Hot Chocolate Baked Oats

When the weather gets chilly and I’m craving something warm and sweet, I always turn to these hot chocolate baked oats. It’s like eating dessert for breakfast but still kind of healthy! The oats are soft and chocolatey, the marshmallows melt just enough, and every bite feels like a hug in a mug. Whether it’s a slow weekend morning or a festive winter day, this is the breakfast that gets me in the holiday mood.

Method

1. Mixing the Base

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add in 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. If you’re using protein powder, add 1 scoop of your favorite kind here too. These dry ingredients form the base of your baked oats and give them that rich chocolate flavor. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir them together so everything is evenly combined.

2. Adding the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in 1/2 cup of milk of your choice and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. The milk brings moisture and helps everything blend, while the maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness. Stir the mixture gently until it forms a thick, smooth batter. It shouldn’t be too runny just a nice pourable consistency.

3. Folding in Chocolate Chips

Now it’s time for the fun part chocolate chips! Add 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips to the bowl. Use your spatula or spoon to fold them into the batter. Don’t stir too aggressively. You want the chips to be spread out but still stay whole so they melt in pockets while baking.

4. Transferring to the Dish

Grab your oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish. Lightly grease it if you want easier cleanup later. Pour the oat mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly to fill the space. It should come about 3/4 of the way up the sides don’t fill it to the top or it might overflow.

5. Topping Before Baking

Now sprinkle the top with mini marshmallows and a few extra chocolate chips. This step makes your oats look beautiful and also adds that melty, gooey hot chocolate feel. Try to keep the marshmallows spread out so they puff up nicely without burning.

6. Baking

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top looks set and slightly cracked. You should see the marshmallows toasted and golden, and the edges of the oats pulling slightly away from the dish. Every oven is a little different, so check at 18 minutes if yours runs hot.

7. Cooling and Serving

Once baked, take the dish out carefully it’ll be hot. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes before diving in. This helps the oats firm up just a bit and prevents you from burning your tongue on molten chocolate chips or marshmallows. Now it’s ready to eat, as-is or with toppings of your choice.

Necessary Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven or toaster oven

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I love to enjoy mine 

• Drizzle with a bit of warm milk on top just before eating
• Add a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for extra fun
• Sprinkle crushed peppermint for holiday vibes
• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or more hot chocolate, because… why not?

Fun Fact

Baked oats became super popular on TikTok during lockdowns, but did you know that people have been baking oats into cakes and puddings for centuries? It’s like an old-fashioned recipe that got a modern makeover with chocolate!

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I love to enjoy mine 

• Drizzle with a bit of warm milk on top just before eating
• Add a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream for extra fun
• Sprinkle crushed peppermint for holiday vibes
• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or more hot chocolate, because… why not?

Fun Fact

Baked oats became super popular on TikTok during lockdowns, but did you know that people have been baking oats into cakes and puddings for centuries? It’s like an old-fashioned recipe that got a modern makeover with chocolate!