Chocolate Lava Cake Baked Oats – Oven or Air Fryer

Baked Oats have become super popular on social media lately, especially TikTok. And for a good reason! It’s an easy and healthy breakfast option with a cake taste and texture. If you’re a big chocolate fan, like me, than you absolutely have to try this Breakfast Lava Cake recipe.

Chocolate Protein Breakfast Oats make a delicious and well-balanced first meal of the day. You’re getting a good amount of fiber from the oats and chia seeds, as well as plenty of protein from the greek yogurt and added protein powder, if you choose to use it. And all that melty chocolate sets the mood for the rest of the day.

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What are Baked Oats

Baked Oats is a super trendy and easy breakfast dish. While it calls for pretty simple ingredients, this is not your regular oatmeal recipe. These oats taste more like a moist slice of cake, while providing all the good nutrients you want for a healthy breakfast.

If you’re not a big chocolate fan, check out my Vanilla Baked Oats recipe instead. I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Baked Oats recipe is so versatile! Let me give you a list of simple ingredients and substitution ideas, so you can make this delicious breakfast without running to the store for that one special thing you might be missing.

Oats

For this recipe, I am using rolled oats. But any oats or oat flour will work. Use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free Lava Cake.

Ripe Banana

Ripe banana will add sweetness to your baked oats. I like to freeze my bananas to always have them on hand for a recipe, like this one. And I use it straight from the freezer.

If you have lots of ripe bananas on hand, try making my Sourdough Banana Bread or Blender Spinach Pancakes.

Chocolate Protein Powder

For a chocolate flavor and extra protein, I like to use this chocolate protein powder. But this ingredient is totally optional! Use cocoa or cacao powder instead, or opt for vanilla protein powder, if you like.

Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt is another great source of protein in this recipe. It also gives this Breakfast Lava Cake a moist and creamy texture.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are optional. I like to add them for extra fiber and healthy nutrients. Check this article for more health benefits information.

Baking Powder

Baking Powder helps baked oats rise correctly.

Vanilla and Salt

Vanilla adds a flavorful boost to the dish, while salt balances out the rest of the flavors.

Cacao Powder

I like my Breakfast Lava Cake super chocolaty. Therefore, I add extra cacao powder. Feel free to skip this ingredient if you like a milder chocolate flavor, or use regular cocoa powder instead.

If you’re not sure about the difference between cacao and cocoa, check out this article by Thrive Market. This online market place sells both products and shares more information about the difference between the two. Click the link below for a discount on your first order, as well a free product offer.

Chocolate Chips

I like to throw in some chocolate chips for extra flavor. Feel free to skip this addition, or add nuts or raisins instead.

Try these sugar-free chocolate chips if you don’t do sugar for breakfast.

Milk or Water

To make these baked oats, use any milk you prefer. Water works fine too.

Baked Oats – Flavor Additions

To switch things up or add even more flavor, try one of these fun additions:

• peanut butter – powdered or regular – great source of protein and delicious flavor
• flaxseed – use in place of chia seeds, as they have similar health benefits
• fruit preserves – swirl into the batter for a fruity flavor
• raspberries – there’s something magical about combining chocolate with raspberries
• orange zest – such a festive flavor
• mint extract (link) – for mint chocolate lovers
• maple syrup or honey – for extra sweetness (about 1 tbsp)

Share your favorite flavor combinations in the comments below or over on my Instagram page, where I share more fun and easy breakfast ideas daily. I’d love to connect with you on social media!

Tips for Success

• Use very ripe bananas – for sweet baked oats, OR add sweetener of choice.
• Double or triple the recipe – bake in separate ramekins or one bigger dish (add 5-10 minutes to baking time).
• Grease baking dish – for an easier release.
• Make ahead – blend all the ingredients the night before and bake in the morning.
• No blender needed – use oat flour if you don’t have a blender, mash banana with a fork.
• No oven needed – use an air fryer instead (see recipe card for details) or microwave on high for 90-120 seconds (use a bigger microwave-safe dish, as the cake grows fast in this case)

More Breakfast Recipes to Try

Chia Seed Pudding – easy and healthy

Honey and Peach Bruschetta – fun summer breakfast or appetizer

Ricotta Breakfast Cheesecake – so light and fluffy

Healthy Buckwheat Pudding – super food smoothie