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Decadent Dark Cherry Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe with Easy Black Cherry Compote

dark cherry chocolate baked oats - featured image

A rich and indulgent baked oats recipe combining dark chocolate chunks with a tart black cherry compote, perfect for a cozy breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (90g)
  • 3.5 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped into chunks
  • 1 cup black cherries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or almond milk)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil, melted
  • For the black cherry compote:
  • 1 cup black cherries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your ramekins or baking dish with butter or coconut oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the black cherry compote: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup black cherries, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons water. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to evenly distribute.
  4. Whisk the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil until smooth.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick but scoopable.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chunks: Gently stir in the chopped dark chocolate, saving a few pieces to sprinkle on top.
  7. Assemble: Spoon half the oat batter into your prepared ramekins or baking dish. Add a generous spoonful of black cherry compote over the oats, then top with the remaining batter. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chunks on top.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the oats are set, golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
  9. Cool briefly: Let the baked oats cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve: Top with extra black cherry compote or a dollop of yogurt, if desired.

Notes

Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before baking to absorb liquid for creamier texture. Toss chocolate chunks in a little flour or oats before folding in to prevent sinking. If compote is too thick, stir in a splash of water before layering. Avoid overbaking to prevent dry oats. Can prepare the night before and refrigerate, adding a few extra minutes to baking time if chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked oats, dark chocolate, black cherry compote, breakfast, brunch, healthy dessert, gluten-free option, dairy-free option