Chocolate Banana Oatmeal

Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast? This chocolate banana oatmeal is a healthy, naturally sweetened, high-fiber, 10-minute breakfast you can whip up any day of the week.

I know what you are thinking; how on earth is she recommending chocolate for breakfast? I get it, but it’s not as odd as you may think. Chocolate itself is not necessarily unhealthy, rather, the format that it comes in can be. Chocolate bars and products made of processed cacao with tons of added sugar are certainly less than ideal, but using a cacao or cocoa powder in cooking or baking is just like using any other spice. Although cacao and cocoa are heavily debated in the nutrition community, I think both can be a healthy choice.

Cacao is the most natural form of chocolate, also known as the cacao bean. Once harvested, cacao beans are fermented and roasted (much like coffee) before being further processed to create chocolate products. Cacao powder is derived directly from the cacao bean, while cocoa powder is cacao that has been roasted at a high temperature which causes damage to some of its natural antioxidant properties. Unfortunately, these terms are often used interchangeably by manufacturers making things confusing for consumers, but both can be a healthy choice when you opt for high-quality versions with no additives or added sugar.

Believe it or not, cacao powder (or cocoa) is a natural source of fat and protein, so a little sprinkle into your oatmeal can help to create a delicious and well-balanced meal of this chocolate banana oatmeal.

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal

Author: Stephanie Kay

I made my chocolate banana oatmeal with water, however, whole milk, almond milk and coconut milk would all work just fine. Plus, if you can’t find cacao powder, cocoa powder would just as well!

• Author: Stephanie Kay
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Breakfast

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 1/4 cups water or milk of your choice
• 2 teaspoons cacao powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 1 banana, sliced

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Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine rolled oats, water/milk, cacao powder, vanilla extract and sea salt, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce to a simmer and cook on low heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until all of the liquid has been absorbed and oats are tender.
3. Once cooked, transfer oatmeal to a bowl, drizzle with maple syrup and top with sliced banana.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 304 calories
• Sugar: 22 grams
• Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 65 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Protein: 7 grams