Indulge in Decadence with Chocolate Cherry Vegan Baked Oatmeal
Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a luxurious and indulgent treat? Look no further than this delectable Chocolate Cherry Vegan Baked Oatmeal! Bursting with the rich flavors of chocolate and sweet cherries, this wholesome dish is perfect for satisfying your morning cravings. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible breakfast delight.
Chocolate Cherry Vegan Baked Oatmeal is a delightful twist on traditional oatmeal, combining the comforting goodness of oats with the decadent flavors of chocolate and cherries. This recipe takes baked oatmeal to a whole new level, transforming it into a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekend mornings. With its wholesome ingredients and irresistible taste, this dish is sure to become a breakfast favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons flax seed meal
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1/4 cup vegan buttery spread
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups gluten-free oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with vegan buttery spread or coconut oil.
- Prepare the Flax Egg:
- In a small bowl, combine the flax seed meal and water. Stir well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens and forms a gel-like consistency. This will serve as your vegan egg substitute.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegan buttery spread, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- Add the gluten-free oats, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold the halved cherries and vegan chocolate chips into the oat mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm, topped with your favorite vegan yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Make it Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit the coconut oil and use additional vegan buttery spread instead. You can also swap out the almond milk for another non-dairy milk alternative, such as oat milk or soy milk.
- Add Nutritional Boosts: To add extra nutrition to your baked oatmeal, consider incorporating some superfood ingredients such as chia seeds, hemp hearts, or ground flax seeds.
- Customize the Flavors: Get creative with your flavor combinations by adding different mix-ins such as sliced bananas, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless!
Keto Version:
- Keto-Friendly Option: While this recipe is not inherently keto-friendly due to the presence of oats and maple syrup, you can make some adjustments to create a lower-carb version. Substitute the maple syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener such as stevia or erythritol, and replace the oats with shredded coconut or almond flour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cherries? A: Either fresh or frozen cherries will work well in this recipe. If using frozen cherries, be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the oat mixture.
Q: Can I prepare this oatmeal in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal mixture in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Simply bake it in the morning as directed.
Q: Can I omit the chocolate chips? A: Of course! If you prefer a less sweet option or want to reduce the overall sugar content, feel free to omit the chocolate chips altogether. You can also substitute them with chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Cherry Vegan Baked Oatmeal is a delightful breakfast treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a wholesome start to your day. With its rich chocolate flavor, juicy cherries, and hearty oats, this dish offers the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a delicious morning pick-me-up, this recipe is guaranteed to please. So why wait? Give it a try and experience the joy of Chocolate Cherry Vegan Baked Oatmeal for yourself!
