Rich chocolate brownie baked oats made with natural sugars and a delicious fudgy texture. It’s gluten-free, high in protein, and perfect for a quick breakfast or a healthy dessert.

I love having my friends come over for a nice warm cup of coffee.

I decided to invite one of my best friends to come over for coffee and a delicious treat. I was in the mood for a brownie (nothing beats the smell of chocolate wafting through your kitchen).

But the thing is, my friend cannot have anything with gluten.

I put my mind to how I can make a delicious brownie that both she and I could enjoy.

Thus, these brownie-baked oats were born.

Here, rich cocoa powder creates that deep chocolate taste we all love, while the mashed bananas add natural sweetness and incredible moisture.

And, since the recipe uses oats, it’s gluten-free (just make sure you are using certified gluten-free oats).

So, whether you are looking for a delicious afternoon treat with your friend or something to keep on hand for the week, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Bananas, mashed (2 large) – Replace with 1 cup of pumpkin puree or 2 large eggs.

Apple sauce (¼ cup) – You can also use mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, or another mashed banana.

Milk of choice (1 cup) – Any milk works: dairy, almond, oat, coconut, or soy.

Maple syrup (2 tbsp) – Honey, agave, or stevia are great alternatives.

Rolled oats (2 cups) – Swap with quick oats (but they create a less chewy texture).

Vanilla protein powder (1/4 cup) – If you want to have a more intense chocolate flavor, use chocolate protein powder.

Cocoa powder (1/2 cup) – Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper flavor.

Baking powder (1/2 tsp)

Walnuts (1/4 cup) – You can also use pecans, almonds, or hemp seeds.

Dark chocolate, chopped (1/4 cup) – I’ve also tried using chocolate chips or cacao nibs. 

For Serving

Greek yogurt – For a plant-based option, you can use silken tofu.

Raspberries – You can use other fruit like blueberries, sliced strawberries, or cherries.

How to Make Brownie Baked Oats

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 360°F and prepare an oven-safe glass meal prep container (I used a 5×8”) by greasing it with oil.

Grab a large bowl and add the bananas, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla protein powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, and walnuts.

Step 2. Add the oats. 

Step 3. Add milk.

Step 4. Give all the ingredients a good stir.

Step 5. Pour the mix into the glass container. Grab a spatula and level it out.

Step 6. Add the dark chocolate on top of the mix. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Once it’s cooked, let it cool down before serving. Garnish with Greek yogurt and raspberries.

How I Would Modify This Recipe

• Low-Carb Version: Replace half the oats with almond flour and use a sugar-free maple syrup or stevia.
• Nut–Free Option: Replace the walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Add More Fiber: Add 1-2 tbsp of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds.
• Chocolate–Mint: Try mixing 1 tsp of peppermint extract for delicious mint brownies. You can also add 1 tbsp of peanut butter for peanut butter brownies.

My Storage Tips

There is no such thing as too many brownies. So, if you end up having leftovers, place them in an airtight container.

You can keep these in the fridge for up to 5-6 days.

For longer storage, wrap them individually and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you want to have them again, place them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes.

Other Oat Recipes

• Baked Coffee Oats
• Tiramisu Protein Overnight Oats
• Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oats