Protein Filled Baked Chocolate Oatmeal

As I'm sitting down to write this post, I see that chocolate is a recurring theme here! I'm not exactly sure why...it definitely isn't one of my favorite foods, although I do enjoy it! So bear with me and give one more chocolate recipe a try! 

I came up with this because I'm not a fan of making a big breakfast every morning. I have other things I'd rather focus my time and energy on. However, I know the importance of having a healthy, protein-filled meal to start my day. 

A baked oatmeal is perfect because I can make a pan of it once a week and eat it for several days. And it's so versatile. The flavor and add-in possibilities are endless! This week I was feeling chocolatey, so this is what I ended up with!

Protein-Filled Baked Chocolate Oatmeal

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or other milk of choice)
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (could also use vanilla instead of plain)
• 1 medium banana, mashed
• 3 tbsp coconut oil or avocado oil
• 2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp collagen powder
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) [I like Bake Believe or Enjoy Life]
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8 x 8 pan.

Combine the syrup, milk, yogurt, banana and oil in a medium bowl. Add oatmeal, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, collagen and chia seeds. Mix to combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans, if you are using. 

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in 350-degree oven for 30-45 minutes depending on how dry you want your oatmeal to be. I did mine for 40 minutes and it was perfect. Not too dry, but it soaked up a splash of almond milk perfectly.

Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Microwave for 30-60 seconds to reheat or you can eat it cold, whichever you prefer!

That's it! Super simple and I have breakfast all ready for 4 mornings this week! Give it a try and let me know what you think!

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