Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal (Protein Recipe)

This Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal is a warm, gooey, protein-packed breakfast that tastes like dessert! Easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and totally delicious.

If your mornings have been feeling a little meh, this Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal is here to shake things up and make breakfast actually exciting. 

Think warm, gooey chocolate chips baked into a soft, slightly chewy oatmeal base that’s sweet, cozy, and packed with protein. Aka, basically dessert disguised as breakfast. 

And yes, it’s totally acceptable to eat chocolate for breakfast—I don’t make the rules, I just fully support them.

This baked oatmeal is super easy to make (one bowl, minimal effort, no flipping pancakes involved). Not to mention, meal-prep friendly, meaning you’ll have breakfast ready to go all week long. 

We’re using rolled oats, protein powder, and eggs to keep it nutrient-dense and filling, plus a little maple syrup and vanilla extract to bring in that sweet, cookie-like flavor.

And let’s be real—chocolate chips just make everything better. They melt into gooey, chocolatey perfection while baking, so every bite feels like a treat. 

Whether you eat it warm out of the oven, drizzled with peanut butter, or straight from the fridge as a grab-and-go snack, this baked oatmeal is a guaranteed mood booster.

Ready to make your breakfast 10x more delicious?

If you love healthy baked oatmeal recipes you may also enjoy my Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal or my Protein Tiramisu Baked Oatmeal.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE CHIP BAKED OATMEAL RECIPE

• It’s Basically Dessert for Breakfast – Warm, gooey chocolate chips in every bite? Yes, please.

• High-Protein & Super Satisfying – Packed with vanilla protein powder, oats, and eggs, this keeps you full and fueled all morning.

• So Easy, It’s Foolproof – One bowl, no fancy techniques, no mess—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

• Meal Prep Magic – Make a batch and have breakfast ready for the whole week.

• Tastes Amazing Warm or Cold – Fresh out of the oven? Delicious. Straight from the fridge? Still incredible.

• Customizable AF – Add nuts, berries, nut butter, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a fun twist.

• It’s Kid-Approved – Even the pickiest eaters will devour this without complaint.

• Pairs Well with Everything – Top it with Greek yogurt, peanut butter, honey, or just eat it straight up—you can’t go wrong.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CHOCOLATE CHIP BAKED OATS RECIPE

You will need the following wholesome ingredients listed below to make this healthy breakfast recipe (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Rolled Oats – Blended into oat flour for a soft, cake-like texture, while keeping some whole for a little chewiness. Can use certified gluten-free oats, old fashioned oats or quick oats as well.
• Baking Powder – Helps it rise and stay fluffy.
• Vanilla Protein Powder – Because extra protein never hurt anyone.
• Salt & Cinnamon – Balances the sweetness and adds a little warm spice.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk – Keeps it dairy-free and perfectly moist. Other milk options are whole milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, or plant-based milk of choice.
• Eggs – Helps bind everything together and makes it light yet hearty.
• Melted Butter or Coconut Oil – Adds richness and keeps it soft and satisfying.
• Pure Maple Syrup – Naturally sweetens and adds a deep caramel-like flavor.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Because vanilla just makes everything better.
• Chocolate Chips – The real MVP of this recipe. Go for dark, semi-sweet, milk chocolate chips or even dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Optional – natural peanut butter, brown sugar, dark chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, ripe banana, almond butter, flax egg, unsweetened applesauce, cocoa powder, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE PROTEIN CHOCOLATE CHIP BAKED OATMEAL

1. Preheat & Prep – Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, blended oat flour, baking powder, protein powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine & Fold – Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined. Then, gently fold in chocolate chips (save a handful for topping!).
5. Bake to Perfection – Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and top with extra chocolate chips. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
6. Let It Cool & Enjoy – Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or store for later!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Blend Half the Oats for the Perfect Texture – Blending half the oats into oat flour gives the baked oatmeal a soft, cake-like consistency while keeping some whole for chewiness.

• Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips – The better the chocolate, the better the oatmeal! Go for semisweet chocolate chips, dark, or even dairy-free chips for the ultimate gooey experience.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until combined! Overmixing can make the baked oatmeal dense instead of light and fluffy.

• Save Some Chocolate Chips for the Top – Sprinkle a handful on top before baking for extra melty, Instagram-worthy goodness.

• Let It Cool Before Slicing – Fresh out of the oven, it’s soft and gooey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes so the slices hold their shape.

• Make It Dairy-Free – Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it completely plant-based.

• Reheat Like a Pro – Warm up leftovers with a drizzle of almond milk or peanut butter for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

• Turn It Into Muffins – Pour the batter into a muffin tin for portable oatmeal cups—bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

• Freeze for Meal Prep – Cut into portions, wrap in parchment paper, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months for an easy breakfast anytime.

STORING LEFTOVER PROTEIN CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL BAKE

• Refrigerate for Up to 5 Days – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast all week long!

• Freeze for Longer Storage – Cut into individual portions, wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

• Reheat Like a Pro – Warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or pop it in the toaster oven at 350°F for 5 minutes for that freshly baked feel.

• Enjoy It Cold – No time to reheat? This baked oatmeal tastes just as amazing straight from the fridge.

• Keep It Moist – If reheating, drizzle with a splash of almond milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

FAQS

CAN I USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OATS IN THIS CHOCOLATE CHIP BAKED OATMEAL RECIPE?

Yes! Old-fashioned oats work best, but you can use instant oats for a softer texture. Steel-cut oats won’t work unless pre-cooked, as they take longer to soften in the batter.

IS THIS A GOOD RECIPE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY?

Absolutely! This great recipe is kid-approved and perfect for the whole family—even picky eaters love the chocolate chip goodness.

CAN I ADD PEANUT BUTTER FOR EXTRA FLAVOR?

Absolutely! Stir a hint of peanut butter into the batter for extra richness, or drizzle it on top for that classic chocolate chip cookie + peanut butter combo.

CAN I MAKE THIS CHOCOLATE BAKED OATMEAL RECIPE INTO SINGLE SERVING INSTEAD?

Yes, I actually have a recipe on the blog for Single Serving Chocolate Chip Baked Oats.

CAN I MEAL PREP THIS FOR THE NEXT MORNING?

Yes! This is the perfect way to meal prep—store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

HOW CAN I MAKE THIS MORE LIKE CLASSIC CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES?

For more chocolate chip cookie vibes, add brown sugar to the batter, add a pinch of sea salt. You can also use dark chocolate chunks for extra chocolate flavor.

Other Oat-Based Breakfast Recipes You May Enjoy Trying!

• Biscoff Baked Oats
• Lemon Poppy Seed Baked Oats
• Banana Bread Baked Oats
• Brownie Batter Overnight Oats
• Sugar Cookie Baked Oats
• Brownie Batter Baked Oats
• Protein Red Velvet Baked Oats
• Cosmic Brownie Baked Oats
• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe
• Carrot Cake Baked Oats
• Mocha Baked Oats
• Gingerbread Baked Oats
• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cups
• Healthy and Easy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Bars

IF YOU MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS HEARTY OATS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails