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For mornings that require a little indulgence (I’m looking at you, Monday), this healthy Chocolate Oatmeal with cocoa powder is here to make life sweeter!

Chocolate Oatmeal in a stoneware bowl with a spoon topped with chocolate chips and yogurt

My brain (or more accurately, my appetite) do not understand the concept of not being “a breakfast person.”

I wake up every morning with a voracious need for sustenance.

Some days, I crave it in commendable, well-behaved forms—wholesome grains, lean yogurts, produce-packed smoothies.

Other days, I NEED chocolate (and often this Chocolate Granola).

Today, I’m embracing 7 a.m. chocolate emergencies with healthy chocolate oatmeal!

If we are going to eat chocolate for breakfast and feel excellent about it (and that is exactly the plan), we need and deserve more than a few chocolate chips stirred into a lackluster bowl of instant oats.

Chocolate oatmeal could be not a mediocre attempt.

This decadent chocolate oatmeal will make an enthusiastic breakfast person out of us all!

Healthy Chocolate Oatmeal with topped with yogurt in a bowl with a spoon

5 Star Review

“I am having it right now for the first time! I’m an oatmeal addict! This is very different in the taste and absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing”

— Coco —

How to Make Chocolate Oatmeal

This chocolate oatmeal is chocolaty and complexly flavored enough to satisfy even the most demanding of chocoholics while also being a healthy, low-calorie breakfast we can feel saintly inhaling.


The Ingredients

  • Rolled Oats. Packed with fiber and protein, I love how a cozy bowl of satisfying oatmeal keeps me full all morning.

Ingredient Note

Oatmeal is an amazing superfood (perhaps why I have so many oatmeal recipes).

Beyond fiber and plant-based protein, oatmeal:

  • Contains countless vitamins and minerals like iron, folate and vitamin B1 that are essential for health.
  • Is rich in antioxidants, particularly avenanthramides, which have been linked to reducing blood pressure.
  • Has been shown to lower cholesterol in numerous studies.
  • Linked to weight loss thanks to its ability to help you feel fuller longer and, therefore, intake fewer calories in your day.
  • Cocoa Powder. Rather than melted chocolate, I find cocoa powder is key to giving this chocolate oatmeal its rich, decadent flavor. (It’s the same reason why these One Bowl Brownies are so divine).
  • Almond Milk. Adds richness to help make these oats creamy.

Substitution Tip!

Feel free to use any milk of your choice in this recipe. Cow’s milk is great if you are not concerned about keeping this chocolate oatmeal vegan or dairy free. I also love using coconut milk—it’s like an Almond Joy in a bowl.

  • Cinnamon. Adds a hint of spice and makes these oats especially cozy.

TIP!

For extra warmth, add a dash of cardamom to the oats before serving.

  • Maple Syrup. Naturally sweetens the oatmeal without overloading it with brown sugar or other refined sweeteners.

Substitution Tip!

If you are not a fan of maple syrup, you could also swap for honey. Just keep in mind that honey is not considered vegan if that is important to you.

The Directions

ingredients for chocolate oatmeal on a stone surface
  1. Gather ingredients.
cooking oatmeal in a saucepan
  1. Combine oats, milk, water and salt in a saucepan.
cooked oatmeal in a saucepan with spices, cocoa and chocolate chips beside it
  1. Cook oats until tender.
combining ingredients together in a saucepan for chocolate oatmeal
  1. Remove from heat and add the remaining ingredients.
freshly made chocolate oatmeal in a saucepan with a black spoon
  1. Stir to combine and serve with desired toppings. ENJOY!

How to Serve Chocolate Oatmeal

While I love the flavor of this chocolate oatmeal unadorned, it’s excessively fantastic with toppings. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

  • Vanilla Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
  • Sliced bananas or strawberries
  • Dollop of peanut butter or almond butter
  • With a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder
  • Sprinkle of chocolate chips (for insurance purposes)
Chocolate oatmeal in a bowl with a spoon

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To Reheat. Warm the chocolate oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk to rehydrate the oats for 30-second increments, stirring after each. You may also warm gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk until heated through.
  • To Freeze. Chocolate oatmeal may be frozen for up to 6 months when kept in an airtight container. To thaw, transfer the oats to the fridge overnight or warm in the microwave for a few minutes with a splash of milk to rehydrate.

Meal Prep Tip

This chocolate oatmeal makes a great make-ahead breakfast. Prepare a double (or triple) batch on Sunday, divide it into individual containers (I love to use mason jars) and store it in the fridge for a delicious grab-and-go breakfast that will last you all week.

Love make-ahead breakfasts? Don’t miss the Overnight Oats (6 Ways!) in my cookbook, including a dynamite mocha version.

Serve Oatmeal With

two bowls of healthy chocolate oatmeal in bowls with a linen napkin
  • Saucepan. I reach for this saucepan daily for oatmeal, pasta, rice and more.
  • Wooden Spoon. Olive wood makes this one both functional and beautiful.

Chocolate Oatmeal

4.93 from 14 votes
Chocolate oatmeal for breakfast! Made with cocoa powder, it's a satisfying, healthy way to start your morning with countless topping options.

Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus additional as desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom optional; will add more warmth
  • Optional toppings: chocolate chips, yogurt, milk

Instructions
 

  • Combine the hot cereal, milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Stir well, then cover and let cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the cocoa powder, maple syrup, cinnamon, and cardamom (if using). Taste and adjust sweetener as desired. Serve with desired toppings.

Notes

  • TO STORE: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Warm the oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk to rehydrate the oats for 30-second increments, stirring after each. You may also warm gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk until heated through.
  • TO FREEZE: Chocolate oatmeal may be frozen for up to 6 months when kept in an airtight container. To thaw, transfer the oats to the fridge overnight or warm in the microwave for a few minutes with a splash of milk to rehydrate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 2) without toppingsCalories: 130kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gPotassium: 176mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 149mgIron: 2mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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14 Comments

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  1. I am having it right now for the first time! I’m an oatmeal addict! T
    This is very different in the taste and absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing5 stars

    1. Coco, I’m so happy to hear that you loved this recipe! Thanks so much for trying it and letting me know. Enjoy every chocolaty bite :)

  2. Are rolled oats the old fashioned ones? I really want to make this but I only have the old fashioned oats

  3. Strawberries from my garden as a topping! Yummm…this is delicious 😋
    Love your recipes! Thanks5 stars

    1. Hi Tricia! Fresh strawberries sounds delightful! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!

  4. Made this for breakfast this morning and absolutely loved it. I did not use cardamom because I didn’t have any but I’m planning on buying some and making this again. My add-ons were vanilla yogurt and fresh raspberries.5 stars

  5. This is incredible! I subbed honey in for maple syrup because I’m not a big maple syrup fan. I also added some Reddiwhip on top. Not the healthiest topping but figured I’m being good eating oatmeal!5 stars