Healthy Nutella Brownie Oatmeal: Indulge in Guilt-Free Hazelnut Chocolate Bliss
A simple, cake-like, brownie-like oatmeal porridge that tastes like Nutella — perfect for starting your morning without the guilt!
There are some food experiences that simply leave you speechless. This Healthy Nutella Brownie Oatmeal is one of them. Imagine waking up to the rich, comforting aroma of chocolate and hazelnut, a taste so reminiscent of your favorite spread, yet surprisingly wholesome. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a delicious deception for your taste buds, letting you indulge in pure bliss without a single ounce of regret.
We all have that one guilty pleasure, and for many, it’s a jar of Nutella. That creamy, dreamy blend of chocolate and hazelnuts is utterly irresistible. But let’s be honest, while a spoonful (or ten!) of pure Nutella might feel like heaven in the moment, it often comes with a side of guilt and a not-so-friendly impact on our waistlines. What if we told you there’s a way to capture that magical Nutella flavor in a breakfast that’s genuinely good for you?
Before we dive into this healthier marvel, let’s acknowledge the real deal. If you’re having one of those days where calories are just a number and you’re craving an authentic, no-holds-barred Nutella experience, then this Nutella Hot Chocolate Oatmeal will absolutely make your dreams come true. It’s pure, unadulterated Nutella magic. But for those of us navigating the delicious tightrope between indulgence and health, read on.
The Irresistible Allure of Nutella (and Our Metabolism)
I confess, I have a deep, unwavering love affair with chocolate. It’s my go-to comfort, my little pick-me-up, my saving grace. And Nutella? Well, Nutella is in a league of its own. The idea of eating Nutella straight from the jar, every single day, for the rest of my life, sounds like absolute paradise. I’d be a happy, Nutella-smeared addict… I mean… person.
However, life, and my typically slow metabolism, often have other plans. The dream of spooning Nutella directly from the jar remains just that – a dream. My hips, my glutes, and my thighs would stage a full-blown rebellion. So, I’ve had to get creative, finding ingenious ways to enjoy those beloved flavors without the unwelcome consequences. The goal? To create something so incredibly close to Nutella that it tricks even my most discerning taste buds into believing they’re getting the real thing.
And let me tell you, this recipe delivers. My metabolism can stand down and keep its pants on, because these oats capture every tiny glimpse of Nutella deliciousness, all while keeping my figure happy. It’s a game-changer for anyone who craves that hazelnut chocolate fix but wants to maintain a balanced diet.
Transforming Simple Oats into a Nutella Paradise
It’s truly remarkable how just a handful of ingredients can transform humble oats into a Nutella lover’s paradise. With only four main components, you can craft a breakfast that feels like a decadent dessert but fuels your body with wholesome goodness. The secret lies in a clever combination of flavors that perfectly mimic the iconic spread.
One of the most exciting discoveries with this recipe is how versatile the texture can be. Initially, I found myself withholding too much milk, and the result was pure magic: a sticky, fudge-like consistency that was undeniably reminiscent of cake or even Nutella brownies. It was so tempting to just go with that! But then, a thought struck me: imagine how a gentle drizzle of extra milk could transform this into a creamy, flowing fountain of Nutella-flavored delight. And thus, both options were born, offering two delightful ways to enjoy this incredible dish.
This Healthy Nutella Brownie Oatmeal is perfect for breakfast, but it can absolutely double as a guilt-free dessert. After all, if it tastes like Nutella, it’s suitable for any time of the day, right? Whether you prefer a thick, fudgy “brownie” consistency or a smooth, creamy “porridge,” this recipe offers the best of both worlds, with significantly less sugar and fat than the original spread. You truly can’t go wrong.
The Magic Behind the Flavors: Ingredients Explained
Let’s break down the simple yet powerful ingredients that make this Nutella-inspired oatmeal so special:
- Quick Oats or Rolled Oats: The foundation of our healthy breakfast. Oats are packed with fiber, particularly soluble fiber (beta-glucan), which helps lower cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning. They provide sustained energy, making them an excellent choice for a productive day.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the rich, deep chocolate flavor comes from. Using unsweetened cocoa powder allows us to control the sweetness while still getting all the wonderful antioxidant benefits of chocolate. It’s key to achieving that authentic Nutella taste without the added sugars found in chocolate spreads.
- Natural Sweetener or Sugar of Choice: You have the freedom to choose your preferred sweetener here. Options like maple syrup, honey, stevia, erythritol, or even a touch of regular sugar can work. This flexibility ensures you can tailor the sweetness level to your liking and dietary needs, keeping it as healthy as you want.
- Organic Hazelnut Extract: This is the secret weapon! Hazelnut extract provides that distinctive, warm, nutty flavor that is characteristic of Nutella, without needing to add actual hazelnuts (though we do use them for a topping!). It’s a low-calorie way to infuse the iconic taste into your oats, making them undeniably Nutella-esque. Adjust the amount to truly match your personal preference for hazelnut intensity.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: The liquid base for our oatmeal. Almond milk adds creaminess without adding excessive calories or sugar. It’s a fantastic dairy-free option that keeps the recipe light and provides a smooth texture. You can adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency – less for a thicker, cake-like result, more for a creamier porridge.
These simple ingredients, when combined, create a symphony of flavors that truly captures the essence of Nutella, but in a much more nutritious package.
Achieving Your Perfect Texture: Cake-Like, Brownie-Like, or Creamy?
One of the best things about this Nutella Brownie Oatmeal is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the consistency to match your craving:
- For a “Cake-Like” or “Brownie-Like” Texture: The trick here is to use less liquid. Start with just 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk as specified in the recipe. As the oats cook, they will absorb the liquid, becoming thick, dense, and wonderfully sticky. This creates a fudgy, almost baked-good-like texture that makes it feel incredibly indulgent. If you’re looking for that firm, scoopable consistency, this is your go-to.
- For a “Creamy Fountain of Nutella Cream”: If you prefer your oatmeal more traditional – smooth, pourable, and luxuriously creamy – simply add the extra 1/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or more, to taste) after the initial cooking. Stir it in thoroughly, allowing the oats to become a comforting, liquidy porridge. This is perfect for those who enjoy a spoonable breakfast that flows rather than clumps.
The beauty is that you can experiment and find your own sweet spot. Don’t be afraid to add milk slowly until you reach your ideal consistency. Remember, cooked oats can always absorb more liquid, but you can’t easily remove it!
Beyond Breakfast: When to Enjoy Your Healthy Nutella Oats
While designed as a fantastic breakfast, this versatile dish isn’t limited to the morning hours. Its dessert-like flavors make it an ideal candidate for:
- A Mid-Day Snack: When that afternoon slump hits and you’re craving something sweet, this oatmeal provides a healthy and satisfying boost without derailing your diet.
- A Wholesome Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an unbelievably delicious yet healthier dessert option. It’s a perfect way to satisfy sweet cravings after dinner without the heavy feeling.
- Pre or Post-Workout Fuel: The complex carbohydrates from oats provide excellent sustained energy for a workout, while a touch of protein can aid in recovery.
The flexibility of this recipe means you can enjoy the wonderful taste of hazelnut chocolate whenever the craving strikes, knowing you’re making a smart, healthy choice.
More Good For You Breakfast Ideas:
If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of wholesome and delicious morning meals, don’t forget to check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Strawberry Raspberry Oatmeal Cheesecake Smoothie
- Banana Cream Pie Breakfast Smoothie
- Caramelized Fig Toasted Oatmeal
- Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs
And for those moments when only the authentic, unapologetic Nutella will do, be sure to revisit the rich and decadent Nutella Hot Chocolate Oatmeal Recipe, made with an extra touch of delicious Nutella Hot Chocolate. You’re welcome.
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Nutella Brownie Oatmeal
Ingredients
Oatmeal
- 1/2 cup quick oats or rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon natural sweetener or sugar of choice
- 2 teaspoons organic hazelnut extract adjust to your tastes
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup extra unsweetened almond milk optional for extra creamy-ness
Topping:
- 1 tablespoon crushed hazelnuts
Instructions
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Place all ingredients into a saucepan. Bring to the boil, lower heat and simmer gently until all the liquid has absorbed. Add the extra milk if needed.
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Alternatively, cook in a microwave for 1:30 minutes. Stir and microwave again for a further 30 seconds until cooked through.
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Top with crushed hazelnuts and extra milk if needed
Notes
- Keep an eye on the consistency when cooking the oats, cook to your preference.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.