There's something incredibly comforting about waking up to the rich scent of chocolate and peanut butter mingling in the oven. This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal delivers all the cozy, indulgent flavors of a brownie, but in a wholesome breakfast form that'll satisfy your sweet tooth without the sugar crash.
I first created this recipe during a cold snap when I was craving something warm and chocolaty but didn’t want to derail my morning. Since then, it’s become a go-to in our house, especially on busy weekdays when we need something filling, family-friendly, and easy to prep ahead.
Not only is it packed with hearty oats and natural peanut butter, but it also doubles beautifully as a meal prep option. Once you try this brownie-inspired breakfast, you may never go back to plain oatmeal again.
Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite way to eat oats. This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal takes a classic comfort food and turns it into a satisfying breakfast you can feel good about.
First, it's incredibly easy to make. You mix everything in one bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work. No stovetop stirring or complicated steps.
It's naturally sweetened and nutrient-dense. With ingredients like maple syrup, cocoa powder, and rolled oats, it fuels your morning with fiber, healthy fats, and just the right touch of sweetness.
Perfect for meal prep. Make it once and enjoy it all week. It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making busy mornings feel a bit more indulgent.
It's kid-approved and highly customizable. Add chocolate chips for extra decadence or swirl in banana slices, chia seeds, or chopped nuts to keep things interesting.
Whether you're looking for a better breakfast or a guilt-free dessert alternative, this baked oatmeal hits all the right notes.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal lies in its simple yet powerhouse ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the gooey, brownie-like texture and rich flavor.
Rolled oats are the heart of this recipe. They provide a chewy base and hold everything together while soaking up the rich chocolatey flavor. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but rolled oats give the best texture and bite.
Natural peanut butter adds that unmistakable nutty richness. I recommend using a creamy, unsweetened peanut butter for the best results. It blends smoothly and keeps the recipe balanced without added sugars.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is what gives this oatmeal its brownie-like vibe. Choose a high-quality cocoa for the most decadent flavor. You can also use dark cocoa powder for an even richer result.
Maple syrup is our natural sweetener of choice here. It lends a subtle sweetness and depth that complements both the chocolate and peanut butter. If you prefer, honey or agave can be used, but maple syrup adds a uniquely warm flavor.
Eggs and milk help bind and moisten the baked oatmeal. I typically use almond milk, but any milk will work, including dairy, oat, or soy. For a vegan version, use a flax egg and plant-based milk.
You won’t need much in the way of equipment – just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a 9x9 baking dish. A spatula helps get every bit of batter into the pan.
How To Make This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal
Creating this chocolatey breakfast bake is wonderfully simple and requires only a handful of steps. Here’s how it comes together.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish. This ensures your oatmeal lifts easily and creates those slightly crispy edges that make baked oatmeal so irresistible.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, and peanut butter until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be creamy with no visible streaks of peanut butter. This is your wet base.
Next, add in the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything until the oats are evenly coated and the cocoa is fully distributed throughout the mixture. At this point, you can fold in extras like dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts if you’re feeling fancy.
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and use a spatula to smooth out the top. If desired, drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top and swirl it in for a marbled effect.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are slightly crispy. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes, with just 10 minutes of hands-on prep. It’s the kind of breakfast that looks and smells impressive but is secretly easy to make.
Storage Options
This baked oatmeal is perfect for prepping ahead and storing for the week. Once cooled, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, slice the oatmeal into portions and freeze them individually. Wrap each square in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat a portion in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore moisture and softness.
You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes if you prefer a crispier edge.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you're accommodating dietary restrictions or just want to change up the flavor, there are plenty of options.
To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoon water per egg) and use a non-dairy milk.
If you're looking to make it gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
You can swap the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter if you have a nut allergy. Each brings a slightly different flavor but works beautifully.
Add-ins are another great way to customize. Stir in chopped bananas, shredded coconut, or even a handful of blueberries to give the oatmeal a fun twist.
Feel free to reduce or increase the maple syrup depending on how sweet you like your breakfast. I sometimes drizzle a little extra on top before serving for an added treat.
Whether you stick to the classic combo or put your own spin on it, this Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal is sure to become a breakfast favorite in your kitchen too.
PrintPeanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe
This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal recipe combines the indulgent flavor of brownies with wholesome oats and creamy peanut butter. It’s the perfect healthy breakfast or post-workout snack that’s high in protein, dairy-free, and easy to make. This chocolate oatmeal bake is great for meal prep, and it's naturally sweetened for a guilt-free treat everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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2 cups rolled oats
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¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup peanut butter
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¼ cup maple syrup or honey
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1 ripe banana (mashed)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
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⅓ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, mix oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk peanut butter, maple syrup, mashed banana, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips if using.
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Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8-inch baking dish.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until center is set.
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Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
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Use natural peanut butter for best texture and flavor.
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Can be stored in fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
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Great topped with banana slices or Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
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