Oatmeal is probably my all time favorite breakfast food. I eat it practically every single day, something my non oat loving husband doesn't get. Although to be fair, he's just not a fan of breakfast foods in general, except maybe toast. I, on the other hand could eat breakfast in some form for all my meals.
What's so perfect about oatmeal is the flavor possibilities are endless, take today's bowl of Black Forest Cake Oatmeal. Ummm….dessert for breakfast and it's good for me, don't mind if I do make a double batch for photos and then proceed to devour all of it and lick the bowl clean once said photos are taken.
About a week ago Natalie from Feasting on Fruit came up with the ingenious idea of making a chocolate chip replacement from only dates and cacao powder. It was perfect timing for me since I had very recently decided to end my long standing love affair with chocolate chips. Her HCLF Chocolate Bits were the perfect substitution and the perfect topping for this indulgent yet healthy, naturally sweetened oatmeal.
So, what goes into a Black Forest Cake Oatmeal? It's fairly simple, start with chocolate oatmeal studded with chunks of cherries, a drizzle of maple syrup and load up the toppings that make you think of Black Forest Cake. Some suggestions would be coconut whip, some form of chocolate, and more cherries sweet or sour. How you top this oatmeal is totally up to you. I went with a bit of coconut whip, cacao nibs, more sweet cherries, and of course Natalie's chocolate bits.
However, you top it I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below or snap a pic and tag it @weelittlevegans on Instagram so I'll be sure to see it!
Recipe
Black Forest Cake Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ½ cup old fashioned oats. GF if needed.
- 1 cup non dairy milk
- 1-2 tablespoon cacao powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped dark sweet cherries. Fresh or frozen thawed.
Topping Ideas:
- coconut butter
- shredded coconut
- more chopped cherries
- cacao nibs
- HCLF chocolate bits, link below
- coconut whipped cream
- chocolate
Instructions
- Bring non dairy milk and salt to a boil and stir in oats.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Almost all of the liquid should be absorbed.
- Add cacao and sweetener stirring well to combine.
- Add cherries and combine.
- Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid. Oats should be fluffy and a bit creamy.
- Pour oats into a bowl and top with your choice of toppings.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!