Cherries. One of the sweetest, decadent fruits of the season. Dark red sweetness paired with the luxurious smooth taste of chocolate will have you dreaming about breakfast all night long! Gluten-free and vegan, this healthy Cherry Chocolate Oat Bake will beckon you to the breakfast table!
Maybe it’s just me, but I saw about 50 different cherry recipe round-up posts last week! Holy cow! Not saying that’s a bad thing though, I mean, who doesn’t love cherries? Not me! I adore them! During the the rest of the year, when it’s not cherry season, I forget just how much I love this little fruit. I never remember that I do consider the cherry one of my favorite fruits. Then summer hits and cherry season is at it’s peak; the love and remembrance comes flooding back with a vengeance!
Now, I’ve always loved cherries (all fruit really), but I can pin-point the cherry-loving to a few summers ago when it really hit me. My dad has a Costco membership and as you know, Costco is all bulk. We only use it now for water buying (haha), but he used to go crazy with fruit and bring home tons and tons! (Way more than we needed since no one in my family seems to eat it…except me). But one summer it must have been The Summer of Cherry Perfection. The big crates he would bring home of the most perfect, sweet, firm, dark cherry juicy cherries never lasted long! From that summer on I feel in love.
Since I know I’m not the only one who has a deep cherry obsession, when I dug up this gem of a recipe circa summer of 2014, I knew it was time to share! As you know from my showstopper Cinnamon Cookie Oat Bake I shared a few weeks ago, I was also obsessed with oat bakes that summer. This one will not disappoint in the oat bake department! Plus, do I even need to talk about the chocolate factor? I think not 😉 Cherries go with chocolate like peanut butter and jelly. Actually, chocolate goes with everything, but cherry is always a great pairing option!
Cherry Chocolate Oat Bake
- ⅓ Cup + 1 TB Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
- 6 Pitted Cherries (halved) You can use frozen as well, to enjoy in “non-cherry” season!
- 2 TB Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 TB Chia Seeds
- 5-7 Drops Cherry Vanilla Stevia
- ¼ Tsp Baking Powder
- ¼ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- ⅓ Cup Water or Non-Dairy Milk
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine and stir all ingredients together.
- Lightly grease a single ceramic ramekin with coconut oil and then pour in the oat mixture. Smooth out the top and then cover the ramekin with a piece of foil.
- Bake for about 20 minutes. Enjoy hot from the oven, or store it in the fridge overnight for breakfast in the morning. Simply heat, uncovered, in the microwave for about a minute or until warm!
I don’t know about you, but I;m craving some cherries right now! I wish I have a cherry tree. That would come in handy. Now I know this looks like dessert, but no, it’s breakfast, trust me! Cherry chocolate decadence can be healthy and had for breakfast EVERY day of the week and I just proved that to you. Now go gather your cherries and make this oat bake for breakfast…and maybe make an extra for dessert too. I won’t tell!
So tell me:
+ Are you a cherry-lover? I hope so!
+ Of the small summer fruits (cherries and berries) which is you favorite? I think my top 3 would be cherries, strawberries, and bluebabies 😉
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays,Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*
Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca Pytell
Cherries are awesome! The yellow ones are my fav =) And the chocolate and cherry combo sounds perfect – especially for breakfast. YUM.
kimmythevegan recently posted…Vegan on the Loose in Zürich, Switzerland (part 1)
Unconventional cherries! I do love their yellow color 😉
Hope you are having a wonderful day and thanks so much for sharing your awesome post!
Miz Helen recently posted…Spicy Honey Lime Chicken
Thanks!
Who can resist these healthy and delectable ingredients! Thank you so much for sharing your
Cherry Chocolate Oat Bake with us at the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Deborah Davis recently posted…Live It Up at the Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Blog Hop #77
Right 😉 Thanks!
Looks soo good!
Nicole recently posted…Nutella S’mores Dessert Pizza
Thanks!
My top fruits: blueberries, cherries, and strawberries. Maybe cherries first. Love the cocoa you added to your recipe. Cocoa makes great comfort food!
Sherry recently posted…Merry Monday #64
Anything chocolate and berries, right 😉
Visiting from the recipe swap. This looks so good. I can also remember when I fell in love with cherries and they still remain my all time favorite fruit. Thank you for sharing.
Kathy recently posted…Recipe Swap #7
They are one of the best!
I can’t wait to make this for my kids for breakfast. This will be an easy breakfast and will help get them, and me, out the door on time!
Jennifer Stewart recently posted…Crispy Chicken Wings with Four Pepper Jelly
Totally! It’s so perfect to make the night before and simply heat up! That’s what I do!
Cherries and Chocolate…how could you go wrong?!
You can’t!
Thanks for sharing on the Healthy Living Link Party. It has been pinned to our party board and tweeted. Glad to have you as a regular contributor to the party.
Elaine Hodges recently posted…Rediscovering Grilled Pizza {Recipe Roundup}
Thanks!
This looks delicious! I need to make some of this because my son recently got braces put on and is getting really bored of traditional oatmeal!
O man, I remember those days 😉
This looks awesome, Cherry and Chocolate is one of my favourite flavour combinations!
I’m the same as you though, I forget how much I love fresh cherries until cherry season rolls around!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake recently posted…Roasted Strawberry Scones {British Style}
And then I just can’t stop 😉 Haha! Thanks Michelle!
This looks delicious and healthy too.
Judi Graber recently posted…Ina’s Ribs with Barbecue Sauce
Thanks!
These are all of my favorite flavors, girl! Yum! I’m into cherries right now and thinking up new recipes. Take care.
Sarah C recently posted…Green Machine – Lite (Juice)
Cherries are the bomb!
Looks yummy!
Thanks!
Yumm this looks delicious!
Thanks!
Hi Rebecca,
This looks and sounds delicious with such healthy ingredients. It sure would making getting up in the morning easier if you had this to look forward to as your breakfast and I agree it would make a healthy tasty dessert.
Marla recently posted…Real Food Fridays #98 – Natural Foods From Nature
Twice a day! Breakfast and another for dessert 😉
These look tasty! We just went cherry picking last weekend! My favorite summertime fruit has got to be the blueberry though. They’re so delicious! Happy FF, and have a wonderful weekend! 😀
Kaila (GF Life 24/7) recently posted…Sadness Cupcakes- Inside Out (GF & DF)
Cherry picking would be fun!
Hmm, this looks like the perfect dessert breakfast! I am not a fan of cherries alone, but baked in something I love them! My favorite summer fruit is strawberries!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh recently posted…Strawberry Rhubarb Creamsicles
O yea, strawberries are sweet wonders as well! SOOO good!
Oh wow I love this and like you, adore cherries, I pop them into smoothies too!
HonestMum recently posted…A Shoot in Jamaica with heidi klein
They are great in smoothies!
Yuuuuummm! This looks SO good! Chocolate and cherries are the perfect combo!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: The Ultimate Lightened Up Brownies (Gluten Free!)
They are one of the best!
That looks really yummy. My wife and I are trying desperately to eat healthier and I really like the idea of including things that still taste great, are real food and are good for you. #brilliantblogposts
Rob recently posted…Rob: An Open Letter To All Celebrities
Thank you!
You guys will love some baked oats for breakfast! Really perfectly sweet, hearty, and satisfying!
Cherries are my favourite fruit! This sounds so nice, I think I may try it! #brilliantblogposts
Silly Mummy recently posted…‘Calm Down’: The Ten Funniest Things The Toddler Said Last Week
I hope you do!
I’m totally obsessed with cherries and mine started at costco too!! This looks awesome!
Hahaha! The Costco Cherry Magic!
What a fabulous recipe! Looks so delicious!!
Jenn @ EngineerMommy recently posted…Thrift Store “Princess Sophia” Sign Makeover
Thank you!
Chocolate and cherries go so well together – love this! It just seems quick and easy!
Cristina @ I Say Nomato recently posted…Collectable Delectables: July 22, 2015
Thank you! Easy and delish!
Thanks for sharing!
Cristina @ I Say Nomato recently posted…Free From Fridays Link-Up!
Thanks!
Yum! I really wish I had cherries in the house so I could make this right now! #healthyLiving
Time to go shopping 😉
Yummy, this sounds and looks too good and it is healthy. #wednesday wisdom
Never expect less!
I love cherries and would have to say Black Forrest Cake is the first thing I will make when they are in season. Thanks for sharing your recipe on #wednesdayswisdom, it looks so nice and healthy at the same time.
Jennifer Abel recently posted…Wednesday’s Wisdom # 26
I don’t think I’ve ever had a real black forest cake!
This looks delicious and healthy so thank you for sharing this recipe!
sue recently posted…Wednesday’s Wisdom #26
Thanks!
Oh man. I love cherries. And combined with chocolate, it’s the best thing. I’ve been on a cherry kick lately, and no matter how many times I have them, I just always want them!
Laura recently posted…Link Love
Haha, you can never have too many! NEVER!
oh my God, this looks delicious! xx, kenz
Thank you!
This looks great. I wish I had some ramekins to try making it.
Ashley Mullen recently posted…Having a Great Picnic without Spending
You can use any oven safe dish, lol!
Yum! Is there anything better than baked oats?! Especially when you add cherries and chocolate! I NEED to buy that cherry vanilla stevia because this recipe looks too good not to try!
Megan – Beets Not Meats recently posted…10 Things You Learn During Your First Month as a Food Blogger
You can use any sweetener! The really and only cherry flavor is from the REAL beauties 😉
This looks delicious! I would never have thought to put together chocolates and cherries with oats and I’m curious to try it!
Really?
I’ve noticed the cherry love too! This sounds yummy!
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking recently posted…Sharp Cheddar Biscuits
It’s getting crazy! But that’s a good thing 😛
Yum!! I love baked oatmeal and this one looks delicious! Chocolate and cherries are so perfect together!
Jessica DeMay recently posted…How to Poach a Chicken (and 5 Paleo ways to use it)
They are! Thank you!
Ooh, this is right up my alley–I love cherries! And chocolate and cherries go together so well. Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe!
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise recently posted…Monday Motivation: Stop Sitting in the Back
A perfect match! Thanks Beth!
You can’t go wrong with cherries and chocolate. I am totally cherry, and chocolate , and oat obsessed so I can’t wait to try this. It’s perfect timing too because I’ve been stuck in a rut with my morning oats 🙂
Melissa @ vegan does it recently posted…Vegan Whole Wheat Vanilla Cupcakes
No more ruts!!! Happy breakfasting Melissa!
I love cherries, I love chocolate and I love oats! This looks like one amazing breakfast!!
The Vegan 8 recently posted…Gluten-Free Cinnamon Coffee Chocolate Chip Muffins
Thank you friend!
I challenged my readers to eat healthy breakfast all week, I know they would love this recipe… I love this recipe, I’ll try it out tomorrow. 🙂
Evolve with Mary recently posted…Challenge Monday
I hope you do! Let me know Mary!!!
Mmmm chocolate and cherries are one of my favorite combinations!
Rachael@AvocadoADayNutrition recently posted…Vegan Tempeh Taco Salad with Cashew Sour Cream
It’s for sure a great one! Classic!
I love cherries! And with chocolate no less!
Of course!
Cherries and Chocolate are always a great hit in my household! We make something similar so we know we will love this delicious recipe!
Perfect! No matter, the combo is always a good one!
Cherries are the best!!!! I forget about them in the summer and typically go for the berries but I do love them. Looks delicious 🙂
Emily @ My Healthyish Life recently posted…Weekend Wins
Never forget the sweet cherry goodness!
Cherry and chocolate are such a perfect match <3 And I love cherry oatbakes in general, they are so delicious!
Kat | curlsnchard.com recently posted…Hidden Greens Açai Bowl (vegan, sugar-free)
They are! Thanks dear!
Oatmeal is, without exaggeration, MY LIFE. I ate it 4 times yesterday. Obsessed.
And with cherries and chocolate? YES PLEASE
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness recently posted…Banana Vanilla Orange Smoothie {High Protein}
Hahahaha! Yea!!! That’s my girl!
Oats are my favorite! Delicious breakfast:)
Ilona’s Passion recently posted…Snickers Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache
Always good!
I love oat bakes! They make the perfect breakfast.
Shannon recently posted…Foil Pack Grilled Herb Potatoes
Yes they do!
I’ve had the cherry-chocolate combo on the brain too! Such a great one, definitely a favorite. This looks delicious!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…NYC Marathon Training Week 1 + PRO Compression Giveaway!
Thank you Michele!
Cherry-vanilla is such a great flavor combo. This looks fabulous! I can’t wait for t to cool off enough to have a warm breakfast.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Birthday Surprises + Cheesecake Dessert Giveaway
You mean cherry chocolate 😉
You know I’m a cherry lover because you saw the cherry roundup on my blog. 😉 This looks so good!
Cherries top all other summer fruit because it’s the one thing that I can’t buy during other seasons.
I know 😛 You were one of the people I was referring too with the round-ups! Hahaha!
I know right! Except frozen 😉
Yummy! Cherries are one of the best parts of summer!
Liz recently posted…Why I Ride
I agree!
What a delicious idea! It’s been ages since I’ve made a good oat bake, and never chocolate and cherry.
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free recently posted…Mini “Oatmeal” Raisin Ice Cream Sandwiches (Grain-Free, Vegan)
Then this is the perfect time to change that!
So much to love, chocolate and cherries?!? I love both plus all the other goodies you added to this oat bake!
Sarah recently posted…Salted Caramel Mocha Popsicles
Nothing not to love! Thanks Sarah!
gotta love chocolate and cherries together! A perfect combo and great way to use some of of my cherry-vanilla stevia!
Bethany @ athletic avocado recently posted…Grilled Veggie Pita Pizza + Wegman’s Ready Pac Bistro Salad Bowls
I know! I have bottles of that stevia, but don’t like it in my coffee, so I never use it…except here!
This sounds delicious! I love cherries but am usually too lazy to cook with them since I don’t want to have to pit them. But I think I can handle pitting 6 for something like this 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Wine and Dine Half Marathon training – week 2
You can even get frozen since they come without the pit!
I love cherries but I don’t eat them enough. This looks DELICIOUS.
Lynne Streeter Childress recently posted…You Need That: Car Tweezers
This will get you to eat them more often!
Well you know how much I LOVE chocolate – and I LOOOOOVE cherries too. Of course, they’re the best combination! I can’t think of anything better than this oat bake, mmm, it looks amazing Rebecca!
Harriet Emily recently posted…LEMON DRIZZLE CUPCAKES
Chocolate love!
Thank you dear!
This oat bake looks especially decadent and dessert-like! Some oat bakes end up looking sort of dry and day-old oatmeal-y, but this looks like gooey delicious almost pudding like, and that makes me want a bit very badly <3 Very yummy, this totally looks like something to whip up any time of day 🙂 And once you mentioned cherry + chocolate being like PB&J I started thinking hmm cherry jelly + + dark chocolate PB sandwich??? :/ It could work!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Snack Swap with Curls’n’Chard
Ew, hahaha, dry old oatmeal 😛
When I was searching through the pictures of this, I thought that blob you see in the center was chocolate…but it’s a cherry, hahaha!
O god…..I think….that may be the best sandwich…………………..
I thought the blob was chocolate too! lol Either way, YUM 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Vegan Snickerdoodles (oil-free + gluten-free)
so LOVE cherries. I get so excited when they are in season and then I go on a cherry rampage. I’m very territorial about my cherries 😉 Love the chocolate oat bake that you added them to! Great combo. I think if i had to pick three summer fruits it would be cherries, peaches and blackberries. Yum!
chrysta @ noshed recently posted…Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Marinated Tofu
Hahaha, I know!! Cherry season is so full of joy!
I haven’t gotten my hands on blackberries yet this summer….too expensive!
I know this is going to sound crazy, but I used to not like the cherry/chocolate combination. I’m so glad my taste buds have changed! This looks/sounds absolutely delicious.
Brittany Bergman recently posted…What I’ve Learned from My Husband: An Anniversary Letter
I’m glad they changed too 😉 Haha!
Chocolate, cherries and oats? Yes please! You have combined 3 of my favourite ingredients.
3 of mine too 😉
So I have confession, I didn’t like cherries until this year! I can’t believe I resisted them so long because OH MY GOSH they are like my new favorite food! And you added chocolate, and I can eat this for breakfast. Yeah this has got to happen in my kitchen ASAP!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Once you taste GOOD cherries, it makes all the difference in liking them. Most of the time….the batches of cherries kinda suck. But sometimes you’re lucky with a perfect batch and then you fall in love all over again!
Yay cherries!!! I have a huge box in my fridge and they are SO delicious. Cherry and chocolate the perfect combo and I love that you’ve put them together in this oat bake! Yum yum!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens recently posted…Tropical Fruit Chia Pudding With Toasted Coconut + Brazil Nuts
Yay! Time to get baking!
Yayyyy for cherries! I can’t decide on a favorite summer fruit, but I love the chocolate + cherry combination! <3 This looks so cute + tasty!
Farrah recently posted…5 Things To Include In Your LOR Packet
Haha, thank you Farrah!
I would like this for breakfast right now, please and thank you! 🙂
Hahaha 😉
I’m actually allergic to cherries but I bet I could substitute them out for another fruit and it would still be as delicious!
Shannon Peterson recently posted…Weekend Recap
That’s so sad 🙁
I didn’t used to be a big fan of cherries but lately I’ve been loving them!! This oat bake looks awesome 🙂
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables recently posted…Fruity Chia Smoothie
And keep loving them!!! XOXO
You know that I am all over this. Cherries are one of my favorite fruits! And then chocolate is one of my fave food groups, plus oats? YES
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…IDEA World Blogfest 2015: Blogging Friends in Real Life Part 4
Hahahaha, those are my exact thoughts too 😉
I have been all over the chocolate cherry combo as well lately! Your pictures are beautiful and I want to jump right into that bowl. Always great to have you for Meatless Monday! Have a wonderful day
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Summer “Squiche”
One of those iconic best chocolate combos!
Thanks Deborah!
You should take a trip to traverse city in michigan sometime, they are the cherry capital of the world, and have EVERYTHING cherry, I am NOT kidding, you would love it!!! Chocolate and cherry though…what a combination 😀 Thanks for linking up! YUM!
Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday- Chickpea and Vegetable Coconut Curry
Ah! Really! I must! Haha, that is not on my travel bucket list 😉