From The Exclusive Collection of FREE Plant-Based Recipes
By Plant-Based Nutrition Professional Chef Susy • Designed For Effortless Weight Loss & Weight Maintenance
Low-Calorie Vegan Banana Cocoa Oats
Craving a chocolatey treat that won't sabotage your diet? Look no further than these low-calorie banana cocoa oats. This delicious and satisfying breakfast is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and is perfect for busy mornings.
Prep Time: 5 Mins | Total Time: 5 Mins
Servings: Adjustable
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I start around 70% of my mornings with oats—no exaggeration here! Chocolate orange oats, or overnight mocha oats, or apple and cinnamon oats, and now my new favourite, the low-calorie banana cocoa oats. I’m absolutely obsessed. And I don’t think the obsession will go away any time soon. 🤷🏻♀️
There’s just something so special about starting my day with a bowl of oatmeal goodness. It’s like one of those little things to look forward to every morning—and today, I want to share the absolute bliss of these vegan banana cocoa oats with you.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Perfect Breakfast
Breakfast is, without a doubt in my view, the most important meal of the day. It needs to be nutritious—and, of course, delicious and quick to make.
You don’t want to gobble down a bland bowl of porridge when you’re already cranky, do you?
Plant-based banana cocoa oats are the perfect solution. It’s a nutrient-rich meal packed with gluten-free, low-calorie, and vegan deliciousness. And what’s the secret to this recipe? 6 basic ingredients and 3 simple steps: mix, mash, and heat.
Takes No Time to Prepare
Okay, not exactly “no time,” but A LOT less than what other hearty breakfast ideas demand. Only 5 minutes. And I think we can call that “no time,” considering how nutritious and yummy it is.
Nutrient-Packed
Banana, oats, sunflower seeds, oat milk, and vanilla soya yoghurt—all in one bowl! From antioxidants, proteins, and healthy fats to multiple types of vitamins & minerals, plant-based banana oats are all you need for a healthy head start to the day.
Tastes Amazing
The banana cocoa oats are so heavenly that I sometimes end up eating a serving at night when meal-prepping for breakfast 😆 If you have the time, try caramelising the bananas to give the oatmeal a fancier look (and more fulfilling taste).
Recipe Ingredient Notes
Bananas - Use fully ripe and spotty bananas. Remember, the bananas are the main sweetener in this recipe, so the riper they are, the sweeter the taste, and the better the results.
Oats - I used gluten-free rolled oats. Steel-cut oats work just fine, too. Note: I’d recommend avoiding instant oats. They are processed and often lack the same nutritional value.
Cocoa powder - Go for unsweetened cocoa powder to give the oats an intense flavour and minimal sugars.
Oat milk - Adds a slightly sweet flavour. You can use any plant-based milk, but I personally like using oat milk because of its high calcium and vitamin D content.
Vanilla soya yogurt - To add the much-needed creamy texture—and for a slightly sweet, vanilla-ish flavour. Tip: All types of plant-based yogurt can be used. Just make sure to use an unsweetened option.
Sunflower seeds - For an absolutely delish crunchy bite. They’re also a great source of healthy fats and vitamin E.
Helpful Equipment
Hob or microwave
Pan or bowl
How to Make Vegan Banana Cocoa Oats
Add cocoa powder to the oats. Then mix.
Mash half the banana. Now add it to the cocoa-oat mix.
Pour oat milk into the oat-banana-cocoa bowl. Stir well to combine.
Heat using whichever method is preferred. You can heat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat (stirring frequently until thick and done). Or, simply add the mixture to a bowl and pop it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes (stirring in between).
Add the toppings. Chop the rest of the banana into thick slices (or chunks), get some plant-based yogurt, and toast the sunflower seeds (or use as is). Get decorating—and enjoy! 😋 💚
Variation Ideas & Notes
📝 Substitutions
Cacao powder instead of cocoa powder.
Quinoa instead of oats (it will have a different texture, though).
Any fresh fruit (such as apples or berries) instead of bananas.
Almond milk instead of oat milk.
Coconut yoghurt instead of soya yogurt.
Chia seeds or flaxseeds instead of sunflower seeds.
🍫 Optional Add-ins
Agave or maple syrup, if you prefer an extra sweet flavour.
Chocolate chips
A handful of chopped nuts
Cinnamon powder
Chia seeds
Nut butter
✨ Flavour Variation
Bake the oats. Yup, don’t cook them. Bake the mixture for a delicious banana oat snack. You’ll need to make a few quick (but simple) changes. Here’s basically what you need to do—
Whisk together oats, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl.
Combine mashed banana, oat milk, vegan egg replacer , and maple syrup (if using) in a separate bowl.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Transfer the oat batter to a greased baking dish (preferably 8x8 inch).
Bake for 20-25 minutes—and it’s ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips For This Recipe
Mash the banana thoroughly to make sure it incorporates seamlessly into the oats. Tip: Use a potato masher or a fork.
If your banana oatmeal tastes too sweet, reduce the amount of cocoa powder or add more oats.
Don’t skimp on the toppings. They really enhance the oats and make your breakfast experience more fulfilling.
Mix in some of your favourite protein powder for extra volume.
A great trick for a fluffy porridge is adding ½ cup courgette (zucchini) per serving. No, your oats won’t taste like vegetables.
To caramelise the banana, heat coconut sugar in a non-stick frying pan with ½ tsp water. Add the banana slices. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side and allow them to cool. Add them as the topping and serve!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this recipe even more filling?
Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder.
Can I bake these oats instead of cooking them?
Absolutely! Mix ingredients, transfer to a baking dish, and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can I freeze banana cocoa oatmeal?
Yes, banana cocoa oats can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some extra space at the top of the jar because the oatmeal will slightly expand when frozen.
Can I meal prep plant-based banana cocoa oats?
Absolutely. Pop the prepared oats into the refrigerator and enjoy them whenever you crave a delicious meal.
Note: If you make the oats ahead of time, you can either enjoy them cold or reheat them on the stove with a splash of plant-based milk.
How to serve cocoa banana oats?
Banana cocoa oats taste amazing on their own, but you can also pair them with—
Fresh berries
A cup of green tea
A double espresso or Americano
A glass of healthy green smoothie
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Final Words
Satisfying your sweet tooth has never been healthier—yes, the vegan banana cocoa oats not only make a nutritious breakfast but also a yummy, guilt-free dessert!
If you made the recipe, make sure to tag me on Instagram @vegan.susy
Happy cooking 😋
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