Triple Chocolate Oatmeal
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Start your day on a sweet note courtesy of this delectable chocolate oatmeal. While childhood fantasies of chocolate for breakfast sound dreamy, adulthood calls for more wholesome choices. This chocolate oatmeal recipe is the best of both worlds, made with wholesome ingredients to grant yourself a grown-up twist on a childhood dream!
For more luscious oatmeal recipes, start your day with this peanut butter oatmeal or this coconut oatmeal!
This chocolate oatmeal could make anyone a certified morning person. It's warm, creamy, healthy, and best of all: chocolate-y! It's a chocolate lovers dream for a guilt-free way to start the day.
The crunchy chia power clusters that top this oatmeal are so good that we suggest doubling or tripling the recipe so you can store some for later! They make great snacks or toppings for a variety of dishes, such as salads. Bonus: If you make the clusters ahead of time, this chocolate oatmeal takes a total time of less than ten minutes!
Ingredients needed
It looks like an indulgent dessert, but it's actually a healthy breakfast made from these simple, wholesome ingredients:
- Rolled oats:Ā Also referred to as old fashioned oats.
- Water:Ā The liquid portion of this recipe calls for water and coconut milk.
- Coconut milk:Ā Wets the oats so they cook and adds a creamy undertone.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: To sweeten up the bitter cocoa.
- Cocoa powder:Ā Enrich the oatmeal with a chocolate flavor with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Dark chocolate:Ā To sweeten up the bitterness of the cocoa and add another layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Chia power crunch clusters ingredients: Unsweetened shredded coconut, chopped almonds, chia seeds, quinoa, cocoa nubs, coconut oil, and honey.
How to make chocolate oatmeal
Struck by a morning chocolate emergency? Satisfy your craving in no time, with these few easy steps:
- Cook the oatmeal: Combine the water, rolled oats, coconut milk, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder in a small pot. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until it thickens up and the oats are nice and soft. Then stir in the dark chocolate!
- Make the clusters: For that extra crunch on top, toss all the cluster ingredients into a pan over medium-high heat and toast them until the coconut starts to brown and the quinoa starts to pop. Remove from the heat and let them cool.
- Serve and enjoy: Divide the oatmeal between four bowls and top with the power crunch clusters, and start your day off right!
Variations
One of the great things about oatmeal is it's versatility ā it's so easy to customize and change up depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Here are a few suggestions for variations:
- Sweeten the deal: For sugar-free ways to sweeten up your oatmeal, add some mashed overripe bananas, maple syrup, honey, agave syrup, chopped dates, a dash of vanilla extract, or a dollop of applesauce.
- Spice it up: Add a tablespoon of chai blend to add warmth and make it a chocolate chai oatmeal! Or add chai spices ā cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom for a fragrant twist.
- Nut butter: Turn your oatmeal into a peanut butter cup inspired bowl by swirling in a spoonful of peanut butter! Other nut butters, like cashew or almond butter, also taste great.
- Fruit: AĀ handful of fresh blueberries is delicious, but cherries or other fresh berries also taste amazing. Other fruits on the top of our list include sliced bananas or apples, apricots, or peaches.
- Top it off:Ā Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, are great toppings. Or, drizzle in an extra splash of coconut milk.
- Milk: We love the creaminess and tropical notes from coconut, but you can use another milk or milk alternative. Almond milk or cashew milk works well!
- Protein: Boost the protein content by mixing in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Opt for a flavor that complements the oatmeal, such as vanilla or chocolate protein powder. Adjust the amount of cocoa powder to balance any flavors introduced.
- Extra chocolate: An extra handful of chocolate chips, because you deserve it. Or add a spoonful of Nutella for hazelnut decadence.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe with another type of oats?
You certainly can, however, note that the cooking time and texture will vary. Steel-cut oats take much longer, typically closer to 20-30 minutes, and instant oats will cook quickly and not give the other ingredients as much time to meld together. Rolled oats are our favorite for texture and taste as they have a heartier, chewier texture than quick-cooking oats.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, when storing leftovers, place them in an air-tight container and leave them in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of liquid (milk, water, coconut milk) and heat over a gentle simmer.
Can I use any type of chocolate?
Sure! Darker chocolate has a lower sugar content and tastes great in this recipe, but you can certainly use other types of chocolate.
Can I make chocolate oatmeal dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free?
Yes ā oats are naturally gluten-free, just ensure to check the label of whatever brand you purchase as some brands may contain additives. To make it dairy-free or vegan, check that you're using vegan chocolate. Vegans should also use a replacement for the honey, such as maple syrup.
More breakfast recipes with oats
Chocolate Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Ā½ cups water
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- Ā½ cup coconut milk (can be light)
- Ā¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate
Chia Power Crunch Clusters
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon EACH: chopped almonds, chia seeds, quinoa, and cocoa nibs
- 1 teaspoon EACH: coconut oil and honey (maple syrup for vegan)
Instructions
- Place the water, rolled oats, coconut milk, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder in a small pot over high heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until it has thickened and the oats are soft. Stir in the dark chocolate.1 cup rolled oats, Ā½ cup coconut milk, Ā¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons dark chocolate, 1 Ā½ cups water
- While the oatmeal is simmering, prepare the power crunch clusters. Place all the topping ingredients in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Toast for 2 minutes, or until the coconut starts to brown and the quinoa starts to pop. Remove from the heat and let it cool.2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, 1 tablespoon EACH: chopped almonds, chia seeds, quinoa, and cocoa nibs, 1 teaspoon EACH: coconut oil and honey
- Divide the chocolate oatmeal between four bowls and top with the power crunch clusters.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our breakfast recipes!
HI! Since this makes more than one serving and I”m the only person in my house, can I save the other serving(s) in the fridge and reheat…? Not sure that would work, what do you think? Thanks so much!
You can definitely reheat it … I do it all the time. Just add a little extra water to the pot when you’re reheating it. Or you could half the recipe if you only wanted one serving. š
HOLY GOODNESS! I chocolatey-ness of this recipe is UNREAL! Talk about a good way to start your day š
It’s totally the best way to start your day!!
Looking forward to breakfast already! Thank you for this one!
You’re going to love this one! I’ve had it three times already this week. š
You just made my Friday fantastic š These are my oatmeal/granola-like cluster dreams! This looks amazing, my friend! Bravo!
Thanks, love!!