This Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal is soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter and chocolate flavor. Add a drizzle of honey while it's warm for the best breakfast treat ever!
The post for peanut butter chocolate chip baked oatmeal was first published in January 2015. It was updated and republished in January 2020.
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I enjoy oatmeal and overnight oats, but I like them better when they are baked. The first one I ever made was baked Biscoff oatmeal, and I loved its soft texture. It was like a soft oatmeal bar instead of a gooey bowl of thick oats. Somehow, I completely forgot about it until I was looking through some of my old breakfast recipes recently.
One of my favorite school lunches was peanut butter and honey sandwiches. The honey would soak into the bread and harden slightly by lunchtime, and I thought that was the best thing ever. That memory is what inspired this pan of oatmeal.
The peanut butter and applesauce give the oats plenty of flavor and fat without needing any butter or oil. Of course I had to add chocolate chips because chocolate makes everything better.
My favorite way to eat this warm peanut butter oatmeal is with a drizzle of honey and some ripe bananas. The honey soaks into the warm oats and the chocolate chips get all melty. Trust me, it's absolutely amazing!
Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bake
- No butter or oil. Peanut butter and applesauce provide sweetness and fat.
- Chocolate for breakfast. The little chips mix into the batter and melt as the oatmeal bakes. Trust me, chocolate for breakfast is always a good idea!
- Enjoy it warm or cold. It's soft and chewy straight from the fridge, almost like a soft granola bar. But warm it up and add honey for an amazing treat.
- Perfect for meal prep. Make a pan on Sunday, and enjoy an easy breakfast all week long.
Main Ingredients
This easy baked oatmeal recipe uses simple ingredients found in most kitchens. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the exact amounts.
- Peanut Butter: I prefer to use creamy peanut butter, but crunchy is fine too. Almond butter or another nut butter also works.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness. If you don't have applesauce, use one large egg instead.
- Brown Sugar: A little adds a bit more sweet flavor. You can also use honey or your favorite sugar substitute.
- Baking Powder: Provides a little lift as it bakes.
- Salt, Vanilla Extract, and Cinnamon: Add a warm, cozy flavor.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: I love the chewy texture that rolled oats give this baked oatmeal. You can use quick oats, but the texture will be softer.
- Milk: I usually use 2% or fat-free milk, but any kind will work.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Add little pockets of melty chocolate in every bite. They are optional, but I recommend adding them. You can also use fresh berries or chopped nuts instead.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey over a warm square is my favorite way to serve this oatmeal bake. It soaks in and tastes amazing. Maple syrup is another great option.
How To Make Baked Peanut Butter Oatmeal
In just a few minutes, you can have this peanut butter oat bake ready to go into the oven. Follow our easy steps to make a breakfast treat your whole family will enjoy.
- Make the base. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, applesauce, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add the dry ingredients. Stir in the oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Pour in the milk and mix until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, then spread the oatmeal mixture into a prepared baking dish.
- Bake. Place the pan in a preheated oven and bake until the top is set and lightly golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with fresh fruit. Banana slices, fresh blueberries, or sliced strawberries add a pretty pop of color.
- Serve with a smoothie. Enjoy a peanut butter banana smoothie on the side for a filling breakfast.
- Add a spoonful of jam. We love adding this strawberry chia jam for a peanut butter and jelly twist.
BruCrew Tips
- Don't overbake it. The oatmeal may look a little soft when you pull it out, but trust me. It will firm up as it cools and stay soft and chewy.
- Change the flavor. Swap the chocolate chips for fresh berries or chopped nuts.
- Make it ahead. Bake the pan the night before, and enjoy squares all week.
- Bake individual oatmeal cups. Divide the batter into 8 muffin liners and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Storing and Freezing
Keep the oatmeal covered at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm individual squares in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, then drizzle with honey.
These squares freeze really well too. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight when you are ready to serve them.
Other Baked Oatmeal Recipes
- Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal
- Berry Baked Oatmeal
- Raspberry Apple Baked Oatmeal
- Banana Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal
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Recipe
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal
This Peanut Butter Baked Oatmeal is soft, chewy, and packed with peanut butter and chocolate flavor. Add a drizzle of honey while it's warm for the best breakfast treat ever!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups old fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup milk (fat free)
- ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips + extra for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8x8 pan with nonstick baking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, applesauce, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Stir in the oats, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder. Add the oats mixture and milk alternately to the peanut butter mixture.
- Stir in the chocolate chips gently. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Cut into 9 squares. Serve warm with honey and extra chocolate chips.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 242Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 229mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 3gSugar: 12gProtein: 7g
rose333 says
Would a natural peanut butter work in this recipe?
Jocelyn says
I haven't tried it with natural peanut butter, but I think it would be fine.
Jane says
I cannot tell you just how many times I've made this since I first discovered this recipe four years ago! I even found a way to bring this camping over the summer (my friend invites me often, she has a trailer and I do NOT say no lol) What I do is make a double batch of the recipe, bake them in my silicone muffin liners and pop them in the freezer when cool. Then I just pop out what I need for the time up there and by the time I get there they have thawed and ready to eat.
Jocelyn says
I'm thrilled you have been enjoying this recipe for years. And thank you for sharing how you make and freeze it for future meals. I love knowing that it holds up in the freezer so well.
Haley says
We make these all the time and my whole family loves them!! We normally finish them so quickly, but are unable to this time and I was wondering if you’ve ever tried freezing them?
Thank you for the yummy recipe! 😊
Jocelyn says
We have never had extra either, so I have not tried freezing this oatmeal. But I think it would work just fine. Place it in single serving bags and then thaw out in the fridge overnight when you want to serve it.
Johnson says
Hello, I have a question. I really want to make this but I don't have applesauce. Can I just substitute 1/4 cup of sugar?
Jocelyn says
The applesauce replaces an egg. If you don't have applesauce use 1 egg to make the baked oatmeal. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Diane says
My teenage son is trying to gain weight and was looking for a healthy higher calorie breakfast (I cut into 4 servings and the PB helps bump up the calories). I made this and after his first bite he looked at me skeptically and asked if it was actually healthy!😀😀 Big hit! I bake large batches, wrap individual servings in plastic wrap for freezing. He just takes out the night before and has a tasty breakfast waiting for him.
Jane says
I'm one of "those" people who can barely function enough to turn the coffee maker on when I wake up so I'm always on the hunt for those easy make ahead and reheat recipes. I made this tonight for dinner....yes, I love breakfast for dinner lol....and I followed your recipe to the letter with one exception - I forgot the cinnamon. I took your suggestion and drizzled it with honey and holy crap, I had to stop myself from eating half the pan! This is sooo good and it was dang easy to make too. I think in the morning I may top it with some sliced banana before the honey - peanut butter and banana was always a favorite of mine when I was growing up. I can see myself making this at least once a week! Thank you for this recipe!
Jessica says
I just made this, and it is delicious! I did have to make a few changes (only because I didn't have a few of the ingredients, I try to always follow the recipe as written first) I used melted Smart Balance in place of applesauce and Cashew milk in place of skim. This will make a perfect breakfast for those mornings where I'm in a hurry. Thanks so much for this recipe!
Jocelyn says
I am so glad to hear even with the substitutions that it was good! It is a great breakfast to have ready for those busy mornings!
Carla says
I don't use sugar is there comparable substitute for it?
Jocelyn says
Haha! Well, I only use sugar, so I'm not totally sure. I think you could substitute either a sugar substitute or just use 1/4 cup of honey in place of the sugar. Maybe even just 1/4 cup banana would work...keep me posted if you try!
Kate says
This looks amazing! Would love to make it for Christmas AM but would need to do it ahead of time. Does it come out ok if you make it the day before & bake in the morning?
Jocelyn says
I would make and bake it the day ahead. Just heat it up in the microwave the next morning. Have a Merry Christmas!
Kate says
Thank you, followed your advice and it was a huge hit! We're not much of a honey family so I pulled out the can of whipped cream and let the kids add their own - instant classic!!
Jocelyn says
That's awesome to hear! I'm glad your family enjoyed it. And I love that you let them create their own with whipped cream...sounds amazing!!!
Loni says
Holy cow! I just made this for the second time and I had forgotten how delicious it is. I like the fact that it has less sugar than coffee cakes & muffins, and that it has whole grains and protein. My carbitarian daughter likes the fact that it tastes like a Reese's PB cup. Win-win! We're all scooting out the door happy today!
Jocelyn says
Woo hoo! I am so glad you made it again and love it still. And now I'm totally craving a pan...
Barb says
These were quit tasty. Not sure of the calories, but would make them again. They are so good when warm. Would be something to take to work for mid morning break. Thanks for sharing.
Chels+R. says
This looks FAN-TASTIC! I love oats everything so I need to make this.