Name: Hot Chocolate Oatmeal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten free if needed); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 1/4 cups milk of choice (I used unsweetened almond milk ); 2 tablespoon cocoa powder; 2 tablespoon granulated sweetener of choice; 2 tablespoon hot chocolate mix (homemade or store bought * See notes)

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This hot chocolate oatmeal is a healthy way to have chocolate for breakfast that tastes like everyone’s favorite beverage! Creamy and comforting, it’s made with actual hot cocoa mix in it!

Hot Cocoa Oatmeal

It’s no secret that I love a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast! If I’m not eating overnight oats or chocolate protein oatmeal, I’m digging into a bowl of hot chocolate oatmeal.

If your looking for a festive way to enjoy your hot cereal, this hot chocolate oatmeal recipe ticks the boxes.

Chocolate for breakfast CAN be healthy, especially if it’s secretly packed with nutrients. While this hot chocolate oatmeal is full of chocolate flavor and incredibly thick and creamy, it’s also packed with fiber and protein.

The secret ingredient to give it the true hot cocoa flavor is using actual hot chocolate mix in the actual oatmeal! Not only does it make it extra creamy, but it gives the oatmeal the extra thickness.

While you can use any hot chocolate mix, I used my own homemade version, which contains NO added sugar or dairy!

Ingredients to make hot chocolate oatmeal

Rolled oats– Also known as old fashioned oats. Be sure to use certified gluten free oats if you’d like this recipe to be gluten free.
Salt– Just a pinch, to bring out the sweetness of the oats.
Granulated sweetener of choice– Any sweetener can be used. White or brown sugar works well, as do sugar free substitutes, like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
Unsweetened cocoa powder– Sifted to ensure there are no clumps. Use dark cocoa powder for a darker flavor.
Hot chocolate mix– Either store bought mix or a homemade mix.
Milk of choice– Use your favorite milk. I love using unsweetened almond milk or vanilla almond milk, to keep it vegan.

How do you make oatmeal with a hot chocolate mix?

Stovetop– In a small saucepan, combine your oats, salt, and milk of choice. On medium heat, bring to a boil, and once it begins to bubble, reduce to low. Allow the oats to simmer, while mixing regularly. Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove from the heat. Moving quickly, whisk in the sweetener, cocoa powder, and hot chocolate mix, until completely combined. Add extra milk to your desired thickness, before enjoying.

Microwave– In a microwave safe bowl, combine your oats, salt, and milk of choice. Cook in the microwave until most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the microwave and whisk in the rest of your ingredients. If you’d prefer thinner oatmeal, add more milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use instant oats or oat substitutes?

If you’d like to use instant oats or steel cut oats, you can use either of those. You’ll just need to adjust the milk ratio.

As for oat substitutes, any hot cereal can be used. Quinoa flakes and buckwheat flakes are both great alternatives.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, if you’d like to add an extra dose of protein to these oats, you can add some protein powder to it. I recommend using either a chocolate protein powder or neutral tasting protein powder, so it maintains the hot chocolate flavor.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten free?

If you use certified gluten free oats and non-dairy milk, this recipe is suitable for a vegan and gluten free diet..

Can I enjoy this cold?

Yes, if you prefer to enjoy this overnight oats style, skip the cooking process. Instead, reduce the milk by half and mix all the ingredients together. Refrigerate overnight, covered. In the morning, add extra milk and enjoy it.

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