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These oatmeal brownies are made with wholegrains and naturally sweetened, and perfect for an excuse to have chocolate for breakfast! Thick, fudgy and tasting just like actual brownies, they are packed with fiber, protein and refined sugar free.
Oat Flour Brownies
When it comes to oat flour recipes, I love chocolate protein bars, cookies and cream protein bars, and these oatmeal brownies.
It’s no secret that I love brownies. Whether it be flourless brownies, keto brownies, or vegan brownies, I play no favorites- they are all delicious. However, I usually reserve these for desserts or a cheeky post-lunch treat.
I’ve been trying to find an excuse to have brownies for breakfast. As someone who tends to stick to oatmeal or pancakes, it had to be quite a special brownie. Luckily, I’d been meaning to try an oat brownie for quite some time, and have found the answer with this recipe!
These oatmeal brownies are your excuse to have brownies for breakfast. They taste like brownies, look like brownies, and if you didn’t know the ingredients, would think they were legit brownies.
They are thick, fudgy, and filling- Everything you want in a good brownie and a good breakfast recipe. The combination of oats (healthy carbs), maple syrup (natural sweetness), and peanut butter (healthy fats) make it the perfect excuse to have chocolate for breakfast.
Now, I have to be real here. If you are after Betty Crocker Boxed mix brownies (like these ones), you’ll be disappointed. These are, after all, healthier brownies. However, if you follow the instructions and don’t sub out any of the ingredients (AND add the optional chocolate chips), you’ll feel satisfied and be able to have a real brownie for dessert!
How do you make oatmeal brownies?
The Ingredients
- Oat Flour– Either homemade oat flour or store-bought. Be sure that the consistency is extremely fine, otherwise, you risk the brownies drying out.
- Cocoa powder– Use a good quality cocoa powder, as that makes a huge difference as to how intense the chocolate flavor is. I used dark cocoa powder, as I love the rich flavor and black color.
- Granulated sweetener of choice– Any granulated sweetener can be used. Coconut sugar, brown sugar, or even sugar free substitutes, like monk fruit sweetener and erythritol.
- Peanut Butter– works as a fabulous replacement for butter, and helps give these brownies an extra gooey texture. You must use smooth and drippy peanut butter, otherwise, the batter will be too thick.
- Maple syrup– Adds extra sweetness, AND helps them be even more fudgy.
- Coconut oil– Replaces the need for butter, and gives the brownies that gorgeous sheen, Yes, even for breakfast!
- Eggs OR flax eggs– Either room temperature eggs or if you want these brownies to be vegan, use flax eggs.
- Chocolate Chips– Optional, but highly recommended to give an extra boost of chocolate.
The Instructions
In a small bowl, add your oat flour and cocoa powder and mix together, until combined. In a large mixing bowl, combine your coconut oil, maple syrup, peanut butter, and granulated sweetener of choice, and whisk together, until glossy and smooth. Add your eggs (or flax eggs) and whisk until combined. Slowly add in your dry ingredients, folding it into the batter slowly. If using chocolate chips, fold them through at the end.
Transfer the brownie batter into a lined pan and bake for around 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan completely.
Can I make these brownies lower in fat?
If you’d like lower fat brownies, make these substitutions.
Replace the coconut oil with unsweetened applesauce. The brownies will be more cake-like, and you’ll need to cut the cook time to 25 minutes-30 minutes. Also, be sure to use a zero calorie sweetener.
Tips to make the best breakfast brownies
- If you use homemade oat flour, you MUST blend it to a very, very fine consistency. If the oats aren’t ground to a fine powder, your oat flour will replicate quick oats. This will result in dry and crumbly brownies.
- Avoid overbaking the brownies, as the brownies continue to cook in the pan.
- If you’d like a higher protein brownie, you may enjoy protein brownies.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts into the batter, or even add some healthy frosting.
Storing and Freezing Brownies
- To store: Breakfast brownies should always be stored in the refrigerator, in a sealed container, for up to 2 weeks.
- To freeze: Place brownies in a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More healthy breakfast recipes
Oatmeal Brownies (For breakfast!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp oat flour
- 1 1/2 cups cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter smooth and creamy
- 3/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup granulated sweetener of choice brown, coconut, or sugar free subs
- 4 large eggs can use vegan subs like flax eggs
- 1-2 cups chocolate chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, add your oat flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and mix well. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together your peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and granulated sweetener of choice. Whisk together until combined and glossy. Add your eggs and whisk well.
- Combine your wet and dry ingredients and mix together until just combined. Fold through your chocolate, if using them. Transfer the brownie batter into the lined pan.
- Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean from the center. Let cool in the pan completely, before slicing.
I made this oatmeal brownies this afternoon, and oh my goodness! 😋😋😋
I used monk fruit sugar and fresh homemade coconut oil from the island.
Thank you❣️
Thanks! I was specifically thinking of making breakfast brownies! Personally, I like to add dark chocolate chunks. I plan to add dried cherries too. Now to check out your protein brownie recipe…
This was a great recipe and a big hit with the kiddos! Thank you they came out perfectly.
I only changed the quantities slightly since I doubled it and I melted dark chocolate chips instead of using the powdered chocolate, and cooking time for me was 28 min at 350 F
Awesome recipe love the flavor, I used sunflower Seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Hi. I have a question…one and a half CUPS of cocoa powder? Is this correct? I’ve never seen a recipe in which the volume of cocoa powder is very nearly equal to the volume of the rest of the dry ingredients combined….
That is correct 🙂
I have try n it taste super delicious.. Really love it.. Thanks for recipe
I have to admit tasting these straight out of the oven, I didn’t think these brownies were anything special BUT 12-24 hours in the fridge really helps them set. Don’t skip out on the chocolate! They are indeed fudgy and sweet, even though I subbed maple syrup for honey and only used half and didn’t use granulated sweetener.
Is the recipe correct on the amount of cocoa powder – 1 1/2 cups? Seems out of proportion to the slightly over half cup of oat flour.
It sure is, keeps them fudgy!
My kids and I just put these brownies in the oven. I’m trying to get my family to enjoy eating foods with different flours in them. My kids are excited to try them. I let the kids make these themselves.
Ahh I love that 🙂
Hi
I want to make this recipe but first I want to verify if there’s no mistake with this recipe
The amount of cocoa powder seems a lot compared to the oat flour !
Also the quantity of the maple syrup with the granulated sugar are a lot together.. should we should choose or its both quantity? Thanks
No, there is not and yes, both sweeteners must be used.
Hello, I would really like to try your recipe but unfortunately I am allergic to peanuts so I would like to know what replacement I could use instead?
Thanks
Hi there- You can use smooth and drippy almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
I can’t have oats. Could I use a different kind of flour?
Not that I’ve tried, feel free to experiment and see
Can you use unsweetened apple sauce?
I don’t see why not!
Can I use PB powder mixed with water instead of smooth but butter?
I’ve only tried the recipe as written. Feel free to experiment and see!
If I wanted to use quinoa in place of the protein powder, how much would I use? Has anyone experimented with this?
Hi Sarah! Unfortunately, I’ve never tried it out with that!
Hi Arman! I made these this morning and they are delicious!! It was hard for me to tell if they were done cooking though, as a toothpick kept coming out with batter on it. I gave it 5 more minutes. My son could not wait to eat them, so they did not fully refrigerate. Is the refrigeration part what allows them to be cut into brownie chunks? Thank you for the awesome recipe!
Hi there! It sure does, it helps make them firmer 🙂
So with the above three protein powders you listed, are those the ones that did work or did not? I am thinking they are the ones that readers said worked? And the ones that didn’t were whey proteins and you didn’t list. I was just confused about this part.
Hi Resa,
The ones I listed are ones which work (and also the Vega one, which readers have had success with).
Hello,
I made your recipe tonight but it was quite flat and not very thick and goey like yours look in the photo. Do you have any advice as to how to get my brownies to become thicker?
Thank you
Hi Alex! Because I love very thick brownies, I make a double batch and often use a loaf pan- I also remove it when it is ‘just’ cooked and once cooled in the fridge, it sets beautifully.
Would this be a good diabetic recipe do you think?
Hi Kirsty! Unfortunately, I’m not a medical professional so won’t feel comfortable advising on that- It might be best to speak to a doctor to confirm 🙂
I would love to make these but I’m allergic to nuts. What else could I use instead?
Hi Wendy, you can use sunbutter 🙂
What do I do if I have no nut butter?
Hi Elsa! I’ll be sharing a fun recipe VERY soon not needing nut butter! For this recipe, you could try sunflower seed butter or something similar 🙂
i dont really like using protein powders – do you have an recommendations to make this a bit more natural? or could i just leave it out completely?
Hi Joy! For sure- I have a 3 ingredient flourless brownie recipe which has no protein powder 🙂 https://thebigmansworld.com/2015/10/05/healthy-3-ingredient-flourless-brownies/
thanks so much! those look great and cant wait to try!
What is “2 T” cocoa powder??
Hi Barbara! The ‘T’ stands for tablespoon 🙂
Thanks 😉
I want to try these but all i have is whey protein. Im tempted to try it with my whey protein, so Im curious as to why whey is not recommended.
Hi Danielle! Whey is way to sticky (from my experience) but please give it a go if you think it may be suitable- Brands do differ so you never know 🙂
I just pulled these out of the oven. I had 1 2/3 cup pumpkin to use up, so I threw in a banana and doubled the batch. I’m excited to show my kids brownies for breakfast.
My go-to breakfast is usually along the lines of overnight oats, chia seed pudding, or breakfast cookies. I try to prep something hubby can eat when he wakes up at 4:30am, that I dont need to get up to make!
Thanks forthe recipe.
Hi Tiffany! Oh wow- 4.30am is early for the hubs to wake up! Those are great options for go-to breakfasts and I hope these make the rotation too 🙂
I made these this weekend. They came out much more like fudge than like Brownies. Fortunately I LOVE fudge. Great recipe!
WOW! These look, and sound, delicious. 🙂
Thanks so much 🙂
Awesome recipe with the protein powder. I’ve always wanted to incorporate protein powder into my breakfast and now I can. Wasn’t sure about brownies for breakfast but definitely gives me a kick in the morning! Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome- Thanks for the feedback, John!
Love your blog but the share buttons on right side BLOCK YOUR WORDS and pictures-soo annoying!!! Please try to fix-you are not only site that has this-just place the FB , Pinterest buttons somewhere else !!!
Hi Michele- I’m so sorry about that- I’ll let my designer work on it! 🙂
Would this work with Great Lakes beef gelatin?
Hi Laurie! I’ve never tried it with that but let me know how it turns out 🙂
What’s considered a scoop of protein powder? The protein powder I have indicates 1/4 cup as a serving. Can’t wait to try these!
Hi Alex! All of mine are between 32-35 grams 🙂
How long to bake? Not in my recipe!!!!?
Hi Kim! It’s listed in the directions, around 20 minutes, or until fully cooked through 🙂
Well, these were just fudgy and delightful! Thanks for sharing!
These look amazing! I’m going to have to make these one day…do you know if you’ll still get the same result if you use avocado instead of the nut butter?
Hi Victoria- I’m going to be experimenting with it and I’ll let you know 🙂
What is best? Bananas, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or a mix of all of them? I made bananas and didn’t love it, but I think I don’t particularly like when bananas and chocolate are baked together.
Hi Meaghan! I prefer bananas for it’s natural sweetness, but i’d say pumpkin would be next 🙂
My breakfast this morning is inspired by this recipe. Thank you for the great idea!
You are so welcome, Christine! 🙂
Silly question, but do you have to use a chocolate flavored protein powder? I see the recipe calls for cocoa and, don’t get me wrong, the more chocolate the better, but I have some vanilla powder I need to use. These look incredible!
Hi Cindy! Not at all- You can use any flavor you wish 🙂
Eggs & Salsa are the bomb…x
Amen! 🙂
Made these with my shakeology because that’s what I had for protein powder and I absolutely love them!!!! I love that I can eat a brownie of sorts and not feel absolutely terrible about eating it!!!
😀 That makes me so happy-Thanks so much for the feedback, Aubry!
Eggs & salsa are an amazing combo! However… no time to actually make breakfast anymore. I get up with the baby in the morning hours before my husband is out of bed, and its all I can manage to go make a cup of coffee and grab cookies out of the freezer! These brownies are going on my list 🙂
Baby jet lagged from Australia trip– who’d have thought a 3 hour time difference would mean so much to a baby– NBD to an adult 🙂 He’s been getting me up at 3 am… yuck!
Wow! These look amazing. I can’t believe they’re only 4 ingredients. And such healthy ones at that! I seriously need to make these! …also, I’m so glad that you like eggs and salsa! I eat salsa with pretty much everything (including my corn tacos with eggs)! …and I also love salsa with carrots. You should def give it a try!
Do I have to use protein powder? What can I replace it with
Hi Nicole! I would recommend you do add protein powder- If you want to omit it, try out my 3 ingredient flourless brownie recipe 🙂
You didn’t know about eggs and salsa?!?! Please tell me you knew about ketchup and salsa! And brownies for breakfast sound right for me. After all, I’ve been eating cake for dinner 😛
These are soooo good for breakfast. or lunch. or snacking.
Mmmm these look so friggin’ good. The best brownies are crackly on the outside and chewy on the inside 🙂
Right? Thanks so much buddy!
What a fabulous idea of having dessert for breakfast but not having to feel guilty about it!
Right? Thanks so much 🙂
Dear Arman, you never cease to surprise me! These brownies for breakfast is a dream come true and how wonderful that they are healthy and made with only four ingredients. They sound fantastic. Happy New Year my dear friend, Catherine
🙂 Thanks so much Catherine- Happy New Year to you too! 🙂
I can totally get on board with brownies for breakfast…. but I don’t like salsa on my eggs. Don’t hate me 😉
haha that’s okay, it’s not for everyone!
I so rarely use protein powder in my baking – I think I’m scared the off taste will come through? But somehow these have got me determined to bust that fear… as I do have a bucket of powder that needs using. Now to choose between sweet potato or banana :s
oh yes! I hope it comes out well- Both work great 🙂
Yes! Bust that fear! In my experience, it actually makes recipes taste better! Especially in smoothies! You’ll be so glad your did!
Woah…these brownies look amazing! So much better than my bowl of cereal that I ate this morning. Now I want brownies. Because brownies are awesome. Can I call these Aussie Brownies?
You sure can. Eat them with vegemite too 😉
Dang all I have is whey!!! 🙁
My breakfast is always eggs in some shape or form. The salsa egg combo is amazing and avocado is the icing on the cake! Must have that again soon! And add cheese… Because cheese.
Cheese is non-negotiable! 😀
Your photo’s definitely have me craving these brownies!
🙂 Thanks so much, Joanne!
I don’t know why but that remark about dancing the tango minus the dancing has me cracking up! Perfect recipe to bring in the New Year 🙂
🙂 Thanks buddy!
I’ve come close to eating brownies for breakfast… Meaning I ate a brownie after I had eggs. Maybe I should just skip the first course?
Um… I like your way. Eggs AND Brownies. Best of both worlds!
Eggs and salsa are delicious! But, you HAVE to try eggs with marinara. WHUUUUUUT I know it sounds weird, but try it with basil and Mozzarella! Delicious!
And god, you just HAD to post these brownies. Time to make another recipe where I’ll eat the whole batch of something LOL!
YESSSSSS. Omg. That sounds incredible!
Oh my goodness. Yes, please!
🙂 Thanks Becky!
How do you adjust for having a super sweet brownie, my protein powder doesn’t have sugar?
Hi Ceci! Add some granulated sweetener of choice 🙂
I added 1 1/2 T of coconut sugar, it went sweet but not super sweet, but it turns out really good, everybody loved it.
Eggs and salsa are amazing together. Throw in some black beans, avocado, cheddar cheese and I’m there.
mmm that sounds delicious!
I saw the Instagram post you did of these and seriously said out loud “HOW”. Arman! What the heck. These look so good + they’re healthy + 4 ingredients? I’m confused in the best possible way. You’re a magician.
😀 Thanks buddy!
Eggs – haha, of course. I’d add some Salsa too, great idea! Though these Brownies look delicious and I might trade them …..especially cause of the Banana Chunks. Happy New Year Love!
Thanks my dear Swiss Cheese.
Awesome! Need to change my breakfast. Idea is out standing. Hope can share soon…
🙂 Thanks so much, Parvinraina! 🙂
I cannot eat eggs without salsa or avocado, just cannot! It’s too good of a combo. And why have I never tried brownies for breakfast? Thats genius!
My favorite egg are with scallions and Srirache Chili Sauce!
ohhhh delicious!
OMG. If you skimped on avocado I would cry a river like Justin Timberlake.
My staple breakfast is definitely PB&J. However I need to break that because it’s not only my staple breakfast, it’s my staple dinner as well haha. I have has salsa and eggs before and I agree, it’s pretty fabulous. Hack! Make an omelet with salsa and cheese inside it. It’s like a present of delicious ?
I always add cheese to omelettes so will add salsa too!
Brownies for breakast? YES PLEASE. Also, your brownies ALWAYS have that perfect crackle topping!! How do you do it!?
Thanks Kaila! I love the crackly top and it only works with certain protein powders and temperature times!
I found that the bananas stopped the brownies from cooking… They’re still pretty tasty but way too gooey! next time Im going to try just 1 banana
Thanks for letting me know, Jade- I’d still recommend using the full amount of bananas and allowing them to cool completely before refrigerating- they firm up beautifully.
Awesome! Will try these this morning — how many servings would you say the recipe makes?
YES! 🙂 Please let me know how it turns out! It depends on what size pan you use! I had around 9 decent pieces!
How many calories per brownie so you figure? Looks delicious!!
Hi Jess! If you add the ingredients into a calorie counting website, it will provide it for you! Enjoy 🙂
I got the following nutrition info when using bananas, peanut butter and plant fusion chocolate protein powder…
155 calories
8.3 fat
15 carb
2.7 fiber
8.8 protein
7.6 sugar