Irresistible Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal Recipe
Greetings foodies! Have you ever woken up craving something sweet and satisfying, but still healthy? I have the perfect recipe for you – Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal! This gluten-free and dairy-free recipe is not only delicious, but also packed with nutritious ingredients to fuel your body for the day ahead.
As someone who takes great care in what they eat, I understand the importance of starting my day on a healthy note. That’s why I created this recipe with rolled oats, bananas, cocoa powder, and other wholesome ingredients – all gluten-free! This dish is full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full and energized all morning.
What sets this oatmeal apart from the rest is its Chunky Monkey twist. The combination of bananas and chocolate makes it taste just like a banana bread baked oatmeal loaded with goodies without the guilt. It’s the perfect balance between indulgent and nutritious, making it a great choice for those who want to satisfy their cravings without compromising their health goals.
So why not shake up your morning routine and give this Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal a try? It’s quick, easy to make, and irresistibly delicious. Trust me when I say that you’ll love this recipe – your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Darling, let me tell you why you’re going to love this recipe of Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal. This recipe has everything your heart desires – it’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and loaded with nutrients. You will be able to eat a nutritious breakfast to start your day off right without sacrificing taste.
Firstly, let’s talk about the star of the recipe: rolled oats. As you might know, rolled oats are an excellent source of fiber and keep you full for hours. And if that’s not enough to make you fall in love with it, the recipe also calls for chia seeds, which are loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats.
And now to the true showstopper – cocoa powder! This recipe contains unsweetened cocoa powder that not only adds a deliciously rich chocolate flavor but is also a great source of magnesium and antioxidants. The mashed banana in the recipe adds natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the creamy almond milk used.
But wait, it gets better – this recipe doesn’t stop there! We also add peanut butter for some healthy fat and protein to start your day off energized. The vanilla extract used adds a warm nutty flavor that blends beautifully with all other ingredients.
Darling, as if that wasn’t enough, this recipe is highly versatile too! You can bake it as individual portions or double the recipe for a larger batch. And if you have dietary restrictions like being gluten-free or vegan-friendly like myself, this delicious Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal is perfect for you.
You’ll get to enjoy all of these scrumptious flavors and avoid skipping breakfast because it takes the whole hassle out of cooking – just mix everything up in one baking dish in no time!
So what are you waiting for? It is time to try something new and indulge yourself in this divine blend of chocolatey goodness with chunks of banana bread baked oatmeal embellished with peanut butter making your taste buds dance with delight!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to whip up this decadent and nourishing Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal recipe:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk you prefer)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This recipe is loaded with simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find in any health food store or supermarket. The combination of oats, banana, peanut butter, and cacao powder is a riff on the classic “Chunky Monkey” flavor, while the chia seeds add nutrients and texture. All of these ingredients work together to make a rich breakfast bowl that tastes like dessert but leaves you feeling satisfied till lunchtime!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into making this Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal step-by-step!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 mashed ripe banana
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup filtered water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with coconut oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients until thoroughly blended.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, topped with coconut flakes, walnuts, sliced banana or any of your favorite toppings.
If you prefer a creamier oatmeal, use almond milk instead of water. Serve it as an easy breakfast treat or even as a dessert!
This Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal can also be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat it in the microwave with a splash of almond milk for added creaminess.
Now you know how to make this delicious gluten-free and dairy-free baked oatmeal recipe! It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for busy mornings or whenever you need something that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Substitutions and Variations
Darling, this recipe for Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal is already a delicious treat, but if you’re feeling bold and experimental, there are various substitutions and variations to try out. Let’s explore a few together.
Firstly, if you’re not a fan of banana or want to change things up, you can swap it with applesauce or mashed sweet potato. For those who are looking for a more tropical twist, replace the banana with fresh or canned pineapple chunks.
If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, don’t worry because there are plenty of alternatives available. Swap out the water for almond milk or coconut milk instead. Moreover, if peanut butter is not your jam, explore other nut butter options like cashew, almond, or hazelnut butter.
Want to boost the protein level? Add some chia seeds or hemp hearts to the oatmeal mixture. You can also add in some protein powder or collagen peptides to increase the nutritional value of your breakfast.
For those on a sugar-free diet or looking to cut back on sugar intake, using cacao powder and dark chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder will give you that lovely chocolate flavor without any sugar. Additionally, replace maple syrup with stevia liquid drops for a sugar-free alternative.
Lastly, one of my favorite variations is Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal. Simply reduce the water by ½ cup and add in 1 tsp of baking powder and an additional ½ tsp of cinnamon. Bake it in a greased baking dish at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top.
Dear heart, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different substitutions and variations. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to come up with new flavors and combinations of this beloved Chunky Monkey overnight oats recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Once your Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal is done baking, it’s time to serve! This recipe is designed for one serving, making it perfect for a cozy breakfast on a chilly morning. I recommend topping your oatmeal with extra slices of banana, a dollop of peanut butter, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate chips to take the flavor up another notch.
Pair your Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal with a hot cup of coffee or tea to truly make it feel like a comforting breakfast treat. Alternatively, this recipe can be enjoyed for dessert too – simply top with whipped cream or ice cream and you’ll have yourself an indulgent yet healthy snack.
This dish is also great for meal prep! You can easily double or triple the recipe to make enough for the week ahead. Simply store your baked oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply zap in the microwave for 30 seconds and enjoy warmed throughout.
This dish is vegan-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free, so it’s perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or allergies. Who said healthy eating had to be boring? This Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth while keeping you fueled all morning long!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal ahead of time is a great way to have a nutritious and delicious breakfast ready in a hurry. This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.
Storing the baked oatmeal is incredibly easy. Simply transfer it to a sealed container after it cools down, and place it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take it out of the refrigerator and gently warm it in the microwave or oven.
If you need to reheat your oatmeal, you can do so by placing it back into the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or microwaving it for a couple of minutes until warm. If desired, add some extra almond milk or water to prevent the oatmeal from drying out.
When you’re ready to serve, add toppings such as sliced bananas, chopped peanuts or almonds for extra crunch and flavor. The chocolatey aroma will fill your house as soon as you open the reheated dish!
Remember that reheating can cause changes in the texture and consistency of the oats, so keep that in mind when storing and reheating your Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal. But don’t worry too much about texture; one bite of this gluten-free chunky monkey baked oatmeal is enough to make your taste buds dance with joy!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a food blogger, I always strive to create recipes that are tasty and easy to make for everyone. Here are some tips to ensure that your Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal turns out perfect every single time.
1. Use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter it will be. Overripe bananas have a stronger banana flavor and will add natural sweetness to this recipe.
2. Don’t skip chia seeds: Chia seeds are a healthy addition to this recipe as they are packed with fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also help thicken the oatmeal and keep you full for longer.
3. Use unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa powder adds chocolate flavor to this recipe without adding any additional sugar or calories. Using unsweetened cocoa powder will ensure that your oatmeal is not overly sweet.
4. Use rolled oats: Rolled oats work best in this recipe as they maintain their texture and hold up well in the milk mixture. Quick oats tend to become mushy quickly, which can affect the texture of the oatmeal.
5. Add toppings of your choice: While this recipe is delicious on its own, adding toppings like chocolate chips or peanut butter can take it to another level of deliciousness.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal comes out perfectly every time. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, this Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly breakfast option. The combination of cocoa powder, banana, rolled oats, and peanut butter provides just the right balance of sweetness and nutrition to keep you feeling full and satisfied all morning long. Plus, with its easy-to-follow instructions and versatile ingredient list, you can easily customize this recipe to your liking.
So why not give this recipe a try today and treat yourself to the ultimate breakfast experience? With its delicious chocolatey flavor and chunky monkey goodness, it’s sure to become one of your new favorite breakfast dishes!
Chocolate Monkey Oatmeal (For One - Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup rolled oats (Bob's Red Mill gluten free oats)
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 ripe sliced banana
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (Hershey's is gluten free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a microwave safe container at least 5" tall (a large yogurt container or 6 cup liquid measuring cup works well). Stir briefly.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes (watching after 2 mins to ensure it does not bubble over).
- Stir and serve. (Add sweetener if desired).