Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe

If you’re anything like me, breakfast is the meal that sets the tone for the whole day, and I absolutely love this Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe because it’s hearty, chocolatey, and packed with wholesome ingredients—all baked into one cozy dish. When I first tried it, I was hooked by how perfectly it combines rich cocoa with naturally sweet bananas, making it a wonderful way to start any morning or even enjoy as a comforting snack. Stick around because I’m sharing everything you need to know to nail this recipe every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe happens because each ingredient plays a key role — ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, cocoa powder brings that deep chocolate punch, and chia seeds add a little extra fiber and texture. If you shop for quality ingredients like rolled oats and pure maple syrup, you’ll notice the difference in flavor and texture.

• Non-stick cooking spray: Helps to keep your oatmeal from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Very ripe bananas: The riper, the better because they’re sweeter and blend smoothly into the oatmeal.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Gives the perfect chewy texture, better than quick oats.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use high-quality cocoa for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Chia seeds: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps thicken the baked oatmeal.
• Espresso powder (optional): Amplifies the chocolate taste without adding coffee flavor.
• Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a light, fluffy texture as it bakes.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsweetened almond milk: You can substitute with any milk, but almond milk keeps it dairy-free and light.
• Creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a delicious nutty undertone.
• Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetener that’s kinder than refined sugar.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor and aroma with its warm sweetness.
• Vegan semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (or vegan chocolate bar): Use half in the batter and save half for topping to get melty, gooey bites throughout.
• Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top just before serving adds a fabulous salty contrast.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe is—feel free to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. When I want a little extra texture, I throw some chopped walnuts in, and it adds such a nice crunch. You might find you want to swap in almond butter for peanut butter or even try a different kind of milk for fun.

• Nut-Free Variation: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to keep it allergy-friendly without losing creaminess.
• Added Fruit: Adding fresh or frozen berries can add pops of freshness and color—I especially love blueberries in mine.
• Spiced-Up: A pinch of cinnamon or cayenne can add warmth or a little heat, balancing nicely with the chocolate.
• Extra Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to make it a post-workout treat.

How to Make Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 375°F. I always find it helps to get the pan ready first, so spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray—this step prevents any sticking and makes cleanup super easy. Having these basics done early makes the rest of the prep feel smooth and breezy.

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

Grab your very ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly with a fork in a large bowl—aim for about one cup of mashed banana. This part is my favorite because you get to see how the bananas turn into this lovely creamy base that works wonders for sweetness and moistness. If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, the sweetness won’t be as good, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Next, add your oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, espresso powder (if using), baking powder, and salt to the mashed bananas. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir everything until it looks uniform. The chia seeds absorb some moisture and help bind the mixture, so don’t skip them, even if you’re in a rush!

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Chocolate

Pour in the almond milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, then stir everything together until smooth and well incorporated. Fold in half of your chocolate chips or chopped chocolate so that you get little pockets of melty chocolate throughout the oatmeal once baked.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate on top to get that gorgeous glossy finish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it looks puffed and set—with the edges slightly pulling away from the pan. Let it cool on your countertop for about 10 minutes before serving. If you like, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top—it’s a game-changer.

How to Serve Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this oatmeal, I love topping it with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for those who want a touch more sweetness. You can also add a dollop of vegan yogurt or a handful of fresh berries to freshen things up—trust me, it tastes amazing!

Side Dishes

This baked oatmeal pairs beautifully with simple side dishes like fresh fruit salad or a smoothie. For a cozy brunch, try it alongside vegan sausage links or sautéed greens, which add nice savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chocolate banana baked oatmeal in individual ramekins topped with freshly whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes—so fancy yet easy! You can also cut it into bars for a grab-and-go breakfast or brunch buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge and it lasts well for up to 4 days. When I dig in later, I love how the flavors deepen, and the texture firms up just right for slicing into squares.

Freezing

Freezing works great too! I slice the baked oatmeal into portions, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, I can easily thaw single servings whenever a chocolate-banana craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop a slice in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until warmed through. If you want a little crisp on top, heating it for a few minutes in a toaster oven works wonders. Just watch closely so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Banana Baked Oatmeal Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s comfort food that feels just a little bit indulgent but is still super wholesome. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for busy mornings, or just craving a cozy breakfast, this recipe delivers every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and don’t forget to add your favorite toppings to make it truly your own!

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