Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is a delightful way to start any morning. It combines hearty oats with sweet, fresh strawberries and rich chocolate chunks, all baked together into a warm,…

By Julia • February 1, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

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Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is a delightful way to start any morning. It combines hearty oats with sweet, fresh strawberries and rich chocolate chunks, all baked together into a warm, comforting dish. The gooey melted chocolate and juicy strawberries create a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make breakfast feel extra special.

I love making this recipe on cozy weekend mornings when I have a little extra time to enjoy breakfast. It fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma that makes everyone eager to sit down and eat. A little tip I’ve found helps is to toss the strawberries in a bit of cinnamon before mixing them into the oats—it brings out their sweetness and adds a subtle warmth to the dish.

Serving this baked oatmeal is easy and fun. I usually add a splash of cold milk or a dollop of yogurt on top, which makes the chocolate and berries pop even more. It’s a nice change from the usual cereal or toast and feels like a treat, even though it’s wholesome and filling. This is a recipe that both kids and adults can enjoy, and I often find that leftovers heat up nicely for a quick breakfast the next day.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats work best here because they hold their shape while baking. If you don’t have them, quick oats can be used but the texture will be softer.

Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives a rich chocolate flavor without extra sugar. Dutch-processed cocoa is smoother, but natural cocoa works fine. You can adjust the amount for a lighter or deeper chocolate taste.

Strawberries: Fresh berries add a juicy burst to this dish. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen berries work well, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

Chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips give a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness. Milk or semi-sweet chips are great substitutes if you prefer it sweeter.

Milk: Dairy or plant-based milk both work. Almond, oat, or soy milk are good vegan-friendly alternatives and add a bit of their own subtle flavor.

How Can You Get the Perfect Texture Without Dryness?

Baked oatmeal texture is all about balancing moisture. Follow these tips for soft, cuddly oats with a slight crisp on the edges:

• Use the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Too little liquid makes it dry and crumbly.
• Don’t overbake—it usually takes about 35-40 minutes. Check at 30 minutes and test with a toothpick.
• Let it cool a little before cutting. This helps it firm up and hold together better.
• Adding the melted coconut oil or butter helps keep it moist and adds flavor.
• Distributing strawberries and chocolate chips evenly gives pockets of gooey and juicy bites without soggy spots.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
• Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet, keeps mixing simple and neat.
• Whisk – helps blend liquids smoothly with powders for a lump-free batter.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – great for folding in strawberries and chocolate without crushing them.
• Measuring cups and spoons – ensures you get the right balance of oats, liquids, and spices.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different berry taste and color.
• Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra protein.
• Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter version.
• Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry mix for a subtle mocha flavor that pairs well with chocolate.

Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter

Add-Ins:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved or sliced
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips, plus extra for topping

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 35 to 40 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes to cool before serving. Overall, in less than an hour, you will have a warm, delicious breakfast ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Stir them together well so everything is evenly mixed.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter until smooth and well blended.

4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine everything evenly into a batter.

5. Add Strawberries and Chocolate Chips:

Fold in the fresh strawberries and half of the chocolate chips carefully to spread them through the mixture without breaking up the fruit.

6. Bake the Oatmeal:

Transfer the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top along with additional strawberry slices for a pretty finish.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The oatmeal will be set and the top slightly crisp when done.

7. Serve:

Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. Serve warm by itself, or with a splash of milk or a spoonful of yogurt if you like.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen strawberries well before adding them to the mixture to prevent excess moisture from making the oatmeal soggy.

Is There a Vegan Option for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap the egg for a flax or chia egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) to make it vegan-friendly.

How Should I Store Leftover Baked Oatmeal?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts?

Definitely! Feel free to substitute or add berries like blueberries or raspberries, or toss in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.