Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is a cozy, delicious breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It brings together the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the rich, comforting touch of chocolate all baked into tender oats. The combination is soft and slightly chewy, with little bursts of juicy strawberry and melty chocolate in every bite.
I love making this recipe when I want a breakfast that feels special but is super easy to prepare. It’s one of those dishes where you mix everything up, pop it in the oven, and then enjoy the amazing aroma that fills the kitchen. I like to use fresh strawberries, but frozen ones work well too, especially if you want this all year round. Plus, the chocolate adds just enough indulgence to make mornings feel festive without being too heavy.
My favorite way to serve this baked oatmeal is with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt on top to add a little creaminess. It’s great for weekends when you can take your time with breakfast or for meal prepping during busy weekdays—just heat a portion in the morning, and you’re set. This recipe always feels like a little celebration with every spoonful, and it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats give a nice chewy texture and help absorb flavors. Quick oats cook faster but might get mushy. Steel-cut oats aren’t ideal here because they take longer to cook.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds that rich chocolate flavor without extra sugar. If you prefer a milder taste, Dutch-processed cocoa is smoother and less bitter.
Sweetener: Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor, but maple syrup works great as a natural alternative. For less sugar, you can reduce the amount or try mashed ripe banana to add sweetness and moisture.
Milk: Any milk works—dairy or plant-based like almond, oat, or soy milk. Choose unsweetened versions if you want to control added sugar.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries make the dish bright and juicy. Frozen strawberries can be used; just thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a soggy oatmeal.
Chocolate Chips: Dark or semisweet add richness. If you want it dairy-free, pick vegan chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars. You can also swap for cacao nibs for a less sweet crunch.
How Do I Get the Perfect Baked Oatmeal Texture?
Getting baked oatmeal just right means balancing moisture and cooking time for a soft but firm texture.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid breaking up the oats too much.
- Don’t overmix—stir until ingredients are just combined to keep the oatmeal tender.
- Use a baking dish around 9×9 inches so the oatmeal cooks evenly—not too thick or thin.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes; check toward the end by gently pressing the center—it should spring back.
- Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Add your toppings like extra strawberries or chocolate chips halfway through baking or right before serving for freshness and texture contrast.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet; helps keep things tidy.
- Whisk – great for blending eggs and milk smoothly.
- Spoon or spatula – for folding in strawberries and chocolate without crushing them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right.
- Oven mitts – for safely handling the hot baking dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity burst.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of chili powder to the oat mix for a warm, spicy twist.
- Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch and extra nutrition.
- Use peanut butter or almond butter swirled in before baking for a rich, nutty layer.
Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped, plus a few for topping
- 1/2 cup dark or semisweet chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, allow a few minutes to cool before serving. Overall, it should take you about 45 minutes from start to enjoying your warm, delicious baked oatmeal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish so your oatmeal won’t stick and will bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar or maple syrup. Stir them together until well mixed.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter until it’s smooth and combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and stir gently until everything is just mixed together.
5. Add Strawberries and Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips carefully, so you don’t bruise the fruit too much.
6. Bake Your Oatmeal:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Scatter a few extra strawberries and chocolate chips on top for a tasty, pretty finish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the oatmeal is set and feels firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Serve:
Take the baked oatmeal out of the oven and let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes. If you like, drizzle over a bit of melted chocolate or add a splash of milk to make it extra indulgent.
Serve warm, and feel free to add yogurt or extra milk on the side for creaminess.
Enjoy your Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal — a cozy, chocolaty, and fruity breakfast treat perfect for any day!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the batter to prevent the oatmeal from becoming too soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Oatmeal?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through for a quick and cozy breakfast.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg, and choose a plant-based milk and vegan butter or coconut oil. Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it fully vegan.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch, or swap strawberries for other berries such as blueberries or raspberries to customize the flavor.