Chocolate cherry baked oatmeal is the perfect mix of indulgence and nourishment. Loaded with juicy cherries, dark chocolate, and hearty oats, this baked oatmeal is a comforting yet nutritious breakfast or snack. The combination of coconut and banana adds sweetness, while chia seeds and milk keep it moist and packed with protein.
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Why you'll love this recipe
Cherry ripe. Bursting with cherry, coconut and chocolate, this cherry baked oatmeal is the breakfast version of my Cherry Ripe Balls or Cherry Ripe Slice.
Hearty. This baked oatmeal recipe is a warm, cozy option for breakfast that can be added to your collection of Almond Croissant Baked Oatmeal and Biscoff and Raspberry Baked Oats.
Festive. Cherries are in season in Australia during the festive season, so this recipe is perfect alongside other festive goods like Gingerbread Truffles or a Homemade Pavlova Wreath.
Ingredients
Rolled oats. The base of this chocolate cherry baked oatmeal, offering a hearty and chewy texture, can be swapped for quick oats (however this changes the texture and amount of liquid that is absorbed)
Flour. The base of the recipe, helping to give it a cake feel.
Desiccated coconut. Enhances the oatmeal with a subtle coconut flavour, reminding you of a cherry ripe flavoured treat.
Protein powder. Optional for a nutritional boost.
Banana & Egg. These ingredients naturally bind the ingredients together, with the banana slightly sweetening the baked oatmeal. You can substitute the banana for an additional egg (I've done it in my Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal), or vice versa.
Chia seeds: Optional for added fiber and texture. I prefer the texture of baked oatmeal (and Overnight Oats) with the chia seeds, but it's up to you whether you want to add.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the batter; can be substituted with almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based alternative.
Cherries: The star ingredient, bringing juicy bursts of flavour; use fresh, frozen, canned or even dried cherries if needed.
Dark chocolate: An optional topping for a rich finish, though you can swap it for white chocolate, milk chocolate, or omit entirely.
Please check the recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantity. See below for substitutions and variations.
How to make baked oatmeal with cherries
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, desiccated coconut, protein powder (if using), chia seeds until evenly mixed.
Add mashed banana, egg, milk and cherries.
Don't worry about the cherries breaking apart as this helps contribute to the red colour.
Step 2: Grease or line a baking dish, then pour the mixture in, spreading it evenly with a spoon or spatula.
Step 3: Add dark chocolate chips on top (or you can drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top after it's cooked).
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30-50 minutes (depending on whether you prefer it more moist or cakey).
Step 5: Let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before slicing into portions. Serve warm or at room temperature, with extra cherries, dark chocolate or a dollop of yoghurt if desired.
Top Tips
Ripe Banana: Use a ripe banana for natural sweetness and a softer texture. If your banana isn't ripe enough, microwave it for a few seconds to soften.
Frozen Cherries: If using frozen cherries, thaw and pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent extra moisture from making the oats soggy.
Portion Control: Bake the mixture in a muffin tin instead of a large dish for pre-portioned servings—perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Substitutions and variations
Protein. Protein powder can be omitted and replaced with an equivalent amount of almond flour, oat flour, or regular flour for a consistent texture.
Coconut. The desiccated coconut can be left out and substituted with extra flour or additional rolled oats for a similar texture.
Banana/Egg. Both banana and egg serve as binders in this recipe and can be swapped for each other, or replaced with applesauce, mashed pumpkin, or a flaxseed "egg."
Cherries. Cherries can be used fresh, frozen, canned (drained), or even dried. You'll want them to be pitted before adding to the mixture (which is why my preference is frozen as they're pre-pitted).
You may need to adjust for moisture depending on the juiciness of the variety you choose. If the batter is quite moist, either increase the cooking time, or add more dry ingredients.
Serve with
Yoghurt. A dollop of Greek or coconut yoghurt will add creaminess and balances the sweetness from the cherries.
Fresh fruit. Top with extra fresh cherries, sliced banana or even a handful of mixed berries. You could also try with some Homemade Raspberry Chia Jam for something different.
Granola. Sprinkle some Gingerbread Granola on top for added texture and flavour.
Meal prep and leftovers
Meal prepping chocolate cherry baked oatmeal is a great way to ensure a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack is always ready to go. You can portion it out in advance for grab-and-go convenience or bake it fresh for the week ahead.
Storing
Store baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep individual servings wrapped or in small containers for easy access.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Freezing
To freeze, cut the baked oatmeal into portions, wrap tightly in parchment/baking paper, foil, or in a ziplock bag or vacuum sealer bag. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For extra flavour, add a drizzle of yogurt or fresh cherries before serving.
If you want more meal prep information, check out my Meal Prep for Beginners post and my Meal Prep Basics E-Book.
FAQs
Yes, fresh cherries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just pit and halve them before adding. Canned or dried cherries are also great alternatives.
You can substitute the banana with unsweetened applesauce, mashed sweet potato, or an extra egg if you're not avoiding eggs.
Absolutely! Try Baked Zucchini Oatmeal, Pumpkin Baked Oats, Orange Poppyseed, Peanut Butter and Chocolate, or even a Carrot Cake Baked Oats - plus, lots more!
Other Breakfast Meal Preps
Or, you can have a browse through my Breakfast Category for more delicious eats.
Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 170 g (2 cups) rolled oats
- 60 g (½ cup) flour
- 55 g (½ cup) protein powder optional, see Note 1
- 30 g (¼ cup) desiccated coconut see Note 2
- 1 banana mashed, substitutions Note 3
- 1 egg substitutions Note 3
- 40 g (¼ cup) chia seeds optional but recommended
- 250 ml (1 cup) milk substitutions note 4
- 125 g (1 cup) cherries fresh or frozen, pitted
- 50 g dark chocolate for topping, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the rolled oats, almond flour, desiccated coconut, protein powder (if using), and chia seeds until evenly combined.
- Stir in the mashed banana, egg, milk, and cherries.
- Grease or line a baking dish, pour the mixture in and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top or save melted dark chocolate to drizzle over after baking.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30–50 minutes (See Note 5 for baking tips)
- Let the baked oatmeal cool slightly before slicing into portions. Melt chocolate and drizzle over top.
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