves about it!
• Fruit additions: Fresh raspberries or sliced apples mixed in add delightful bursts of flavor and texture.
• Less sweet: If you want to cut sweetness, cut back on chocolate chips or replace maple syrup with mashed berries.
• Vegan protein boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite plant protein powder before baking to make it extra hearty.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the rack in the middle position to ensure even baking. Lightly grease a small baking dish (mine is about 7 x 9.5 inches) with oil or non-stick spray — this prevents sticking without affecting flavor.

Step 2: Make Oat Flour in the Blender

Dump the rolled oats into your high-speed blender and pulse until they form a fine oat flour. This step is key for getting that smooth, pudding-like batter texture that bakes up soft but sturdy.

Step 3: Blend the Batter

Add everything else to the blender — banana, non-dairy milk, flaxseed meal, maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt — and blend until the batter is silky smooth. The banana and nut butter make it rich and filling, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips & Pour

Reserve about a tablespoon of chocolate chips for topping, then stir the rest gently into the batter by hand. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared dish, and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top — it makes the final bake look so inviting.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are lightly golden, the top looks set, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool for about 5 minutes — this helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my slices with a drizzle of almond butter or a splash of warm non-dairy milk to keep things moist and extra decadent. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add a lovely texture contrast that I find irresistible.

Side Dishes

A simple side of fresh fruit or a cup of your favorite coffee makes for a delightful breakfast combo. For brunch, I sometimes serve it with crispy turkey bacon or a green smoothie to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I bake the oatmeal in small ramekins for individual servings, topped with a dollop of coconut yogurt and a handful of toasted coconut flakes — it feels like a little breakfast celebration every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I love how the flavors meld together overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully — just cut into squares and freeze them individually on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. That way, you can grab a piece whenever you need a quick breakfast or snack.

Reheating

I usually reheat slices in the microwave for about 40-60 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. Adding a little splash of milk helps keep them moist during reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside — simple, wholesome, and with just the right amount of indulgence. I love how easy it is to make, and how it reliably feeds my family a nourishing breakfast we all enjoy. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen — you might just find yourself looking forward to mornings a little more!

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