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.
More breakfast recipes to try
Share this recipe on Pinterest
Love this Hot Chocolate Oatmeal recipe?
Share it with the world on Pinterest.
Hot Chocolate Oatmeal
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
Instructions
Stovetop method
- In a small saucepan, add your oats, salt, and milk and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and moving quickly, whisk in the rest of the ingredients. 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
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
Sounds like the perfect way to start my day. I’ll eat chocolate cake any season, any time. 🙂
Right? Thanks so much, Blair! 🙂
John Mayer ahhh! Dying. He gets under my skin and can’t stand – too funny 🙂
Thanks Michele!
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!
The sprinkles are a nice touch. The chocolate pouring out the sides doesn’t hurt either.
Thanks my dear- Extra chocolate! 🙂
Yum! Looks like tomorrow’s breakfast is planned. Love the chocolate cake concept 🙂
Thanks so much Lauren!
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!
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!
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.
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!
You are funny! I love that dark chocolate oozing out of the bowl, and it is making me hungry!
😀 Thanks so much, Joanne!
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!
I love how jam packed with flavor this is!
🙂 Thanks Rachel!
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!
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 🙂
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!