High Protein Brownie Batter Oatmeal (Stovetop)
This stovetop brownie batter oatmeal tastes like brownie batter in a bowl and hits 21g of protein with a scoop of chocolate protein powder. Rolled oats, cocoa, and a peanut butter drizzle, ready in 15 minutes.
I will find a reason to eat chocolate at 7am, and this is how I do it. Brownie batter oatmeal tastes like brownie batter in a bowl and takes 15 minutes on the stovetop, and with a scoop of chocolate protein it hits 21g of protein.
Brownie batter oatmeal is a stovetop oatmeal made with rolled oats, cocoa powder, and a little maple syrup, cooked until thick and creamy, then topped with peanut butter and chocolate chips. It tastes like dessert and keeps you full like breakfast, which is the whole reason I make it on repeat.
I cook mine in a mix of almond milk and water so it goes rich and creamy without turning gluey, and I finish it with a melty peanut butter drizzle every single time.
If you want the sliceable, meal-prep version you bake in the oven, that’s my Brownie Batter Baked Oats. This one is the warm, creamy, eat-it-right-now bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Brownie Oatmeal
- 21g of protein, in a bowl of chocolate. A scoop of chocolate protein turns this into a breakfast that holds you to lunch instead of leaving you snacky by 10am.
- 15 minutes, one pot. Everything goes in together on the stovetop. No blender, no oven, no waiting around.
- It tastes like brownie batter. The cocoa and a little maple do the work, and the peanut butter on top seals the deal.
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what goes in and why. Exact amounts and the full printable recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Rolled oats — old-fashioned rolled oats give the creamiest result. Quick oats work in a pinch but go softer. Skip steel-cut here, they stay too chewy for this one.
- Almond milk and water — I cook the oats in a mix of both. All milk turns it gluey, all water turns it flat. The mix is what gets you creamy.
- Cocoa powder — unsweetened cocoa or raw cacao for that brownie flavor. This is what makes it taste like batter and not just chocolate-ish oats.
- Chocolate protein powder — what takes it to 21g and pushes it fully into dessert territory. I use PEScience Chocolate Cupcake, code BAILEY to save. Use a plant-based chocolate protein to keep it vegan.
- Sugar-free maple syrup — a small drizzle for natural sweetness. Adjust to your taste.
- Vanilla extract and a pinch of salt — the vanilla rounds out the chocolate and the salt makes the whole thing taste like more.
How to Make Brownie Batter Oatmeal
- Combine everything. Add the oats, almond milk, water, cocoa powder, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to a small pot.
- Cook low and slow. Cook over medium-low for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then so it doesn’t stick or scorch on the bottom.
- Rest to thicken. Pull it off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. It keeps thickening as it rests, so don’t panic if it looks loose at first.
- Top and eat. Spoon it into a bowl and load it up. I go peanut butter drizzle, chocolate chips, and a little flaky salt.
Tips for the Creamiest Brownie Oatmeal
- Use a mix of milk and water, not all milk. All milk actually makes oats sticky and thick in a gluey way. The half-and-half mix cooks up creamier.
- Let it rest before you write it off. Oatmeal looks too thin the second it leaves the heat. Two or three minutes covered and it sets into the right texture.
- Warm your peanut butter for the drizzle. Ten seconds in the microwave makes it pourable, so you get a smooth ribbon over the top instead of a stiff blob.
Variations and Toppings
- Stir in a sliced banana while the oats cook for chocolate banana oats.
- Swap the protein for vanilla or peanut butter flavor to change it up.
- Top with cacao nibs, coconut flakes, almond butter, chia seeds, or extra chocolate chips.
Storing Leftovers
Let the oatmeal cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. It firms up as it chills, so reheat with a splash of milk or water to loosen it back to creamy.
FAQ
Can I make this without protein powder? Yes. The base is oats, cocoa, milk, and maple, and it’s dairy-free and vegan as written. Skipping the protein powder lowers the protein count and makes it a lighter chocolate oatmeal, still rich from the cocoa.
Can I use steel cut or quick oats? Quick oats work and cook faster, they just go a little softer. I don’t recommend steel cut oats as they need much longer on the stove. Old-fashioned rolled oats are the sweet spot for creamy texture.
Can I make brownie oatmeal ahead of time? Yes. Cook it, cool it, and keep it in the fridge for a few days, then reheat with a splash of milk. You can also stir everything together cold and let it sit overnight for an overnight-oats version.
Is brownie batter oatmeal healthy? It’s oats, cocoa, and protein, so it’s a high-fiber, high-protein breakfast that happens to taste like dessert. How it lands depends on your toppings and sweetener, but the base is whole-food and filling.
High Protein Brownie Batter Oatmeal (Stovetop)
Ingredients
- ½ cup certified gluten-free rolled oats
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup water
- 2-3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
- ½ scoop chocolate protein powder I used PEScience Chocolate Cupcake – use code BAILEY at checkout to save $$
- 1 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small pot combine all ingredients.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until the oatmeal thickens. Make sure you continue to stir occasionally as it can burn and stick to bottom.
- Once fully cooked let sit for 2-3 minutes then dish into a bowl or two. Add favourite toppings if you desire. I added chocolate chips, course sea salt and a big scoop of peanut butter.
Nutrition
The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.
More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love
- 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 make this brownie batter oatmeal, leave a star rating and a comment below and tell me what you topped it with. Snap a photo and share it on Instagram or Pinterest, and tag @basicswithbails or #basicswithbails so I can see it.
About Bailey
I love to bake, cook, exercise, and document all of the above. Nutrition is not low fat. It is not low calorie. It’s not feeling deprived or being hungry all the time. It’s nourishing your body with real, whole foods so that you are consistently satisfied and energized to live your life to the fullest! Read more…
Tried this a few weeks ago and it was so nice and decadent! Deffs smashed my late night cravings.
So happy to hear this!! I agree it’s soooooo great for helping with cravings!! 🙂