Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats

why make this recipe

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats are more than just a breakfast option; they are a delightful way to start your day. This recipe combines the rich taste of peanut butter and chocolate, creating a wholesome meal that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Here are a few reasons to make this dish:

1. Health Benefits: Oats are known for their health benefits. They are high in fiber, which can aid digestion, and they provide long-lasting energy. This recipe also offers protein from the peanut butter and, if you choose to add it, protein powder.

2. Versatility: Baked oats can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They are perfect for breakfast, a filling snack, or even a dessert. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or toppings.

3. Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is very straightforward. Even if you are not a seasoned cook, you can easily whip this up in no time.

4. Great for Meal Prep: You can bake a batch of these oats at the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge. They can last for several days, allowing for easy and quick breakfasts on busy mornings.

5. Kid-Friendly: With the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, kids will love this treat. It’s a sneaky way to get them to eat a nutritious breakfast.

how to make Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats

Making Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats is simple and fun. Follow these steps to create this delicious meal:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup Oat milk
• 1 cup Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 1/2 cup Applesauce
• 1/4 cup Agave or honey
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Protein powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup Mini chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons Additional peanut butter (for drizzling)
• 1 square Chocolate square
• 1/4 cup Extra chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your oats cook evenly.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. You can use cooking spray or a little extra peanut butter to coat the bottom and sides.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, salt, and optional protein powder. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oat milk, peanut butter, applesauce, agave or honey, and vanilla. Stir these ingredients together until you have a smooth mixture.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together until well combined.

6. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to the mixture. This adds delightful little pockets of chocolate throughout your baked oats.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even baking.

8. Bake: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the edges to be golden and the center to be set.

9. Drizzle with Chocolate and Peanut Butter: Once removed from the oven, let it cool slightly. Melt the chocolate square and drizzle it over the baked oats along with the additional peanut butter.

10. Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy them warm! You can serve them as they are or add some fresh fruits or yogurt on top for added freshness.

how to serve Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats

Serving Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats is just as simple as making them. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Plain: For a quick breakfast, serve the baked oats plain or warm from the oven. Children often enjoy them this way.

• With Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries can add a fresh taste. You might also try a dollop of yogurt or even a sprinkle of additional chocolate chips.

• Cold: If you enjoy a chilled snack, let the baked oats cool completely and then refrigerate them. Serve cold for a refreshing treat.

• Reheat as Needed: Most people enjoy them warm, so if you have leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm before serving.

how to store Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats

Storing your Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats is incredibly easy, making this recipe even more appealing. Proper storage ensures that they stay fresh and tasty for several days.

1. Cool Completely: After baking and drizzling with chocolate and peanut butter, let the dish cool completely before storing. This helps to avoid condensation that can make the oats soggy.

2. Cover: Once cooled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the squares to an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep the moisture out.

3. Refrigerate: Store the baked oats in the refrigerator. They can last up to 5 days when stored properly. Make sure to cut them into squares before storing for easy serving.

4. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the baked oats for a more extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

tips to make Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats

Here are some helpful tips to make your Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats even better:

• Choice of Peanut Butter: You can use either creamy or crunchy peanut butter. If you prefer a smoother texture, go for creamy. For a bit of crunch, choose crunchy peanut butter.

• Use Overripe Bananas: Instead of applesauce, you can also use mashed overripe bananas for added sweetness and moisture.

• Protein Boost: If you want a protein boost, don’t hesitate to add the protein powder. It’s a great way to make your breakfast even healthier and filling.

• Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness according to your taste. If you find the honey or agave not sweet enough, you can add a bit more or even include some brown sugar.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with flavors. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a unique twist. You could also use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

variation

If you want to switch it up, here are some variations to the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats recipe:

1. Nut-Free: For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.

2. Dairy-Free: Ensure the chocolate you use is dairy-free. There are many delicious dark chocolate options available.

3. Different Mix-Ins: Instead of mini chocolate chips, you can use dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or even nuts like walnuts for a different texture.

4. Spices: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. These spices work wonderfully with the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.

5. Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure that your chocolate is vegan.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

It’s recommended to use old-fashioned oats for this recipe, as they provide a better texture. Quick oats may get mushy and not hold up as well when baked.

2. How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe should yield about 9 servings, depending on how large you cut the squares. You can easily adjust the serving size by cutting the squares smaller or larger.

3. Can I add fruits to the batter?

Absolutely! You can mix in fruits like blueberries or chopped bananas directly into the batter before baking. Just be cautious about adding too much liquid, as it can affect the overall texture.

4. How do I know when the baked oats are done?

The baked oats are ready when the edges are golden and the center is set. When you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs.

5. Can I eat these oats cold?

Yes! Peanut Butter & Chocolate Baked Oats can be enjoyed cold or reheated. They make a great snack straight from the fridge.

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