My brain (or more accurately, my appetite) do not understand the concept of not being “a breakfast person.” I wake up every morning with a voracious need for sustenance. Some days, I crave it in commendable, well-behaved forms—wholesome grains, lean yogurts, produce-packed smoothies. Other days, I NEED chocolate (and often this Chocolate Granola). Today, I’m embracing 7 a.m. chocolate emergencies with healthy chocolate oatmeal! If we are going to eat chocolate for breakfast and feel excellent about it (and that is exactly the plan), we need and deserve more than a few chocolate chips stirred into a lackluster bowl of instant oats. Chocolate oatmeal could be not a mediocre attempt. This decadent chocolate oatmeal will make an enthusiastic breakfast person out of us all!
How to Make Chocolate Oatmeal
This chocolate oatmeal is chocolaty and complexly flavored enough to satisfy even the most demanding of chocoholics while also being a healthy, low-calorie breakfast we can feel saintly inhaling.
The Ingredients
Rolled Oats. Packed with fiber and protein, I love how a cozy bowl of satisfying oatmeal keeps me full all morning.
Cocoa Powder. Rather than melted chocolate, I find cocoa powder is key to giving this chocolate oatmeal its rich, decadent flavor. (It’s the same reason why these One Bowl Brownies are so divine). Almond Milk. Adds richness to help make these oats creamy.
Cinnamon. Adds a hint of spice and makes these oats especially cozy.
Maple Syrup. Naturally sweetens the oatmeal without overloading it with brown sugar or other refined sweeteners.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.To Reheat. Warm the chocolate oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk to rehydrate the oats for 30-second increments, stirring after each. You may also warm gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk until heated through.To Freeze. Chocolate oatmeal may be frozen for up to 6 months when kept in an airtight container. To thaw, transfer the oats to the fridge overnight or warm in the microwave for a few minutes with a splash of milk to rehydrate.
Recommended Tools
Saucepan. I reach for this saucepan daily for oatmeal, pasta, rice and more.Wooden Spoon. Olive wood makes this one both functional and beautiful.
Beyond fiber and plant-based protein, oatmeal:
Contains countless vitamins and minerals like iron, folate and vitamin B1 that are essential for health.Is rich in antioxidants, particularly avenanthramides, which have been linked to reducing blood pressure.Has been shown to lower cholesterol in numerous studies.Linked to weight loss thanks to its ability to help you feel fuller longer and, therefore, intake fewer calories in your day.
Vanilla Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)Sliced bananas or strawberriesDollop of peanut butter or almond butterWith a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powderSprinkle of chocolate chips (for insurance purposes)
Love make-ahead breakfasts? Don’t miss the Overnight Oats (6 Ways!) in my cookbook, including a dynamite mocha version.
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