This healthy chocolate banana oatmeal is naturally sweetened with banana. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's a quick and delicious chocolatey treat to start the day! (gluten-free)
This post has been written and medically reviewed by Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist).
You don't have to choose between a healthy breakfast and a fun, indulgent treat for you and your little one - with this naturally sweetened chocolate banana oatmeal, you can start your day with both! Don't sentence your baby or toddler to plain ol' oatmeal when you can offer them delicious flavors (and it still be nutritious)! Since it has no added sugar, it's appropriate for event the youngest eaters.
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Why You'll Love This Banana Chocolate Oatmeal
When you want a sweet treat that's still healthy for breakfast, this is the oatmeal for you! Just a few of the reasons to love it:
- Healthy, wholesome, and naturally sweetened with just banana - no added sugar!
- High in protein and fiber
- Ready in 10 minutes with just one pan
- Great texture for baby led weaning and toddlers
- Delicious for the whole family - and easily scaleable for more servings!
Ingredients
- Very ripe banana - The riper (browner), the more natural sweetness it will add.
- Milk - Use any kind of milk you like - cow's milk or non-dairy.
- Cocoa powder - Make sure it's unsweetened.
- Oats - Use rolled or old fashioned oats. Buy certified gluten-free if necessary.
- Salt - Optional, for little ones over 12 months, but a tiny pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor!
Step by Step Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mash the banana well until it is no longer chunky.
- Whisk in the milk, cocoa, and salt, if you're using it. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Stir in the oats.
- Once the mixture returns to a boil, turn the heat to low and simmer, stirring, until the oats are soft and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Look for bananas that are brown or at least spotty - they'll be the sweetest. Try to mash them up well so that they mix in easily and you don't have banana chunks in your oatmeal.
- If you prefer, you can use half milk/half water. You can also use all water, but the oatmeal won't be as creamy.
- Be careful not to scorch the milk while bringing it to a boil - avoid high heat!
- If you're serving a baby, you can leave out the salt. It does enhance the chocolate flavor nicely! (You can read my stance on salt for babies here.)
- If you want a little extra sweetness for adults or older children, feel free to stir a few chocolate chips or a drizzle of maple syrup into individual bowls while still warm.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to thin it out just a bit.
How To Serve It for Baby Led Weaning
Serve this oatmeal in a suction bowl or suction plate with a rim for baby led weaning babies, and let them get messy with hands or utensils. You can also load it onto a soft spoon and hand the spoon to baby or place the spoon on baby's tray for self-feeding.
A great way to serve leftovers to baby is to roll the cooled oatmeal into balls that baby can pick up and eat!
More Delicious Baby and Toddler Friendly Oatmeal Recipes
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No Sugar Chocolate Banana Oatmeal
This healthy chocolate banana oatmeal is naturally sweetened with banana. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's a quick and delicious chocolatey treat to start the day! (gluten-free)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 adult serving or 2 baby servings 1x
- Category: breakfast
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ medium very ripe banana
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup rolled oats
- pinch salt *see notes
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mash the banana really well until it's no longer chunky.
- Whisk in the milk, cocoa powder, and salt, if using.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat to a boil, careful not to scorch the milk.
- Stir in the oats. Once simmering again, reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring, until the oats are soft and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Let cool to an appropriate temperature before serving to babies or toddlers!
Notes
- Salt - a tiny pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor, but you can leave it out for babies under 12 months.
- Extra sweetness - if you need a little extra sweetness for adults or older kiddos, stir in a few chocolate chips or a drizzle of maple syrup to individual bowls of cooked oatmeal while still hot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk.
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