You will feel like a kid again when you grab a spoonful of gluten free chocolate steel cut oats. Plus, eating a bowl of stovetop steel cut oats is a fantastic way to warm up on a chilly winter day. Even my kids will ask me to make this recipe time and time again because it has become a household favorite.
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When I was growing up, we would always eat oatmeal for breakfast. Once we started eating gluten free, I was worried I was going to have to give up the breakfast that I grew up enjoying.
Every bite of this healthy chocolate oatmeal is filled with chocolaty steel-cut oats that are slightly sweetened with coconut sugar. The texture is chewy, goodness that you can’t get enough of. If you love breakfast as much as we do, you may want to check out all of my delicious gluten free breakfast recipes.
Why you need to try this recipe:
Well, my kids would say because it is chocolate for breakfast, LOL. Honestly, a big warm bowl of warm chocolate steel-cut oats is so good...and this is a healthy breakfast recipe! Kids love it, and it is ready in about 20 minutes!
During my journey of eating gluten free, I have found that you don’t have to give up your favorite foods; you just have to adjust how they are made. Here is a guide to help you through the process as well. Gluten Free Pantry Essentials and Equipment Recommendations will get you started.
Ready to make this easy gluten free healthy chocolate oats breakfast? First, you will need to go shopping and get the ingredients.
Ingredient notes:
- Gluten free steel cut oats - I knew how easily oats could be cross-contaminated with wheat. It is super important that you buy certified gluten free oats! There are several brands that sell certified gluten free oats; I like Bob's Red Mill and the ones at Trader Joe's. Eating oatmeal has me beyond thrilled that I could still enjoy this comfort food.
- Cocoa powder - Most brands are gluten free, but always check the ingredients just to be sure.
Recipe step-by-step directions:
Grab your bag of steel-cut oats, a pot with a lid, and water.
Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Step 2: Add 1 ¾ cups steel-cut oats, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, ¼ cup maple syrup, vanilla, and a dash of salt. Stir it all together.
Step 3: Turn the temperature way down to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ:
Oatmeal can be one of those foods that can be very confusing when you eat a gluten free diet. I wanted to go over a few essential tips and answer some questions people often have about eating oats.
Yes, oatmeal is naturally gluten free. The issue is that the oatmeal can easily be contaminated with wheat, barley, and rye. They are often made in the same facilities as foods that contain those items, so it makes sense that they can come in contact with each other. To stay safe, you should only purchase oats that have been certified gluten free.
Yes, you can make steel-cut oats ahead of time and eat them at a later day. If you are planning to make extra steel cut oats, just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can eat them throughout the week, and the texture becomes even creamier.
Cooked oats will last about four days in the fridge. Freezing steel-cut oats is another option. Flash freeze them in a muffin tin for one hour, then when they are solid pop them out and place them in a freezer bag.
You can make these vegan chocolate steel-cut oats dairy-free by adjusting the milk. You can use almond, flaxseed, cashew, or soy milk. Many oat milk will also work, but you need to make sure they are certified gluten free to ensure it was not made with regular oats.
More easy gluten free breakfast ideas:
- Grab N Go Gluten Free Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Paleo Breakfast Muffins
- Simple Gluten Free Strawberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- The Best Overnight Oats
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 ¾ cups steel cut oats
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- dash of salt
Instructions
- Bring the water to boil in a pot.
- Add in oats, cocoa, syrup, salt, and vanilla. Cover and cook on low.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Top with your favorite nondairy milk and almonds.
Notes
- If you are Celiac, it is critical that you use certified gluten free oats.
- If you like your oatmeal creamier, feel free to add more liquid while cooking the oats.
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
Fearless Dining
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Becky
My husband and I really enjoyed the chocolate oatmeal. This worked great with all of my dietary restrictions and was a tasty treat!
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad you both love this recipe. Thank you so much for coming back to let everyone know :-).
Melissa
Does anyone know got to assist this for the instant pot?
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Melissa, I have an Instant Pot, but I don't use it often so I am unable to advise. I suspect you need more liquid because of the higher temperatures.
Bets29
My favorite oats - Steel Cut. And Now with Chocolate - Yummy
Sandi Gaertner
LOL chocolate for breakfast is right up our alley too 🙂
Damaries Dee
Can I make this recipe with regular gluten free oats?
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Damaries, you can easily use rolled oats, but the cook time will be a lot shorter.
Jules Shepard
Okay - so I might make these right now! They look delicious and my chocolate loving family will be all over it! Can not wait to give them a try!
Sandi Gaertner
I hope you like this as much as we do 🙂
Alisa Fleming
Now this is how I could get my husband to eat oats! This looks like dessert, but I certainly wouldn't feel guilty devouring it in the morning.
Sandi Gaertner
LOL, chocolate to the rescue!!
Joanie
This is a healthy and wonderfully sweet breakfast my entire family loves! So easy and absolutely delicious.
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad you like it Joanie 🙂
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
I love steel cut oats, I've never made them with chocolate but I bet it's going to be delicious! Can't wait to try them!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Shadi.
Erin Dee
You had me at chocolate!! What a delicious way to start the day!
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad...hope you all get a chance to make this for breakfast soon!