Looking for a cozy, chocolatey breakfast that doubles as dessert—but still keeps things healthy? This Healthy Brownie Baked Oatmeal is your new go-to. With rich cocoa, gooey chocolate chips, and a wholesome oat base, it delivers indulgence with every bite—without refined sugar or excess fat.
Perfect for busy mornings, lazy brunches, or meal prep Sundays, this recipe is designed to nourish and satisfy, whether warm from the oven or cold from the fridge. Let’s dive into why this is the baked breakfast treat everyone needs.
Drawing from your love for chocolatey treats (like the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies, and Butter finger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies) and oat-based recipes (like the Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars), this baked oatmeal is a must-try. Let’s get baking!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chocolate for Breakfast – Guilt-free indulgence thanks to wholesome ingredients.
- Naturally Sweetened – With maple syrup and optional banana.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Bake once, enjoy all week.
- Diet-Friendly – Easily adaptable to gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free needs.
- Kid-Approved – It’s like having brownies for breakfast—but better for you.
What you will need + Substitutions
- 🥣 2 cups rolled oats
- 🍫 ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 🍯 ¼ cup maple syrup
- 🥛 1½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 🥚 1 large egg
- 🧈 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🧁 1 tsp baking powder
- 🧂 ¼ tsp salt
- 🍫 ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Ingredient Substitutions
Rolled Oats:
- Use quick oats for softer texture.
- Steel-cut oats (pre-cooked or soaked overnight) work for a heartier bite.
Cocoa Powder:
- Substitute with cacao powder for more antioxidants and a slightly bitter edge.
Maple Syrup:
- Use honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free syrup substitute.
- Add mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Milk:
- Any milk works! Almond, oat, coconut, soy, or classic dairy.
Egg:
- For vegan: use 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (let sit for 5 mins).
- Chia seeds can also replace the egg similarly.
Coconut Oil:
- Replace with unsalted butter, avocado oil, or applesauce (for less fat).
Chocolate Chips:
- Use chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate, or sugar-free chips.
- Cacao nibs offer crunch and a sugar-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Tips
Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Tip: Parchment helps lift the whole batch out for easy slicing.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- 1½ cups milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy.
Tip: If using a flax egg, make sure it’s gelled before adding.
Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add to the wet mixture:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Stir well until fully incorporated.
Tip: For extra richness, sift in cocoa powder to avoid clumps.
Fold in Chocolate
Add ½ cup dark chocolate chips and mix gently.
Tip: Reserve a few chips for sprinkling on top before baking!
Bake
Spread the mixture into your prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Tip: Don’t overbake! The center should be soft for that brownie-like texture.
Cool & Serve
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm, at room temp, or chilled.
Tip: Chilling overnight makes them firmer and easier to pack for lunches.
Optional Add-ins & Topping Ideas
Mix-Ins:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- Dried fruit (cherries, cranberries)
- Coconut flakes
- Mini marshmallows (for a Rocky Road vibe)
Toppings:
- Dollop of Greek yogurt
- Almond butter drizzle
- Crushed peanuts and sea salt
- Coconut whipped cream
How to Store & Reheat
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Great for meal prep!
Tip: Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer:
Wrap individual bars in parchment and freeze in a zip bag for up to 2 months.
Tip: Wrap individually for grab-and-go breakfasts;
To Reheat:
- Microwave for 20–30 seconds
- Oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes
- Eat cold straight from the fridge (they’re delicious!)
Tip: Drizzle with maple syrup or peanut butter post-reheating;
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
Based on 6 servings using unsweetened almond milk and dark chocolate chips.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Rolled Oats → Quick Oats: Softer texture alternative.
- Cocoa Powder → Dutch-Process Cocoa: Smoother chocolate flavor.
- Maple Syrup → Honey: Natural sweetener swap.
- Milk → Almond Milk: Dairy-free creamy base.
- Egg → Flax Egg: Vegan binding substitute.
What to Serve with Healthy Brownie Baked Oatmeal
- Greek Yogurt: Vanilla or plain for a protein boost.
- Fresh Fruit: Bananas or berries for sweetness.
- Coffee: Espresso or latte to complement chocolate.
- Smoothie: Berry or green for a nutrient-packed meal.
- Almond Milk: Dairy-free and light for sipping.
FAQs
Can I make brownie baked oatmeal without chocolate chips?
Yes—omit or replace with chopped nuts or raisins for less sugar.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
Melted butter, ghee, or even olive oil will work just fine.
Can I use protein powder in brownie baked oatmeal?
Yes! Replace ¼ cup oats with chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
Can I make brownie baked oatmeal in muffin tins?
Yes! Bake in greased or lined muffin tins for 18–22 minutes.
Healthy Brownie Baked Oatmeal
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing)
- Large mixing bowl (for wet and dry ingredients)
- Whisk (for wet ingredients)
- Spatula (for mixing and spreading)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (for cutting squares)
- Optional: Parchment paper (for easier removal)
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, egg, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until set, then let cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
This Healthy Brownie Baked Oatmeal is more than just a recipe—it’s your excuse to start the day with chocolate! Whether you’re living gluten-free, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a guilt-free dessert that feels indulgent, these bars are a guaranteed win.
Whip them up on a Sunday night and enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast or after-dinner snack all week long. With endless flavor variations and a base that’s both nutritious and satisfying, you’ll never run out of reasons to bake another batch.
This recipe is a must-try. Try it with a drizzle of peanut butter, pair with a cup of coffee, and share your experience in the comments below. Happy baking, and enjoy every rich, chocolatey slice!
