Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal Recipe

There’s something downright magical about waking up to the rich, nutty aroma of Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal wafting through the house. This breakfast treat combines the decadence of a brownie with the wholesome goodness of oatmeal, creating a dish that feels indulgent while still being nourishing.

this Recipe

The first time I made this recipe was on a chilly Saturday morning when I wanted something special yet simple. Ever since, it’s become a household favorite, perfect for busy weekdays or slow weekend brunches. Now let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this recipe too.

Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Get ready to meet your new breakfast obsession. This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal checks all the boxes for a satisfying and versatile morning meal.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With just one bowl and a few pantry staples, you can have this dish prepped and in the oven in under 10 minutes. Perfect for those mornings when you’re short on time but still want something special.

Second, it’s wonderfully budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and cocoa powder means you can whip up a batch without breaking the bank. It’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt of expensive bakery runs.

Next, it's perfect for meal prep. You can bake a pan on Sunday and have breakfast ready for several days. Just reheat a square in the microwave for a warm, comforting start to your day.

Finally, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you're dairy-free, gluten-free, or adding extra protein, it’s easy to modify while still keeping that rich, chocolatey peanut butter flavor intact.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this oatmeal bake so delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal lies in its simple ingredient list, each contributing to the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Old-fashioned rolled oats are the foundation of this recipe. They provide a hearty, chewy texture that holds up well during baking. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they tend to create a softer, almost mushy consistency.

Peanut butter is the star of the show. I prefer using natural creamy peanut butter for its pure, rich flavor. The nutty notes complement the cocoa beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that tastes like dessert for breakfast.

Unsweetened cocoa powder brings that deep, chocolatey essence reminiscent of a fudgy brownie. Make sure to sift your cocoa powder if it’s clumpy to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Maple syrup serves as the primary sweetener, adding a gentle caramel-like sweetness without overwhelming the dish. Honey or agave syrup can be substituted, but maple syrup gives the best depth of flavor.

Eggs and milk help bind everything together and create a custard-like base that keeps the oatmeal moist and tender. For a dairy-free option, almond or oat milk works beautifully, and you can use a flax egg for a vegan version.

For this recipe, you’ll need a standard 8x8-inch baking dish, a mixing bowl, and a whisk or spoon for stirring. That’s it — minimal equipment for maximum flavor.

How To Make This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal

Making this baked oatmeal is a breeze, and I’ll walk you through each step to ensure perfect results every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of butter to prevent sticking. This small step makes serving and cleanup much easier later on.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. Stir them together until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture should look glossy and creamy, forming the flavorful base for your baked oatmeal.

Next, whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined to create a smooth, cohesive batter.

Now it’s time for the dry ingredients. Add the old-fashioned oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring no dry pockets remain.

Once fully mixed, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you’d like, sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts on top for extra indulgence.

Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly crisp. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

After baking, let the oatmeal cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the oatmeal to firm up, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Storage Options

This Peanut Butter Brownie Baked Oatmeal stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

Once cooled completely, store the oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days, making it perfect for a week of quick breakfasts.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen. A quick zap in the microwave for 30-60 seconds brings back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and texture.

For best results, add a splash of milk when reheating to restore moisture and enhance the creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

If you’re looking for a vegan option, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based milk. The result is still moist, tender, and just as flavorful.

For a gluten-free version, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.

If you want to boost the protein content, add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients. You may need to add a splash more milk to balance the consistency.

For extra decadence, stir in a handful of chocolate chips or swirl additional peanut butter into the top before baking. This creates beautiful ribbons of nutty goodness and pockets of melted chocolate.

If you’re a fan of fruit, try folding in some mashed bananas or diced strawberries. They add natural sweetness and a delightful burst of flavor to each bite.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a new twist to this already delicious baked oatmeal.

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