Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is a delicious treat that brings together the heartiness of oats with the sweet freshness of strawberries and the rich comfort of melted chocolate. It’s soft,…

By Willow • February 1, 2026 • Reading time: 5 min

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Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal is a delicious treat that brings together the heartiness of oats with the sweet freshness of strawberries and the rich comfort of melted chocolate. It’s soft, warm, and just the right balance of fruity and chocolatey flavors that make breakfast feel special without any extra fuss.

I love making this baked oatmeal because it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl. The strawberries add a juicy surprise in every bite, and the chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets that I can’t resist. One tip I have is to use fresh strawberries when they’re in season—they really brighten up the whole dish and make it taste even better.

This baked oatmeal works perfectly on lazy weekend mornings when I have a little extra time to enjoy breakfast. I like to eat it straight from the oven, maybe with a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt on top. It’s also great for meal prep because it reheats well and keeps me full and happy for hours.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats can get too mushy. Steel-cut oats aren’t great here because they take longer to cook.

Sweetener: Brown sugar adds a rich flavor, but maple syrup or honey work well too. For less sugar, reduce the amount or try mashed banana as a natural sweetener.

Milk: Dairy milk is classic, but almond, oat, or soy milk make good dairy-free alternatives. Just pick unsweetened varieties to control sugar levels.

Strawberries: Fresh is best, especially in season for vibrant flavor. Frozen can work if fresh aren’t available—just thaw and drain them to avoid extra moisture.

Chocolate Chips: Semisweet are perfect for balancing sweetness. Dark chocolate can add a richer note, and dairy-free chips make it vegan-friendly.

How Do I Get the Right Texture for Baked Oatmeal?

Getting baked oatmeal soft but not soggy can be tricky. Here’s how I handle it for a perfect result:

• Use rolled oats for the right chew.
• Make sure your wet-to-dry ratio is right—measure carefully.
• Don’t over-stir the batter to keep oats from breaking down too much.
• Bake uncovered so the top gets slightly golden and the edges crisp.
• Let it cool a bit before serving; it firms up and slices better.

Following these tips helps create a warm, creamy baked oatmeal with a lovely texture that holds strawberries and melted chocolate nicely.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking dish – perfect size for even baking and easy portioning.
• Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet; makes mixing simple and mess-free.
• Whisk – helps blend liquid ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts so your oatmeal turns out just right.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – great for folding the ingredients gently without breaking fruit.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist that still pairs well with chocolate.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch and extra protein.
• Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty flavor that complements chocolate.
• Use white chocolate chips instead of dark or semisweet for a sweeter, creamier bite.

Chocolate Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Oatmeal:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
• Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. So, plan for roughly 50 minutes total, perfect for a leisurely morning!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish so your oatmeal doesn’t stick.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar or maple syrup, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and if you like, chia or flaxseeds. Stir them well so everything’s evenly spread.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted coconut oil or butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine Everything:

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until all the oats are moist and the mixture is fully combined.

5. Layer the Oatmeal and Toppings:

Pour half of the oat mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half the sliced strawberries and chocolate chips over this layer. Then, add the rest of the oat mixture on top. Finally, spread the remaining strawberries and chocolate chips evenly over the surface.

6. Bake and Serve:

Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the oatmeal is set and the top is lightly golden. Take it out and let it cool for about 5 minutes so it firms up a little. If you want, drizzle some melted chocolate or maple syrup over the top before serving to add extra sweetness.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding to avoid making the oatmeal too soggy.

Is There a Vegan Option for This Recipe?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water), and swap butter for coconut oil.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to keep it moist.

Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts?

Definitely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds make excellent additions or substitutions for strawberries and add great texture.