Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome treat that feels like dessert but sneaks in some good-for-you ingredients, then you’re going to love this Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe. I absolutely love how this baked oatmeal comes together with that rich chocolate flavor balanced perfectly by sweet bananas, and the texture—so creamy with just the right bit of chew—is downright addictive. Whether you’re making it for a busy weekday breakfast or a cozy weekend brunch, this recipe hits the spot every time. Let me walk you through this fan-freaking-tastic recipe so you can nail it in your own kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe plays a special role to give you that brownie-like, indulgent feel with wholesome benefits. A quick tip: using very ripe bananas really amps up the natural sweetness and moisture, so don’t skimp on that!

• Bananas: Go for very ripe ones with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and softness.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: They hold their shape nicely and create a pleasing chewy texture when baked.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that deep chocolate flavor—make sure it’s pure cocoa for the best taste.
• Chia seeds: They help thicken the bake and add a subtle nuttiness.
• Espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate notes—just a little kick without tasting like coffee.
• Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a nice rise so it’s light and fluffy instead of dense.
• Kosher salt: Balances and brings out the sweetness and chocolate flavors.
• Unsweetened almond milk: I prefer almond milk for a mild, nutty flavor that blends beautifully here.
• Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and pairs insanely well with banana and chocolate.
• Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that keeps things moist and not overly sugary.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its cozy warmth.
• Vegan semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips: For pockets of melty, gooey chocolate—trust me, don’t skimp on these.
• Flaky sea salt (optional): Sprinkled on top at the end, it adds the perfect contrast and brings everything alive.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe, especially when adapting it to my mood or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to add your own twist!

• Nut Butter Swap: I’ve swapped peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter when I’m avoiding peanuts—it changes the flavor dynamic just enough to keep things interesting.
• Chocolate Upgrade: Sometimes I add chopped nuts along with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and richness.
• Fruit Addition: Toss in blueberries or raspberries for a fresh pop that pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate and banana combo.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Just be sure your oats are certified gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and bananas

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray—this prevents sticking and helps those edges brown beautifully. Next, grab your ripe bananas and mash them up in a large bowl until smooth but with just a few lumps—that’s going to give your baked oatmeal natural sweetness and moisture.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

Add the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, espresso powder (if you’re using it), baking powder, and kosher salt to your mashed bananas. Stir everything gently with a rubber spatula until combined. This is where the magic starts—those dry ingredients infuse flavor and texture.

Step 3: Add the wet ingredients and chocolate

Pour in the almond milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed—you want a thick, chocolatey batter with no dry oats peeking through. Fold in half of the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate now to make sure you get those melty chocolate chunks throughout.

Step 4: Bake to perfection

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top so they melt into a gorgeous, glossy layer. Pop it into the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until you see the edges pull away from the pan and the top looks puffed and set. The smell alone will make you eager to dive in!

Step 5: Cool and enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your baked oatmeal cool on the counter for about 10 minutes. It’s a bit creamy and scoopable when warm, which I adore, but if you prefer neat slices, wait until it firms up more. Don’t forget to sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that subtle salty-sweet pop—it’s such a game changer!

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a bit obsessed with adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking—it highlights the chocolate and adds a slight crunch. Fresh sliced bananas or a dollop of coconut or Greek yogurt works beautifully if you want to add creaminess. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra maple syrup over top on lazy weekend mornings for that dessert vibe.

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea. For more substance, a fresh fruit salad or a handful of toasted nuts on the side balances the dish and adds a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

When I hosted brunch recently, I cut the baked oatmeal into squares, stacked them on a pretty plate, and drizzled warm chocolate sauce with fresh mint leaves. It turns a simple breakfast into something special and impressive without needing extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge in an airtight container—they keep well for up to 4 days. The texture firms up a bit but stays creamy and delicious. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts when you don’t want to bake again.

Freezing

Freezing slices wrapped individually in parchment paper and then packed into a freezer bag has saved me on hectic mornings. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave. The flavor holds up beautifully, and it tastes like you just baked it fresh.

Reheating

When reheating, I usually zap a single slice in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds to get that warm, creamy goodness back. If reheating multiple servings, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe is one of those cozy kitchen wins that I keep coming back to. It’s comforting but still feels a bit special, like you gave yourself a moment of indulgence without the guilt. I love sharing it with my family because it’s both satisfying and nourishing, and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much when you make it your own. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a simple mix of oats, bananas, and chocolate can turn into such a delightful baked treat!

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