These Mocha Tiramisu Baked Oats are a delicious twist on a classic dessert! They mix rich coffee flavor with creamy goodness, all baked up in a warm, cozy dish. Yum!
Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, I love how I can enjoy the rich taste of tiramisu without the fuss. Plus, it’s easy to throw together on a busy morning! ☕🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are essential for the right texture. Quick oats can be used, but they may cook differently. Steel-cut oats are not recommended, as they take longer to cook.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor. If you run out, you can substitute with Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste, but watch out for sweetness levels in your recipe.
Instant Coffee or Espresso Powder: This ingredient gives the mocha flavor. If you’re not a coffee fan, you could leave it out or replace it with a bit of cinnamon for a warmer taste.
Milk: You can use any milk you like! Almond, oat, or soy milk work fine for a non-dairy option. Just be mindful of sweetness in flavored versions.
Greek Yogurt or Mascarpone Cheese: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor, while mascarpone is creamier. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut yogurt for a similar texture.
How Do I Get the Best Texture for Baked Oats?
To get the right texture, it’s important to let the oats soak in the liquid ingredients. This step helps soften them before baking. Here’s how to achieve that:
- After mixing your dry ingredients with wet ones, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the oats to absorb moisture.
- Press down lightly in the baking dish to ensure even cooking – this helps the oats form a nice cohesive layer!
- Keep an eye on baking time. Oats should be set but not dry at the 20-minute mark. The edges should be firm, and the center slightly soft as it will firm up as it cools.
How to Make Mocha Tiramisu Baked Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Oats:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar (or preferred sweetener)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 tbsp chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- For Dusting and Topping:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. Total time is approximately 35-40 minutes. After that, just a few minutes to cool and you’ll be ready to enjoy these baked oats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a small baking dish or ramekin. This will help your baked oats come out easily once they’re done.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, instant coffee, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well mixed, and the cocoa is evenly distributed.
3. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the milk, Greek yogurt (or mascarpone), vanilla extract, and melted butter to the dry mixture. Mix everything together until all the oats are soaked and the batter is well-combined.
4. Adding Chocolate:
If you’re using chocolate chips, stir them in now. This will add an extra tasty surprise in every bite!
5. Baking the Oats:
Pour the oat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Press it down gently with the back of a spoon to create an even layer. It’s important for even cooking. Then, bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and cooked through.
6. Cream Cheese Layer:
While the oats are baking, in a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. This will create a creamy topping for your oats.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once the oats are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Finally, dust generously with cocoa powder and drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.
8. Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy the cozy, delicious flavors of these Mocha Tiramisu Baked Oats, perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack anytime!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While rolled oats provide the best texture, you can use instant oats in a pinch. Just note that they may absorb moisture differently and lead to a softer final dish, so watch the baking time closely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or warm gently in the oven until heated through.
Can I Substitute the Sweetener?
Absolutely! You can use honey, maple syrup, or any other preferred sweetener. Just remember, liquid sweeteners may slightly change the texture, so you may need to adjust the amount of milk accordingly.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, try using a vegan cream cheese or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option. You can also mix Greek yogurt with a little bit of powdered sugar for a similar taste and texture!
