Naturally sweetened, these Chocolate Orange Baked Oats are a heart-healthy breakfast that taste like dessert. Fully vegan with no banana or eggs!
Chocolate baked oats are my go-to when I want a brownie or cake for breakfast, but also a meal that will nourish me. I love my large batch zucchini brownie baked oats and my single serve chocolate chip cookie baked oats, but this recipe fits perfectly in-between.
My chocolate orange baked oats are for the Terry's Chocolate Orange lovers, because they understand that chocolate and citrus just work. This baked oat recipe is healthy, easy and just sweet enough for breakfast. It's got orange juice and zest for maximum citrus freshness, so you bet I'll be using my seasonal fruits.
Grab your favourite Florida orange juice and let's get going!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Heart healthy breakfast. Oats are an amazing source of a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which is super beneficial for heart health.
- Breakfast for two. This is a small batch recipe that's perfect for you and a partner or friend.
- No eggs or banana. Baked oats with no eggs and banana, because I know many of you don't like the banana taste or don't eat eggs.
- Naturally sweetened. My chocolate orange baked oats are sweetened with just orange juice and maple syrup!
Ingredients
Oats. Quick, minute or rolled all work!
Orange juice. Try to use 100% Florida orange juice if you have it available to you. It's packed with vitamins, minerals and a great form of natural sweetness.
Cocoa powder. Look for a higher quality cocoa powder for a richer flavour. This is a pretty accessible one I use for all my chocolate baked oats.
Baking powder. This is essential for RISE! Ensure your baking powder is not expired for optimal rise and fluff.
Salt. Don't skip it, essential for complementing the cocoa and sweetness so they shine.
Maple syrup. Use pure maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness. If you don't have any, swap for honey.
Chocolate chips. Milk, dark or semi sweet will all work! These are optional but HIGHLY recommended for added fun!
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375F and grease two 10-oz oven safe ramekins.
In a high powered blender combine oats, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder, Florida Orange Juice and maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
Pour batter evenly into the two ramekins. Top with chocolate chips. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the oats comes out clean.
Top with orange zest and serve with fresh fruit and Greek yogurt for some added protein!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
To make vegan/dairy-free: This recipe is naturally vegan/dairy-free if you use dairy-free chocolate chips.
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free.
There's so many ways to put a spin on this recipe! Here's some suggestions:
- Protein oats: Substitute ¼ cup of oats with ¼ cup of chocolate protein powder and decrease the cocoa powder down to 1 tbsp. Please note based on the protein powder used, this may the cook time and rise of your oats. I recommend setting the timer for 20 minutes, using a toothpick to check the firmness of the baked oats and baking for another 5-10 minutes as needed.
- Chocolate lovers: If you really want to satisfy your sweet tooth, try drizzling with melted milk or white chocolate after baking!
- Fruity: Mix in any fruit of choice to the batter, once it's poured in ramekins. Think berries, diced apples, etc.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Ramekins
Storage
These oats are best eaten when fresh. However if you would like to store them they can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To reheat, just microwave for 1 minute until warm.
Top Tip
A high powered blender or food processor will work best. However, if you are looking for a mess-free clean up, try adding all the ingredients to a large bowl and blending using an immersion blender.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You may mix everything together in a large bowl prior to distributing into the ramekins and bake as directed! I just personally love the cake-like texture.
Yes you may! If you would like to use a 22 oz baking dish such as this one you may, however please note this will affect the cook time. If you decide to use this method you may decrease the cook time by 5.
YES! The surface area of your cooking dish will greatly affect the cook time these baked oats require. Smaller dishes such as 8oz dishes will require more cooking time as the batter will fill it higher. On the other hand, larger dishes will require less cooking time as the batter will be spread thinner.
More Baked Oat Recipes
Cake for breakfast, but make it nutritious!
- Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oats
- Sugar Cookie Baked Oats
- Baked Oats Without Banana
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Baked Oats
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this chocolate orange baked oats, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Orange Baked Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats quick, minute or rolled wll all work
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup Florida Orange Juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ cup chocolate chips
For topping:
- Orange zest
- Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F and grease two 10-oz oven safe ramekins.
- In a high powered blender combine oats, baking powder, salt, cocoa powder, Florida Orange Juice and maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
- Pour batter evenly into the two ramekins. Top with chocolate chips. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the oats comes out clean.
- Top with orange zest and serve with fresh fruit and Greek yogurt for some added protein.
Charanjit McKeown says
Hi I'm going to try Fanta zero orange from a can instead of fresh orange juice
Nicole Addison says
Hi there- that would be yummy however please note it will alter the nutrition facts and may alter the recipe do to the carbonation!