Brownie Batter Oatmeal (Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipe)

Vegan Brownie Batter Oatmeal – a healthy high protein stovetop oatmeal recipe that tastes like brownie batter and we are eating it for breakfast. All you need are a few easy wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand already.

If I can find an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast, you better believe I’m going for it! Who can relate? For all you fellow chocoholics out there here’s another chocolate oats recipe you will love.

This brownie batter protein oatmeal! I have a feeling you guys are going to go crazy for this recipe. They are a decadent yet secretly healthy breakfast for lovers of all things chocolate, brownie and brownie batter. 

Cooked on the stovetop, this Brownie Oatmeal is rich and chocolaty and I like it best topped with a big old dollop of peanut butter and chocolate chips. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup, vegan, and gluten-free.

Different from my Brownie Baked Oatmeal or my Overnight Oats this is a stovetop oatmeal recipe. I love it because it’s warm and comforting. Ideal for a rainy morning. 

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING BROWNIE BATTER OATS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make overnight oats recipe (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• certified gluten-free oats: I recommend old-fashioned rolled oats. They need a little more cooking time than quick oats but have a better texture. Steer clear of steel-cut oats as they become too chewy.
• I cook my oats in a mix of almond milk and water for the perfect creamy texture
• unsweetened cocoa powder – or raw cacao powder in place of cocoa powder if desired. 
• protein powder – this is an optional ingredient if you want to turn these into protein brownie batter oats. I like adding chocolate protein powder for this recipe to really make it taste like dessert. You can order it from PEScience. Use code BAILEY to save $$ at checkout.
• a pinch of salt is important to enhance the nutty oat flavour 
• unsweetened almond milk and water are the base of liquid. Oat milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, cashew milk, or plant-based milk of choice.
• pure maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness, you can adjust the amount 
• pure vanilla extract helps bring out the flavour of the chocolate.
• optional – brown sugar, hemp seeds, dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, sun butter, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT STOVETOP OATMEAL 

Wondering how to cook the perfect oatmeal? Making a bowl of delicious oatmeal is pretty easy if you follow a simple rule.

When cooking oats, the liquid moves to the periphery of the pot, exposing a dry spot in the center. This is where the pan overheats and the dry oats will stick to the pan. To prevent this, turn the heat to a minimum after the liquid boils and stir the oats once in a while as they boil, making sure to scrape the center of the pot.

SHALL I COOK MY OATS IN WATER OR MILK?

You can cook oatmeal with water or milk or a mix of both. The ratio of liquid to oatmeal is 2:1. The usual serving size is ½ cup oats to 1 cup of water, milk, or a combination of both.

I like my brownie oatmeal rich and creamy so I went with a mix of water and almond milk. Using milk only will not make your oats creamier. Quite the opposite. Cooking oatmeal in just milk tends to make sticky, thick oatmeal.

MY OATMEAL IS NOT THICK ENOUGH

If your oatmeal hasn’t thickened enough after the cooking time don’t worry. We want to let them rest a bit for that perfect texture. Just remove the pan from heat and cover. Allow the oats to sit for 2-3 minutes, and you’ll see that the oats will continue to thicken.

HOW TO STORE THIS DELICIOUS BREAKFAST

Homemade Brownie Batter Oatmeal is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed later with proper storage. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

1. Cool Down: Allow the oatmeal to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can lead to a change in texture.
2. Portioning: Portion the oatmeal into individual serving sizes if possible. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need, reducing waste.
3. Air-Tight Container: Transfer the oatmeal to an airtight container or mason jars. This helps to keep the oatmeal fresh and prevents any odors from seeping in or out.
4. Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the oatmeal within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It can typically be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

OTHER VARIATIONS YOU MAY LIKE TO TRY

Here are a few delicious variations of stove-top oatmeal you can try:

1. Fruit and Nut Delight:
   • Add sliced bananas, chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
   • For extra flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.
2. Apple Cinnamon Spice:
   • Add diced apples (with or without the skin) and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
   • You can also add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness.
3. Berries and Cream:
   • Stir in fresh or frozen berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries).
   • Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast.
4. Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal:
   • Mix in pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), and a touch of brown sugar.
   • Garnish with a few chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds.
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss:
   • Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the cooking oats for a chocolatey base.
   • Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty and creamy treat.
6. Tropical Escape:
   • Mix in diced pineapple, shredded coconut, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
   • For an extra touch, add a splash of coconut milk during cooking.
7. Maple Walnut Crunch:
   • Drizzle with pure maple syrup and add chopped toasted walnuts for a rich and nutty flavor.

TOPPINGS:

I like chocolate peanut butter cup oatmeal so a drizzle of peanut butter on top of my brownie batter oats is a must for me. To get a nice drizzle with your nut butter just heat a tablespoon in the microwave for 10 seconds. This will give it a smooth, pourable texture perfect for drizzling.

Other great toppings would be coconut shavings, almond butter, chopped nuts, chia seeds, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or sliced banana for chocolate banana oats!

CAN I USE STEEL CUT OATS FOR THIS RECIPE?

Yes you absolutely can, they provide many addition health benefits as well to your oatmeal bowl.

MORE CHOCOLATE RECIPES YOU WILL WANT TO TRY

• Vegan Rocky Road Brownies
• Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Sheet Pan Pancakes
• Chocolate Zucchini Baked Oats
• The Best ever Gluten Free Fudge Brownie
• Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter

IF YOU TRIED THESE BROWNIE BATTER OVERNIGHT OATS PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails