Chocolate baked oats
The charm of baked oats is that they can be prepared and spiced up in many ways. The basis is very simple: oatmeal is mixed with milk, banana and optional flavouring then baked in a microwave or regular oven. Topped with natural cream cheese and berries, it's a delight for both the eye and palate. Try this recipe for breakfast or a snack – even the kids can help!
Ingredients
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200 ml
Milk
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70 g
Oats
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100 g
Peanut butter
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1
Banana
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2 tbsp
Honey
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1 tbsp
Cocoa powder
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1 tsp
Baking soda
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1 pinch
Flake salt
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80 g
Frozen blueberries
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To serve
Store your leftovers
Scoop any leftovers into an airtight container and place in the coldest part the fridge for up to five days. If you have made individual portions, tightly wrap each with foil or plastic wrap. We recommend reheating in the oven for the best results (simply cover the dish with foil and place in a 175°C oven until heated through). The microwave will also work (skip the foil!) but your leftovers may heat unevenly so be sure to check before serving.
change your toppings
This recipe is one of our most versatile and you can play with the flavour combinations to your heart’s content. A sprinkling of nuts is never a bad idea and adds a welcome crunch to the soft chewiness of the oats. Any fresh fruit will also work well, and our top recommendations (other than any berry) are sliced or diced peach, mango or pear. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla are a great way to add an extra depth of flavour and keep things interesting around the breakfast table
Questions about baked oats
Why are my baked oats soggy?
There are two main culprits for soggy oats. The first is too much liquid so be sure to pay special attention to your measurements and stick as close to the recipe as possible. Removing your baked oats from the oven too soon is another common mistake. For this recipe, we recommend a 15 minute bake at 175°C or 90 seconds in the microwave for a perfectly cooked breakfast, every time.
Do you have to put eggs in baked oats?
Typically used as a binding agent, egg is a common ingredient in baked oats. There are, however, many alternatives like banana, peanut butter (as used in this recipe) or even chia or flax seeds.
How long does it take oats to cook in the oven?
While this largely depends on how big of a batch you are making and how deep the oven dish is, a general rule of thumb is 15-25 minutes. The most reliable method is to gently press your finger on the top of the oats. If it springs back lightly, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
How do you thicken baked oats?
The most obvious answer is to add more oats. This can be tricky for this recipe though where you may only realise the issue after removing the dish from the oven. Our first tip is to make sure you are off to the best start by following the recipe closely. Putting it back in the oven could also help the oats to absorb more moisture and thicken the dish. If all else fails, enjoy as is – this recipe is delicious at almost any consistency.
The fascinating history of oats
As far back as 32,000 years ago, stone-age hunter-gatherers were enjoying a bowl of oat porridge. Grinding it into flour, the grain was likely boiled, or baked into a simple flatbread. Fast forward a few thousand years, the Romans regarded it a nuisance weed that was only good for feeding horses. Ancient Greece was a bit more tolerant towards the grain, but only for medicinal purposes with Hippocrates citing it as a useful remedy for skin ailments. It wasn’t until 2500BC that oats became domesticated and gradually gained popularity, eventually establishing itself as the popular food that we know today.
Deliciously soft both warm and cold
These blueberry baked oats are perfect throughout the day. With their tender, puffy and spongy texture, you can eat them both warm and cold. They are most delicious warm right out of the oven but will get slightly denser once they have cooled – though they still taste great. So just pop them in the oven or microwave for a few minutes while you get ready for work and enjoy them on the go. Or, wrap them in cling film and bring for an easy snack or light lunch at work or in school.
Add your own touch
There are so many delicious ways to vary your breakfast or make something that goes well with an afternoon snack. Here is some inspiration to change up the blueberry version that you do not want to miss out on.
