Imagine waking up to a breakfast that feels like dessert but is packed with wholesome goodness - our Chocolate Cherry Baked Oats are about to revolutionize your morning routine! This decadent yet nutritious dish combines the rich, velvety depth of cocoa with the sweet-tart burst of fresh cherries, creating a breakfast experience that will make you leap out of bed with excitement. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just someone who loves indulgent morning treats, this recipe is your ticket to a breakfast that's both Instagram-worthy and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish with cooking spray or vegan butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Add almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined, with no dry lumps remaining.
- Gently fold in half of the pitted and halved cherries and half of the dark chocolate chips into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining cherries and chocolate chips on top of the batter, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crisp and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The baked oats will continue to set as they cool.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with additional maple syrup, fresh cherries, or a dollop of vegan yogurt.
Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor.
- Make sure to use ripe, sweet cherries for the best natural sweetness.
- For extra moisture, you can substitute part of the almond milk with mashed banana.
- Let the baked oats cool slightly to allow them to set properly - patience is key!
- For a protein boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the maple syrup and add a few drops of stevia.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or oven for best texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or alternative berries to customize your baked oats.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
