Meet your new favorite cozy breakfast: Brownie Baked Oatmeal. This glorious bake combines all the decadent flavors of a fudgy brownie with the heartiness and nourishment of classic oatmeal. Imagine starting your morning with a warm, chocolatey slice that smells like dessert but powers you through till lunch—there’s nothing quite like it. Every forkful is loaded with rich cocoa, melty chocolate chips, and that perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd at brunch, Brownie Baked Oatmeal is a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Brownie Baked Oatmeal lies in its simplicity—each ingredient pulls double duty by adding not just flavor but also texture, color, and moisture. Don’t be tempted to skip any of these heroes, because together they create an oatmeal bake that’s truly irresistible.

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These give the bake its signature chewy texture and comforting, hearty flavor.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For a deep chocolatey flavor that turns everyday oats into a brownie-like treat.
Baking Powder: This helps the oatmeal rise slightly and ensures it’s light rather than dense.
Salt: Just a little brings out the boldness of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal and adds a touch of warmth.
Almond Milk: Keeps the bake dairy-free while providing moisture—use any variety you have on hand.
Dairy-Free Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess that makes the texture luscious, not heavy.
Mashed Banana (or unsweetened applesauce): Acts as a natural sweetener and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolate flavors and adds aromatic depth.
Melted Coconut Oil: Gives richness and keeps everything incredibly moist.
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate upgrade this from an ordinary oatmeal bake to a decadent delight.
Pecans (chopped): For crunch and a touch of buttery nuttiness in every bite.

How to Make Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly spritz an 8-inch square baking dish with oil. This step prevents sticking and ensures those lovely edges can be easily scooped out without a crumb left behind.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture forms the “base” for the Brownie Baked Oatmeal and ensures every bite gets that deep, fudge-like flavor.

Step 3: Whisk in the Wet Ingredients

Add the mashed banana (or applesauce), almond milk, dairy-free Greek yogurt, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup right into the dry mix. Give it a good whisk until everything is evenly incorporated—the banana not only sweetens but also keeps the mix extra moist.

Step 4: Fold in the Goodies

Gently fold in the dairy-free dark chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Don’t overmix—just make sure every scoop has a good helping of chocolate and nuts for that trademark brownie chunkiness.

Step 5: Pour and Top

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a few more chocolate chips over the top. This step is optional, but it gives you beautiful melty pools of chocolate peeking through.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish onto the center rack and let it bake. For a soft, gooey center, check it at 30–35 minutes. If you prefer a firmer, drier texture, give it up to 40–45 minutes. Either way, you’re looking for a set center and a golden, just-crisp top.

Step 7: Cool Down & Slice

Once your Brownie Baked Oatmeal is out of the oven, let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This allows the oatmeal to set and makes each slice hold together beautifully—plus the aroma is worth lingering over!

How to Serve Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Garnishes

Dress up your Brownie Baked Oatmeal with a dollop of extra Greek yogurt or a drizzle of almond milk for creaminess. Fresh berries, sliced banana, or a handful of extra chopped pecans add a lovely pop of color and flavor for that “wow” breakfast presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair a square of Brownie Baked Oatmeal with fresh fruit salad for brightness or a steaming mug of coffee for the ultimate morning treat. For a brunch spread, serve alongside crispy breakfast potatoes or a spinach salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the oatmeal bake in individual ramekins for a personal touch, or cut it into bars for a grab-and-go snack. For special occasions, layer cubes of this oatmeal with yogurt and fruit in a parfait glass for a beautiful, build-your-own “Brownie Baked Oatmeal” breakfast sundae.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the baked oatmeal cool completely before covering the dish with foil and tucking it away in the fridge. Stored this way, it stays fresh and moist for up to 4–5 days, ready for a quick breakfast or snack anytime you crave it.

Freezing

If you have extras, slice the Brownie Baked Oatmeal into squares, wrap them individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to grab a serving, warm it up, and enjoy a wholesome chocolatey breakfast with zero fuss.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds until warm and inviting. For a gentle reheat that keeps slices from drying out, use the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes, covered loosely with foil.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Old-fashioned rolled oats really give Brownie Baked Oatmeal its best hearty bite and distinct layers.

Is it possible to make this nut-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the pecans or swap them for sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch without any tree nuts.

Can I use regular yogurt and milk instead of dairy-free?

Of course! If dairy isn’t a concern, you can use classic Greek yogurt and regular milk in the same amounts. The result will be just as delicious and comforting.

How do I know when the oatmeal is fully baked?

Check the center by gently pressing; it should feel set but slightly moist, not wet or jiggly. A golden, slightly crispy top is also a great indicator that your Brownie Baked Oatmeal is ready.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish (like a 9×13-inch) and watch the bake time—it may need a few extra minutes. Everyone will love sharing this chocolatey breakfast treat, especially when it’s hot and fresh out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a breakfast that feels like a celebration every single morning, don’t wait another day to try Brownie Baked Oatmeal. It’s comfort food, a treat, and truly nourishing—all in one pan. Grab your favorite mug of coffee and dig in—you’re going to fall in love with this chocolatey twist on classic oats!

Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Brownie Baked Oatmeal recipe combines the flavors of a rich chocolate brownie with the wholesomeness of oatmeal, creating a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack option.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease an 8-inch x 8-inch square baking dish.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add wet ingredients: Whisk in mashed banana, almond milk, yogurt, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup.
Incorporate mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips and pecans, ensuring even distribution.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired, and bake until set and golden brown.
Cool and store: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool before serving. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Serve: Enjoy cold or warm with a serving of Greek yogurt or almond milk.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
For a sweeter version, increase the amount of maple syrup or add a drizzle of honey when serving.
This baked oatmeal can be reheated in the microwave or enjoyed cold.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American