Can you prep Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep baked oatmeal (unbaked) ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3-6 months. Thaw and bake per instructions. You can also fully cook and cool the baked oatmeal ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just rewarm individual portions in the microwave. Our readers have told us that they freeze fully cooked, individual portions of baked oatmeal in the freezer, as well, and rewarm in the microwave.

Can you use quick oats in baked oatmeal?

While you can use quick oats in baked oatmeal, it's best to use rolled oats because they give the dish a heartier texture. Quick oats or instant oats can result in a denser, mushier result.

Is baked oatmeal gluten-free or dairy-free?

Baked oatmeal can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with these substitutions: Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free milk in the recipe. Gluten-Free Option: Make sure your oats say “gluten-free” on the package.

Can I make this in an 8x8-inch square dish?

Yes, this recipe will also work in a smaller dish. Just cook it 10-15 minutes longer or until it's set in the middle.

Can you use steel-cut oats in this recipe?

Yes, but you will need to bake it longer, until the middle is set. Check for doneness with a toothpick. It will likely take about 30 minutes.

Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Name: Brownie Baked Oatmeal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (quick oats will work, too); 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (sub: more oats); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/3 – 1/2 cup honey (sub: pure maple syrup) (Note: I also replace some of the honey with liquid stevia to cut back on sugar sometimes.); 2 tablespoons avocado oil (sub: melted coconut oil or butter); 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup milk (your choice); 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla; Optional: 1/4 – 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

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Brownie Baked Oatmeal

An easy and super healthy make-ahead breakfast that your family will love!

Yield: 8 servings 1x

Prep: 10 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 30 minutes

Units:

Scale:

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (quick oats will work, too)
1/4 cup ground flaxseed (sub: more oats)
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 – 1/2 cup honey (sub: pure maple syrup) (Note: I also replace some of the honey with liquid stevia to cut back on sugar sometimes.)
2 tablespoons avocado oil (sub: melted coconut oil or butter)
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup milk (your choice)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
Optional: 1/4 – 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

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Instructions

Make It Now:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together the oats, ground flaxseed, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
In medium bowl, whisk together the honey, butter/coconut oil, pumpkin, milk, eggs, and vanilla.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Stir until combined. Then, stir in the chocolate chips.
Pour batter into the baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes (or until the edges are firm and the middle is still a little soft).
Serve warm in a bowl with your favorite cut-up fruit (i.e. bananas, strawberries, raspberries) and milk on top.

Freeze For Later:
If you want to freeze this and bake later, prepare according to directions but freeze it before baking. Wrap tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap and one of foil and freeze.

Prepare From Frozen: When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge for 24 hours and baked according to directions.

Notes/Tips

Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free oats.
Dairy-Free Version: Use non-dairy plain milk like almond milk or oat milk. Use dairy-free chocolate chips, like Enjoy Life brand.
Can I use steel cuts instead? Yes, you will need to bake it longer, until the middle is set. Check for doneness with a toothpick. It will likely take about 30 minutes.

Cuisine: American Method: Bake

Find it online: https://thrivinghomeblog.com/chocolate-baked-oatmeal/