Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal
Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s made with wholesome oats, juicy strawberry pieces, and rich pockets of…
Tip: save now, cook later.Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s made with wholesome oats, juicy strawberry pieces, and rich pockets of chocolate that melt throughout the dish. The combination is both sweet and satisfying without being too heavy, perfect for starting your day on a happy note.
I love how this baked oatmeal brings together two of my favorite flavors—chocolate and strawberries—in a way that feels a little special but is still easy to make. It’s one of those recipes I like to prep on a weekend morning and then enjoy throughout the week, either warm from the oven or reheated quickly. Adding a sprinkle of nuts or a dollop of yogurt on top makes it even better, in my opinion.
This dish is a great way to switch up your usual oatmeal routine, especially when you want something a bit more exciting but still simple and nutritious. Whether you’re feeding the kids or grabbing a quick breakfast before heading out, the chocolate strawberry combo always gets smiles around the table. I find it’s perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a lovely start to the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give a nice chewy texture and soak up the liquid well. If you only have quick oats, use them but the texture will be softer. Avoid instant oats as they get too mushy when baked.
Milk: Regular milk adds creaminess, but plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk work perfectly too. I like oat milk for a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Egg: The egg binds everything together and helps the oatmeal set. If you want a vegan version, try mashed banana or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested for 5 min).
Maple Syrup or Honey: These natural sweeteners add a gentle sweetness. Maple syrup has a lovely depth, but use honey or agave if you prefer. You can reduce sweetness if you want to keep it low-sugar.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries work best for their juicy texture. If out of season, frozen strawberries are a good substitute but thaw them first and drain excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
Chocolate: Dark or milk chocolate chips both taste great here. For a healthier twist, try dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. You might also use chopped chocolate for gooey pockets in every bite.
How Can I Make Sure the Baked Oatmeal Sets Just Right?
Getting the perfect baked oatmeal texture can be tricky. You want it firm enough to hold shape but still soft and moist. Here’s how:
- Mix well: Whisk wet ingredients fully before adding oats. This spreads moisture evenly.
- Even layering: Spread the oatmeal in the baking dish evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Baking time: Stick to 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by poking the center. It should spring back lightly, not be wet.
- Cool slightly: Let it rest 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
Following these steps helps balance creamy and baked textures for a satisfying breakfast every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish or ramekin – perfect size for single or small portions and easy to clean.
- Mixing bowl – to stir all your ingredients together smoothly and evenly.
- Whisk or fork – helps blend the wet ingredients well for a consistent batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right balance of oats, milk, and sweeteners.
- Oven mitts – for safe handling of your hot baking dish when it comes out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use blueberries or raspberries instead of strawberries for a different berry twist that pairs well with chocolate.
- Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a sweeter, creamier taste.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Mix in a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Fruit and Chocolate:
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, sliced (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup dark or milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (plus some for drizzling)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 to 30 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes more to cool before serving. Overall, you can enjoy this tasty breakfast in about 40 minutes from start to table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Dish:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or ramekin so the oatmeal won’t stick.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Pour in the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon (if you like), and a pinch of salt. Stir gently but thoroughly to mix all the ingredients evenly.
4. Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate:
Carefully mix in the sliced strawberries and the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, keeping a few pieces aside for topping later.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Pour your oatmeal mixture into the greased dish. Place the reserved strawberry slices on top and sprinkle extra chocolate pieces over them. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the oatmeal looks firm and slightly golden around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take your oatmeal out and let it cool for a few minutes. If you want, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a pretty and extra tasty finish. Serve warm with yogurt, a splash of milk, or your favorite nut butter for added richness.
Enjoy your cozy, delicious Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen strawberries before adding them to the recipe to prevent the oatmeal from becoming too watery.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Prepare This Baked Oatmeal Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, or bake it in advance and reheat portions throughout the week for a quick and healthy breakfast.
