This Chocolate Oatmeal Bake is pure comfort food, a heavenly combo of nourishing ingredients and chocolate decadence.
Featured Review
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these oatmeal squares. I eat them everyday with no guilt. Love the chocolate flavor and the yummy goodness. I bake several batches and freeze them and then take out one square each day.
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
It’s a satisfying bake that strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent, featuring the hearty goodness of oats along with potassium-rich bananas, protein-filled yogurt and cocoa powder, which contains health-promoting flavanols. And of course, you’ll appreciate the rich allure of melty chocolate in each scrumptious bite, making this an extra special treat in the morning. Plus, everything comes together in a single casserole pan, making prep and cleanup a breeze. You’re welcome.
Liberally mist a 9- × 13-inch casserole dish with oil spray.
Add bananas and mash. Add Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla, maple syrup (or honey) and eggs (you can crack eggs right into casserole dish but be sure to whip them with a fork before mixing into the entire wet batter).
Mix and mash all wet ingredients together until it’s as smooth as possible; you will most likely still have lumps throughout—that’s fine.
Add oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and mix until well combined (ensuring dry cocoa powder is completely incorporated into batter). Mix in chocolate chips. Add optional extra chips over the top. Bake about 50 minutes.
Slice into 9 squares and serve with optional toppings.
Notes
• You can use vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt for a sweeter outcome. I like to use yogurt brands sweetened with stevia or monkfruit (without added sugar), such as Oikos Triple Zero or Too Good. • I use almond milk for this recipe, but any type of milk will work. To make it nut-free, simply choose a nut-free milk alternative.• I mix everything directly in the casserole dish to avoid cleaning extra bowls (I’m always trying to cut back on cleaning!). However, if you prefer prepping the mixture in a separate bowl, you can certainly do so. First, add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth and well-combined. Then, add the dry ingredients. Once everything is blended together, transfer the batter into your oiled casserole pan and bake in the oven as directed. • Doubling the recipe: If you use the 2x button, divide the batter evenly between two 9×13-inch casserole dishes. Baking a double batch in one dish makes it too thick for the center to set properly. Keep the oven at 375°F and bake each dish for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden.• Store leftover oatmeal bake in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual squares for 2 months; reheat in the microwave or thaw on the counter and warm in the oven. • If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to carefully read the packaging for each ingredient, especially the oats (look for brands that are certified gluten-free). While these foods are inherently gluten-free, gluten can sometimes be added during processing for a variety of reasons, including for flavor and consistency.• If you’re looking to make this recipe nut-free, please be sure to use a nut-free milk.
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
Hi Tiffany. So glad you—and your kids—enjoyed this recipe! Chocolate is a favorite in my house, too, but in case you’re interested, Joy also has a Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Bake, Cherry and Cinnamon Roll if you wanted to try other varieties. They are all delish.
—Team Joy
Thank you for the kind words, Mary! We’re so happy to hear you love the recipe. It warms our hearts to know it’s become a favorite of yours! ❤️
— Team Joy
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these oatmeal squares. I eat them everyday with no guilt. Love the chocolate flavor and the yummy goodness. I bake several batches and freeze them and then take out one square each day. Thank you Joy for making my breakfast so healthy and delicious!
Thank you so much, Karen!! We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your comment—it made our day! We’re overjoyed that the Chocolate Oatmeal Bake has become your go-to breakfast. Freezing batches to enjoy a bit of chocolatey goodness each morning is such a perfect way to create a sweet morning ritual! Thank you for sharing your joy with us! ❤️
— Team Joy
Hi Colleen! Great question…we tested this out for you! Specifically for this chocolate oatmeal bake, we reduced the oats to 1.75 cups and added 1/2 cup of unsweetened vanilla whey protein powder. It turned out great. If you want to make it super chocolatey, try a chocolate-flavored protein powder! If you choose to test adding protein powder to this or one of the other oatmeal bake recipes, let us know how it goes! — Eliza (Team Joy)
This was amazing! I loved it as much as my elementary and middle school age kiddos!
Hi Tiffany. So glad you—and your kids—enjoyed this recipe! Chocolate is a favorite in my house, too, but in case you’re interested, Joy also has a Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Bake, Cherry and Cinnamon Roll if you wanted to try other varieties. They are all delish.
—Team Joy
Thank you for this wonderful, healthy recipe. I make it often since it’s gluten free and so yummy!
Thank you for the kind words, Mary! We’re so happy to hear you love the recipe. It warms our hearts to know it’s become a favorite of yours! ❤️
— Team Joy
This is yummy!
Hi Melanie, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing 😉
This is so delicious! Made as directed and will make it again!
Thank you so much, Karen! I’m thrilled you loved it! 🙂 If you’re ever in the mood to switch it up, try my Cherry Oatmeal Bake or Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bake—both are fan favorites!
I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these oatmeal squares. I eat them everyday with no guilt. Love the chocolate flavor and the yummy goodness. I bake several batches and freeze them and then take out one square each day. Thank you Joy for making my breakfast so healthy and delicious!
Thank you so much, Karen!! We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your comment—it made our day! We’re overjoyed that the Chocolate Oatmeal Bake has become your go-to breakfast. Freezing batches to enjoy a bit of chocolatey goodness each morning is such a perfect way to create a sweet morning ritual! Thank you for sharing your joy with us! ❤️
— Team Joy
Can you add protein powder to any of these oatmeal bake recipes? If so, how much?
Hi Colleen! Great question…we tested this out for you! Specifically for this chocolate oatmeal bake, we reduced the oats to 1.75 cups and added 1/2 cup of unsweetened vanilla whey protein powder. It turned out great. If you want to make it super chocolatey, try a chocolate-flavored protein powder! If you choose to test adding protein powder to this or one of the other oatmeal bake recipes, let us know how it goes! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Love love loved ❤️sooo good !!!
Yay! Thrilled you loved this chocolatey oatmeal bake, Carole! xx