Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal (Gluten Free)

Any breakfast recipe that tastes just like a peanut butter cup is a win in my book. Im always craving chocolate whether its 9 pm or 3 pm. I mean, it is VERY clear to everyone that I’m addicted to chocolate and peanuts. After dinner my first move is to grab a handful of chocolate chips and peanuts so this chocolate peanut butter oatmeal is one of my absolute favorites to start the day with.

Truthfully, I hated oatmeal as a kid. But, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal has been one of my go-to breakfasts as an adult. The toppings are endless; banana peanut butter oatmeal, apple peanut butter oatmeal, peanut butter apple chocolate chip oatmeal, etc.

If chocolate is your thing, but you want it for breakfast just like me, try this easy strawberry oatmeal recipe and these gluten free oatmeal chocolate chip bars.

Why You Will Love This Gluten Free Recipe 

• This Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal is sweetened with just a ripe banana and ZERO added sugar! No need to add heaping tablespoons of sugar to your oatmeal. This recipe makes the oatmeal sweet by using other ingredients.
• This Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal recipe is allergy friendly. You can use gluten free oats like I did for gluten free oatmeal. You can use dairy free milk and chocolate chips for a dairy free recipe!
• This dairy free oatmeal is honestly one of my favorite breakfast flavor combinations because it feels like dessert!
• And the entire breakfast takes less than 15 minutes to make!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Applesauce:  Adds moisture and flavor to the oatmeal. You can experiment with pumpkin, mashed bananas or pear puree for a different flavor.

Gluten-Free Oats: If you are celiac like me, make sure to choose gluten free oats! I even buy the oats mixed with quinoa and chia seeds for extra texture.

Oat Milk: Oat milk adds a creamy, slightly sweet, and dairy-free start to your chocolate peanut butter oatmeal. You can also use any other plant-based milks like soy, almond, or cashew milk to make this dairy free oatmeal.

Cocoa Powder: Adds a chocolate flavor without any dairy. I also like adding cocoa powder because it helps to thicken the oatmeal up.

Peanut Butter: You can also use almond butter, cashew butter, crunchy peanut butter, chunky peanut butter or creamy peanut butter.

Chocolate chips: To make this Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal dairy free, I use dairy free dark chocolate chocolate chips, but you can use any chocolate chips you have at home! If you are making dairy free oatmeal use dairy free milk as well.

Peanuts: I like the honey roasted peanuts from trader joes. Plain peanuts work great too!

Directions

1. Combine the cocoa powder, applesauce, oats, and milk in a small saucepan
2. Cook on medium-high until the mixture is thick and creamy. Approx 10-12 minutes
3. Remove from stove top and add to bowl.
4. Top the Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal with peanut butter, peanuts, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Tips and Tricks

• What oatmeal do I use? Instant oatmeal is the quickest to prepare, with a soft and mushy texture. Steel-cut oatmeal takes the longest to cook but has a chewy and hearty texture. Rolled oats cook in 5-10 minutes and have a soft yet slightly chewy texture. Other varieties include quick oats, thick-cut oats, and whole grain oats. The best choice depends on your preference for texture, cooking time, and flavor. They will all work here!
• Any nut butter will work! If peanut butter isn’t your thing, you can use almond butter or cashew butter in this Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal recipe!
• Add some vanilla extract for extra flavored oatmeal!
• Any milk works! I keep oat milk stocked all the time so it is my personal go to but any regular or plant based milk will work here.

How To Serve and Store The Meal Prep?

I serve the warm chocolate peanut butter oatmeal topped with extra peanut butter, chopped nuts, chocolate chips!

Store leftovers of the dairy free oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I also have stored in a serving bowl topped with plastic wrap too. 

For leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal, I reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. I keep stirring in intervals so my oatmeal leftovers don’t burn.