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This chocolate oatmeal is thick, creamy, and tastes like a cup of hot cocoa. It’s easy to make on the stovetop or in the microwave, and a healthy way to have chocolate for breakfast.
It’s no secret that I love oatmeal for breakfast. If I’m not eating baked oats or protein oatmeal, then this chocolate oatmeal is on breakfast repeat.
It’s perfect for someone like me who loves something sweet in the morning. Instead of loading it up with sugar, though, I like to use a little hot chocolate mix. It adds just enough sweetness and chocolate flavor, without leaving you with a sugar crash afterward.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Healthy and filling. Oats are super high in fiber and whole grains, and there’s added protein, too.
- Quick and easy. All you do is let the oats simmer until ready.
- Multiple cooking methods. I prefer the stovetop because it gives the oats a perfect creamy texture, but I usually use the microwave when I’m short on time.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I made this and it was excellent! This is the first time I tried making oatmeal with cocoa, and it works so well. Very creamy.” – Darcy
Key Ingredients
- Rolled oats. I like the texture of old-fashioned oats, and it keeps you fuller for longer. Quick oats will work, as will steel-cut oats. You’ll need to increase the cooking time if you do the steel-cut ones.
- Salt. Just a pinch, to bring out the sweetness of the oats.
- Hot chocolate mix. For sweetness and chocolate flavor. I typically use a no sugar added hot cocoa mix, but any mix is fine.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder. For extra chocolate flavor. If you love rich flavors, use dark cocoa powder.
- Milk. I typically use unsweetened almond milk, but any milk is fine.
How to make chocolate oatmeal
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Add the oats, salt, and milk to a small saucepan. Mix well.
Step 2- Cook on the stovetop until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3- Remove from heat and whisk in the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4- Add extra milk as needed. Add toppings and serve.
Chocolate oatmeal variations
- Experiment with different hot chocolate mixes. Whichever flavor of hot cocoa mix you use will be the predominant flavor in the oatmeal, so play around with other brands to see which one you prefer.
- Make it sugar free. Use a sugar-free sweetener and our sugar-free hot chocolate mix.
- Make protein oats. Use my protein hot chocolate or fold in some nut butter, like peanut butter or almond butter.
- Adjust the oats’ consistency. If the oats appear too dry, add a few tablespoons of milk to thin them out. If they seem runny, I suggest waiting for a few minutes for the oats to soak up the extra liquid.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered in an airtight container. I avoid keeping them any longer as the flavor will not be as intense.
To reheat: Microwave the oats for 30-40 seconds until warm. Add more milk or water if needed.
More easy oatmeal recipes
If you tried this Chocolate Oatmeal recipe or any other recipe on The Big Man’s World, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Chocolate Oatmeal
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats use gluten free if needed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups milk I used unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix homemade or store bought * See notes
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add your oats, salt, and milk and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and, moving quickly, whisk in the cocoa powder and hot chocolate powder. Add extra milk as needed.
Microwave method
- In a microwave safe bowl, combine your oats, salt, and milk. Microwave until most of the liquid is absorbed. Whisk in the rest of the ingredients and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published November 2020, updated and republished June 2025
I think my favourite carb sources is oatmeal. I often make it “plain” and the taste to me is amazing.
Some days I put cocoa powder or flavour powder. I really enjoy it.
Awesome can’t wait, thankyou.
I made this with cashew milk and it was excellent! This is the first time I tried making oatmeal with cashew milk and it works so well. Very creamy.
Are egg whites ok to use for the overnight version, or does it need to be just flax?
As long it is cooked in first 🙂
Can I bake this in the oven? If so what temperature and for how long do I bake it for?
I haven’t tried it, but feel free to experiment!
Arman, Darling! Eating this now. Made with all black cocoa powder. Yum! Thanks for the recipe. xo
Hi Julie! I LOVE that you used black cocoa powder for this 🙂 You are so welcome, have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday 🙂
Holy chocolate! This is so yummy. I love anything with oats or chocolate. I just made it this morning, and I am now adding it to my weekly breakfast menu. Thank you for sharing.
😀 Fantastic- Thanks so much, Kelly!
Hello! I’ve included this recipe in my list of oat-tastic recipes to check out in my Saturday round-up. Don’t worry: it’s simply a link that takes my readers to your fantastic blog. 🙂 Check it out!
Have a great weekend!
Lauren / The Oatmeal Artist
Hi Lauren! Thanks for that- Off to check it out 🙂
ZOMG.
I mean, I’d eat ice cream whether it’s 95 degrees or 5. Cheers? Hehe.
oh my gee. You’re my idol.
Chocolate Cake Oatmeal?!?! Seriously?! Where have you been all my life 🙂
😀 It’s here now!
Sooooo… I drink smoothies in the dead of winter and eat hot oatmeal in summer. Does that answer your question? 😛 Maybe I need to move to Australia where everything is opposite.
Or just move in with me. We’re two peas in a vegan pod.
While I wouldn’t call myself a real fan I have to defend John Mayer. It’s a girl thing, you know? I can overlook your snarking for the delicious idea of this oatmeal. Still wishing you got to try the cocoa I told you about because I’m sure you’d like it.
Oh, also: I finally went to Hamburg again and got myself vegan sprinkles. Let the sprinkle games begin!
YES! I have a recipe to share next week you’ll NEED to save it for!
Dear Arman, your posts always bring a smile or a good chuckle. Your chocolate oatmeal is decadent to say the least. You have definitely inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and get a bit more creative with my breakfasts. This would be such a treat in the morning and how could you resist healthy chocolate! Have a very happy holiday my friend and blessed New Year to come.
You too, Catherine- It’s been a pleasure enjoying your work this year 🙂
Wait. Chocolate cake but in oatmeal form? That means I can eat it for breakfast, right? Sign me up! And turn off that damn John Mayer!
You betcha! Cheers mate!
I love how jam packed with flavor this is!
🙂 Thanks Rachel!
Super intrigued in adding an egg after you take it off the heat… WHY DON’T I HAVE COCONUT FLOUR AT MY HOUSE IN PITTSBURGH? Ugh, want to try this for brekkie tomorrow!
You NEED the coconut flour!
PS- Swing by LA!
You are funny! I love that dark chocolate oozing out of the bowl, and it is making me hungry!
😀 Thanks so much, Joanne!
Aaaahw I’ll have this ridiculous song stuck in my head now!
This sounds delightful! I’ll save this until I crave something sweet again. Most probably right after Christmas ;-P
😀 YESSSSSS. Although devour all the cottage cheese for me!
LOL. Arman! Your intros always crack me up. I’m sure you hit the nail on the head with what inspired our boy John. This looks amazing as always! The more chocolate, the better. Always.
Thanks buddy- Can’t wait to make it for you in person.
Just kidding, we’re getting burgers.
No waaaaaaaaay! I craved peppermint things in the summer and I still crave pumpkin even though it’s winter! LOL! I’m still really into gingerbread and snickerdoodle foods XD Luckily, chocolate can be enjoyed year-round! Yummy!
🙂 We must have the same genetics haha!
OMG how can this be healthy? That looks amazing but I have a feeling there are a few more calories than my normal boring oatmeal with blueberries? Maybe I could just sprinkle in a few chocolate chips, but knowing me, having chocolate chips in the house is a recipe for disaster! 🙂
It sure is- Definitely a healthy breakfast!
Yum! Looks like tomorrow’s breakfast is planned. Love the chocolate cake concept 🙂
Thanks so much Lauren!
The sprinkles are a nice touch. The chocolate pouring out the sides doesn’t hurt either.
Thanks my dear- Extra chocolate! 🙂
The only thing I like about John Mayer is that whenever a song of his comes on the radio, everyone starts singing in a really raspy voice together. BONDING. I did not know that about coconut flour! I’ll have to get some when I’m shopping today
You need to try it- Game changer!
John Mayer ahhh! Dying. He gets under my skin and can’t stand – too funny 🙂
Thanks Michele!
Sounds like the perfect way to start my day. I’ll eat chocolate cake any season, any time. 🙂
Right? Thanks so much, Blair! 🙂