Nutella-Inspired Baked Oats

Make these Nutella-Inspired Baked Oats for a quick, easy breakfast throughout the week. Fiber-rich oats become chewy and tender by soaking up the cocoa-rich milk and egg mixture that’s sweetened with a touch of pure maple syrup and ripe banana. Toasted hazelnuts bring their healthy fats and the perfect amount of crunch, while chocolate-hazelnut spread gives this healthy breakfast creation a touch of a dessert feel. Keep reading for our expert tips, including which ingredients can be substituted.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

• For sweeter, more flavorful baked oats, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots on the skin. You can mash them in a blender for a completely smooth texture if you wish.
• To easily swirl your Nutella into the mixture, warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
• If you don’t have Nutella, you can substitute any chocolate-hazelnut spread. You can also mix almond or peanut butter with cocoa powder and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
• To deepen the chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder or a shot of cooled espresso. Don’t worry, it won’t make the oats taste like coffee.

Nutrition Notes

• Oats are a whole grain and are naturally gluten-free (though some are processed on machines that share gluten grains, so check the label if you’re gluten-sensitive). They’re high in soluble fiber, which has been connected with lowering cholesterol levels. They also provide energy-boosting carbohydrates and some plant protein.
• Milk adds its protein and calcium, which are great for healthy muscles and bones. There is evidence that regularly drinking milk may boost heart and brain health, too.
• Bananas bring their natural sweetness to these oats, plus they’re a good source of gut-loving fiber and carbohydrates. Their potassium may help lower blood pressure and is necessary for a healthy heart and muscles. Bananas also add inflammation-fighting antioxidants to these oats.
• Chocolate-hazelnut spread is typically made with sugar, milk, cocoa and hazelnuts as its primary ingredients, with sugar being the first ingredient. This means it adds quite a bit of added sugar, so we use this spread sparingly in these oats, with just enough to get that classic chocolate-hazelnut taste. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could make your own Healthy Homemade Nutella. It’s sweetened with dates and maple syrup, and comes in at just 3 grams of added sugar compared to Nutella’s 19 grams.