The rich, decadent flavor of the cocoa powder contrasts beautifully with the sweet ripened bananas. Using almond milk keeps the oatmeal creamy and comforting, and finishing it with chocolate chips gives it a lovely melted finish. Toasted walnuts make a simple, crunchy accompaniment.
Jump to Recipe“Hot Chocolate” Banana-Nut Oatmeal Recipe Ingredients
- 2 cups plain almond milk
- 2 fully-ripened large bananas (1 1/2 diced and 1/2 thinly sliced crosswise)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- 1/3 cup toasted and chopped walnuts
- Pinch ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips

How To Make “Hot Chocolate” Banana-Nut Oatmeal Recipe
- Combine and boil: Bring the almond milk, 1 3/4 cups water, the diced bananas, almond and vanilla extracts, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat.
- Simmer the oats: Stir in the oats, cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon of the honey. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the oats are fully cooked to your desired consistency, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Assemble and garnish: Transfer the cooked oatmeal into 4 bowls. Top evenly with the sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey, a pinch of cinnamon, and the chocolate chips.
- Serve: Serve the bowls immediately while the chocolate chips are still melting into the warm oats.

Recipe Tips
- How to get the creamiest texture: Use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats; the longer cook time allows the starch to release, creating a much richer consistency.
- How to naturally sweeten the oats: Ensure your bananas are fully ripened with brown spots on the skin. These are sweeter and mash into the boiling liquid more easily.
- Can I use different milk: Yes, while almond milk adds a subtle nutty note, you can use oat milk for extra creaminess or dairy milk if preferred.
- How to toast walnuts at home: Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they smell fragrant and look slightly golden.
What To Serve With “Hot Chocolate” Banana-Nut Oatmeal Recipe?
This “Hot Chocolate” Banana-Nut Oatmeal Recipe is a decadent breakfast that needs a refreshing finish! A side of Greek Yogurt with Berries is the classic choice to add a bit of protein and tartness. For a lighter touch, a Glass of Cold-Pressed Orange Juice adds a lovely citrus brightness that contrasts with the rich chocolate! A hot Espresso or a Latte pairs wonderfully with the sweet, nutty flavors of the oats.

How To Store “Hot Chocolate” Banana-Nut Oatmeal Recipe
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, add a splash of almond milk or water and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to restore the creamy texture.
“Hot Chocolate” Banana-Nut Oatmeal Recipe Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Protein: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
You can, but it will thicken significantly as it sits. If making it for meal prep, wait to add the toppings until you are ready to eat, and stir in extra liquid when reheating.
Yes, if you use agave nectar instead of honey and ensure your semi-sweet chocolate chips are dairy-free, this entire meal is plant-based.
Oatmeal continues to absorb liquid as it cools. If it becomes too stiff, simply whisk in a tablespoon of almond milk at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
“Hot Chocolate” Banana-Nut Oatmeal Recipe
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes10
minutes340
kcalCreamy cocoa-infused rolled oats simmered with almond milk and diced bananas, topped with toasted walnuts and melty chocolate chips.
Ingredients
2 cups almond milk
2 large ripe bananas
1/4 tsp almond and vanilla extracts
2 cups rolled oats
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp honey
1/3 cup walnuts
Chocolate chips and cinnamon
Directions
- Boil almond milk, water, diced bananas, and extracts in a large saucepan.
- Stir in oats, cocoa, and 1 tbsp honey; simmer on medium for 6-7 minutes.
- Stir frequently until thickened to your liking.
- Divide into bowls and top with sliced bananas, nuts, remaining honey, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
Notes
- Use fully-ripened bananas for the best natural sweetness.
- Stir frequently to prevent the cocoa from sticking to the pan.
- Add extra almond milk if the oatmeal gets too thick.
