These chocolate protein baked oats taste like chocolate cake—but they’re actually packed with protein and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Everything gets blended in one bowl (or blender!) and baked into a soft, fluffy breakfast that feels like dessert.
Perfect for meal prep, kid-friendly, and easily customizable with chocolate chips, berries, or nut butter.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Protein Baked Oats
- Taste like chocolate cake (biggest hook)
- High in protein (eggs + protein powder)
- Blender recipe (easy)
- Great for meal prep
- Kid-friendly breakfast
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High Protein Chocolate Baked Oats
Ever since I made my first Banana Baked Oats with Blueberries recipe, I’ve been hooked on experimenting with blended baked oats that took over TikTok a while ago. Since then I've also made these Biscoff Baked Oats and Pumpkin Blended Baked Oats.
If you love chocolate and oatmeal, these baked oats are for you. Made with no refined sugar or oil, they will satisfy your chocolate cravings while nourishing your body. They are high in protein coming from plant-based protein powder, eggs and the oats.
These are also perfect for kids, especially for breakfast. Two of my three kids are not oatmeal eaters but they will eat baked oats with no questions asked because although they are rich in protein and fiber, it’s basically oatmeal disguised as cake. Plus, who wouldn’t love chocolate for breakfast?
This recipe is featured in this epic list of 20 High Protein, Low Calorie Meals.
Ingredient notes
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Rolled Oats: old fashioned rolled oats or quick oats will give you best results. You can also use oat flour and if that’s what you’re using, you won’t need a blender.
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Cocoa Powder: unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder will work best.
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Banana: to add moisture and naturally sweeten the dish. Use a ripe or overripe banana for best results.
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Eggs: to add protein and help the baked oats rise.
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Protein Powder: I used this chocolate-flavored plant-based protein powder but you can use your favorite protein powder, chocolate or vanilla.
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Baking Powder: to help the baked oats achieve cake-like texture.
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Vanilla: use good quality real vanilla extract.
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Almond Milk: unsweetened plain almond milk is my favorite plant milk because of its neutral flavor. If you’d like, you can swap it for oat, soy, coconut or dairy milk.
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Salt: to bring out the chocolate flavor. I use pink Himalayan salt.
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Dark Chocolate Chips: dark chocolate is always my first choice but use whatever chocolate chips you have on hand.
How to make chocolate protein baked oats
- STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray four 8-oz ramekins with non-stick spray (I use this avocado oil spray)
- STEP 2: Place all the ingredients in a blender except for chocolate chips.
- STEP 3: Blend until smooth.
- STEP 4: Pour the mixture into prepared ramekins and decorate the tops with chocolate chips.
- STEP 5: Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a ramekin comes out mostly clean.
- STEP 6: Let cool on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes. Serve on its own or drizzled with your favorite nut butter and a side of berries.
What protein powder works best?
Chocolate protein powder works best in this recipe because it enhances the flavor without needing extra sweeteners. Both whey and plant-based protein powders work, but plant-based versions may result in a slightly denser texture.
Storing leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, remove the wrap and serve cold or warm up in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Variations and substitutions
This recipe is for basic chocolate baked oats that are high in protein. However, no one said you can’t make them more fun! Here are some ways you can spruce up your chocolate baked oats:
- Add some chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) to the batter for a nice crunch.
- Add a swirl of your favorite nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew) or drop a spoonful of nut butter in the center of each ramekin before baking for a soft and delicious, gooey center.
- Add fresh or frozen berries to the batter: whole blueberries or raspberries (like in my picture), halved and pitted cherries, chopped strawberries. Raspberries and cherries work exceptionally well with chocolate.
- Use whatever chocolate chips or chunks you like: dark, milk or white chocolate will all work.
- Top cooked baked oats with a drizzle of peanut or almond butter for an additional yet delicious protein boost.
- Serve with a side of seasonal fruit and a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate healthy and decadent breakfast, snack or dessert.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Personally, I prefer the texture of baked oats made in the oven or air fryer better. However, if you have no time but really crave baked oats, place the ramekins in the microwave (one at a time) and start by nuking it for 90 seconds. If the top still looks jiggly and raw, microwave for 30 seconds more. Insert the toothpick in the middle to check for doneness. If still raw, keep cooking in 30 second increments until the baked oats look cooked and do the toothpick test. If it comes out mostly clean, your baked oats are ready.
You can make these vegan by replacing eggs with chia or flax eggs or simply by increasing the amount of almond milk to 1.5 cups. Make sure to also check my recipe for fully vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Baked Oats.
Yes, you can. Use whatever oven-safe mugs or cups you have (these small Pyrex containers or similar oven-safe glass containers would be excellent ramekin replacements). If your oven safe containers hold less or more than 8 ounces, adjust the baking time accordingly. You can also use a muffin tin to make baked oats though it’s not quite the same.
Yes! You can replace the banana with ¼ to ⅓ cup of applesauce or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, so you may want to:
- Add a little extra sweetener (like maple syrup or honey)
- Add a splash of milk if needed
- The texture will still be soft and cake-like, just slightly less sweet
Yes, you can! Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes. Carefully place the ramekins in your air fryer and air fry for 10 minutes.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the middle of the ramekin. If it comes out mostly clean, your baked oats are ready.
Other ideas for baking with oats
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Recipe
High Protein Chocolate Baked Oats
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½-2 tablespoon chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or plant milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- ¼ cup of dark chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray four ramekins with non-stick spray.
- Blend all ingredients except for chocolate chips in a high powered blender until smooth.
- Divide the mixture between the ramekins, decorate with chocolate chips and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean. Don’t overbake.
- Let cool on a cooling rack for at least 5 minutes before digging in.
Notes
Nutrition
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Meet the Author
Hi, I'm Agnieszka. I'm a mom of three and recipe developer, writer and photographer behind Wholly Tasteful. I love creating comforting, delicious, family-friendly recipes that you can feel good about.
Michele says
Loved these Chocolate Protein Baked Oats. They tasted soooo good! Thanks for sharing.
Julia says
Such a delicious breakfast or even brunch idea! Love the raspberry topping, saving this for my next brunch with my girls!
Mae says
I made this breakfast for 2 days in a row. So delicious!
Beth says
This was such a great breakfast recipe and such a big hit! On the remake list and one of my husband’s new favorites! Thanks for a delicious and very yummy breakfast!
Anaiah says
Ooh yum!! What a delicious sweet treat for breakfast this was! I love the added protein powder in these chocolate baked oats. It really gave me a boost to start my day and kept me full til lunch.
Jerika says
I love chocolates!:) I like the combinations of chocolate, banana, and oats! Yummy recipe, thanks!:)
Alexandra says
Love these for an easy and delicious breakfast! Nutritious and tastes amazing.
Oscar says
I am always looking for ways to get more protein in my diet and this recipe totally hit the spot. I never thought to add protein to my oats. Great idea and recipe.
Sage says
These baked oats were the perfect breakfast! Decadent yet still healthy and full of protein. Definitely going to make these more often!
Natalie says
What a great breakfast idea. Looks delicious and quite healthy. I'm going to make this for sure.
Jeri says
My kids loved these baked oats, and they had no idea they were healthy! I love that it is full of protein, a great start to the day! I cooked them in my air fryer, so quick to make!
amanda says
These chocolate oats are so good, it's like having dessert for breakfast!
Kara says
Obsessed with these!
A friend can't have bananas and was hoping to try these. Do you have a sub for the bananas?
Thank you!
Agnieszka says
Thank you, Cara! You could try pumpkin puree (I have Pumpkin Baked Oats recipe on my website that uses no bananas) or applesauce. You may need to adjust the amounts a bit and possibly add a little sweetener, such as maple syrup.
Megan Ellam says
Yum! This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it out!
Addie says
So chocolaty and delicious!
Katie Deacon says
I'm on a bit of a baked oats kick at the moment, I can't wait to add these to my repertoire.
Katie xoxo
Joely Marie Gunter says
Can I make these in a regular 7.6X7.6 baking pan? I really want to try this for meal prep but I can't risk breaking ramekins in my lunch bag.
Agnieszka says
I think it will work. You may need to bake it a little longer until set in the middle.
Messe says
I'm new to cooking in general and I wanted to make these for my mom, how do I know the quantity of each ingredient to put in? Or something like a ratio between ingredients? Would be very helpful! That you!
Agnieszka says
Hi Masse. If you click on "Jump to recipe" or just scroll all the way down. you'll see a recipe card that has all the ingredients with quanities and instructions.
Bobbie says
Hi I have Bob's Red Mill muesli so I wouldn't want to put that into the vitamix. Do you know how that would affect the bake time? Thank you!
Agnieszka says
Hi Bobbie. You mean whole muesli mixed in? Not sure, I've never tried making baked oats with muesli. Good luck!