Sneak preview: Healthy, chocolatey, baked oatmeal breakfast brownies that are easy and delicious!
Better make two batches of these healthy breakfast brownies because your family will love it! This easy chocolate oatmeal bake recipe is bound to be your kids’ new favorite breakfast. It is perfect as a grab-and-go breakfast on busy school mornings and might even double as dessert! Add this to the list of breakfast ideas for toddlers!
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Yep, you read that right. Healthy and brownies in the same sentence.
I have to admit that my 5-year-old came up with the name “breakfast brownies”. I was thinking something much less catchy like “baked chocolate oatmeal”. Isn’t it funny when your kids outsmart you?! I think their innocence gives them a creative edge. Proud mom moment.
She also came up with this idea for character cup lids all by herself. She brought it to me and said: “look, it fits!”. It was such a brilliant way to get a lid on the MANY character cups we collect at parties. I told her we had to share this with people! She agreed because she begs me every day to start her own Youtube channel. Maybe when she is 6. In the meantime, I might have to hire her for her great ideas like Breakfast Brownies.
We all could use a little chocolate first thing in the morning. Rather than eat a candy bar or grab a sugar-filled, processed “granola” bar, why not try out these chocolatey, soft, and portable breakfast brownies?!
Run out the door with something delicious… and healthier!
Looking for a quick reference on healthier swap-outs while you are baking?? Get yours FREE below!
What are the health benefits of cocoa?
There are so many health benefits in cocoa powder! This was such a great addition to our pantry and I use it many recipes. Besides being delicious, cocoa powder also has health benefits!
According to LiveStrong.com, cocoa powder has potential antidepressant effects and is full of antioxidants. It is low in fat and calories while packing in some of the fiber, iron, and magnesium your body needs. (Check the site for more specific details)
Don’t forget that cocoa has caffeine so you may want to avoid it if you are caffeine sensitive! Try this Cinnamon Coffee Cake Copycat instead! (it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo!)
Always consult your medical professional with questions about your health and diet.
What ingredients are in Breakfast Brownies?
Here is a quick rundown of things you will need to make breakfast brownies! I use organic and gluten-free, dairy-free ingredients but conventional sugars and milk will work just fine.
***Please see the recipe card below for measurements and instructions!!!
2 1/4 cup quick oats
1/4 cup brown sugar*
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder (use 2 tablespoons if you want super chocolatey brownies!)
1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
1 1/2 cup milk (I use almond milk but regular milk would work just as well)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
(*If you like sweet, you can increase the sugar to 1/2 cup or add 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup to the mix.)
***Please see the recipe card below for measurements and instructions!!!
Plus, get your free printable Healthier Swap-outs Cheat Sheet via email below!
How to make Breakfast Brownies:
Are healthy breakfast brownies easy to make? Yes! At least I think so! You should only need one bowl and a simple spoon to prepare!
***Please see the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and instructions!!!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Prepare a 9×9 pan by greasing with cooking spray (or any preferred method to prevent sticking)
Add oats and brown sugar in large mixing bowl and stir.
Next, add wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Add chocolate chips to the batter if desired.
Add mixture to the pan and spread evenly
Cover and cook 15 minutes
After 15 minutes, uncover and continue cooking an additional 15 minutes until a fork comes out clean
Dust with powdered sugar if desired. You can also add a few additional chocolate chips on top to garnish. Allow to cool and serve!
How to make breakfast brownies even better!
~This is an easy one… Make it dessert!
~Instead of a high-calorie boxed-brownie base for your sundae, try cutting these breakfast brownies into squares and making brownie sundaes!
~Use a warm “breakfast” brownie square, top with frozen yogurt (or ice cream) and drizzle with chocolate syrup or hot fudge.
~You just took your breakfast to the next level! This is a great idea to use up leftovers (if you have any!)
~I have also stored these in the freezer for about 3 days. I use a freezer-safe container to store the squares/bars. When I want to heat it up I just throw it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals (depending on how much I’m heating) remove when warm but not steaming. And of course, be careful- it’s hot!
Scroll down to get a free printable cheat sheet of healthier swap-outs for baking you can hang on the fridge for busy mornings! There’s space to write in your own and the kids can grab their own breakfast without screaming “Mom, I’m hungry!” up the stairs every morning 😉
Love this recipe? You HAVE to try Dreamy Blueberries & Cream Breakfast Bars!
Healthy Breakfast Brownies
The chewy, chocolatey, and healthy Breakfast Brownies are so delicious, you will be eating them for breakfast AND dessert!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cup quick oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Prepare 9x9 pan by greasing with cooking spray
- In a large mixing bowl, add oats, brown sugar, chia seeds (optional), and cocoa powder and stir.
- Next, add applesauce, egg, milk, and vanilla to the oat mixture and stir until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips (optional).
- Add mixture to pan and spread evenly
- Cover with parchment paper (or foil) and cook 15 minutes
- After 15 minutes, uncover and continue cooking an additional 15
minutes until fork comes out clean - Dust with powdered sugar if desired. You can also add a few additional chocolate chips on top to garnish. Allow to cool and serve!
Notes
~ These brownies are not super sweet so if you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the sugar to 1/2 cup (up to 3/4 cup).
~ Add semi-sweet morsels to the batter for an extra chocolatey bite!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 121Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 72mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 7gProtein: 4g
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate and isn’t always accurate.
If you like Breakfast brownies, you might also like to try:
- Apple Pie Breakfast Biscuits
- Heavenly and Healthy Chocolate Covered Banana Brownies! Dairy-free, flourless, and irresistible!
- Scrumptious and Healthy Cinnamon Coffee Cake Copycat Recipe (Paleo and Gluten Free!)
- Fluffy Hot Chocolate Pancake Recipe to warm your heart and fill your tummy!
- Breakfast Apple Nachos Recipe you won’t be able to resist!
I hope these healthy, chocolate baked oatmeal breakfast brownies becomes your new favorite breakfast (or dessert!).
Talya says
Oh yum! I’ve never thought about using oatmeal in brownies I’m going to give this a try.
Vanessa says
Can you use rolled oats instead?
HappyPlace Mom says
Yes! I have used rolled oats for this recipe! As long as they are not extra thick rolled oats (that batch did not cook well!).
Amanda says
These sound yummy! You don’t use any soda or b powd?
HappyPlace Mom says
Hi Amanda! I actually don’t use any baking soda or baking powder in the recipe. I have tried adding 1 teaspoon of baking powder but it didn’t seem to make any difference in the taste or texture. I hope that help!
Wendy says
Do you use a 9×9 or 9×13 pan? Both are suggested kin the different places?
HappyPlace Mom says
So sorry about that! I use a 9X9 pan. The 9×11 makes them a bit too thin. I will make the correction. Thanks so much for let me know!!!
Sandy says
The first recipe says 1-1/2 c milk and the bottom one says 1-1/4 cup?
HappyPlace Mom says
Sorry about that! I changed both to 1 and 1/2 cups. It wouldn’t make much of a difference if you use 1/4 more or less but I use one and a half cups. Thanks so much for letting me know!
Sandy says
Thanks for the quick response! Used 1-1/4 c just to be sure, just took out of the oven. Can’t wait to try!
HappyPlace Mom says
I hope you enjoy them!!!
Melissa says
It doesn’t say when to add the cacao and chia seeds! I figure adding them at the end is fine?!
HappyPlace Mom says
Hi Melissa! Sorry for the confusion! Honestly I just throw everything in the bowl and stir. It should change the end result at all when you add it! One thing I love about this recipe is that is it very forgiving 😉 I hope you enjoy them!
Suzanne says
This looks so good! I bet it would be easy to add other mix ins too!
HappyPlace Mom says
Thank you! You can certainly add mix-ins! We usually add chocolate chips to the batter for a little extra sweetness!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! Do they keep long?
HappyPlace Mom says
I have also stored these in the freezer for about 3 days. I use a freezer-safe container to store the squares/bars. When I want to heat it up I just throw it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals (depending on how much I’m heating) remove when warm but not steaming. And of course, be careful- it’s hot!
Constance says
I made these delicious chocolate oatmeal breakfast bars a couple of times. They are great. This time I added dark chocolate and 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar!! Thank you for sharing this receipe
Jackie says
Hi!! This looks really delicious & quite easy to make which I def will try out…is the applesauce a requirement?? Can we go without or what can we replace it with?
Thank u
HappyPlace Mom says
You are totally fine to leave out the applesauce! It makes them a little more moist but I have made this recipe without applesauce when I’ve run out and it should still turn out just fine!
Marcy says
Hello! Can this recipe be doubled an then baked in a 9X13 pan?
HappyPlace Mom says
Absolutely! I do it all the time to make and freeze!
Suzanne says
These look so good! What a fun base to add things in to, like cherries or nuts!
HappyPlace Mom says
Great ideas! Enjoy!
Lorrane Orenstein says
I am wondering what is the purpose of covering it for part of the baking time? I was winging it a bit and sort of combined your copycat cinnamon coffee cake with the breakfast brownie. The cinnamon coffee cake says to bake 35 min uncovered while the brownie say 15 covered and 15 uncovered.
I am wondering about the difference.
My 9-yr old did rock paper scissors and decided to cover it for 15. Then do the remaining 15-20 uncovered. It’s in there now — I hope I’m not messing up the crumble topping — wish me luck
HappyPlace Mom says
Hi Lorrane! The purpose of covering it for part of the baking time is that it helps keep the brownie from losing too much moisture. I have found that covering it for half the baking time allows for a moist brownie without being too soft. The cinnamon coffee cake, on the other hand, needs to be open so the butter topping can brown and crisp just a bit. I have made breakfast brownies without covering them at all and the result is a little less soft but still delicious. I hope yours turned out well!
Sue says
Hello! Looks delish! Can I replace the applesauce with plain yogurt? Or it’s ok to omit it? Will it hold it’s shape?
HappyPlace Mom says
Hi Sue! You can totally omit the applesauce as long as you are using one egg to help hold it together. I haven’t tried replacing it with yogurt (we are dairy-free house) but you can certainly leave out the applesauce! Hope that helps! Enjoy!
Elaina bishop says
Do these have to be refrigerated? I made some yesterday. I put them in an airtight container on the counter but not the fridge. Are they still good?
HappyPlace Mom says
Because of the egg in the recipe, I would not recommended eating them without refrigeration 🙁 I’m sorry you lost a batch. Anything with eggs or dairy should be refrigerated for food safety.
Dixie says
I made these today and they are excellent! I will certainly make them again.
HappyPlace Mom says
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so glad you liked them!!!!
Bridget says
Can I substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar?
HappyPlace Mom says
Yes! I have used both honey and maple syrup in place of the sugar. It might make the consistency a bit more moist but should still be delicious!
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a fun breakfast treat for the whole family!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! What a great way to enjoy a treat without the allergens!
Suzanne says
This looks so good! What a great breakfast meal prep for the week!
Kristy says
We are eliminating eggs as well as dairy, do you think a flax egg or another sub for the egg would work? Looks yummy 🙂
HappyPlace Mom says
Hi Kristy! As long as you use the applesauce, you can eliminate the egg completely! It makes the brownies a little softer but still delicious! I have not tried flax or egg alternative myself so I can’t say for sure how it will change the end result. I have made this many times without any egg though!
S Meisner says
These were good, as long as you recognize they are not “real” (unhealthy, overly sweet) brownies. I added a half cup of chocolate chips and a half cup of chopped walnuts, with a few more chocolate chips sprinkled on top as suggested.
HappyPlace Mom says
That’s good advice!
Adele Peters says
Can I used unsweetened almond milk in stead of whole milk
HappyPlace Mom says
Absolutely! I use it all the time!
Dee says
what can I use in place of chia seeds?
HappyPlace Mom says
You can leave them out! It will not change the recipe
Ella says
Yum! I need to make these for work.
Ella says
I need to make these I am terrible at eating breakfast.
Mary says
Need to try these out for breakfast.
Donna says
It’s a good recipe.
I replaced the chia seeds with flax seeds. I think next time, I will add a banana for part or all of the applesauce.