Chunky Monkey Sugar Free Oatmeal Recipe

There’s something magical about waking up to the aroma of warm cocoa and bananas wafting through your kitchen, like a cozy hug in a bowl, and this Chunky Monkey Sugar-Free Oatmeal is here to make your morning as fabulous as you are! 🍌🌰🍫✨

I cherish beginning each day with a bountiful breakfast, and my Chunky Monkey Sugar Free Oatmeal never fails to please. Its base of hearty rolled oats, abundant in fiber, couldn’t be a more perfect match for my dietary needs.

Next comes the unsweetened almond milk—so creamy, so dreamy. After that, the secret ingredient that makes it all work: cocoa powder.

I savor how rich and chocolatey it tastes, as I stir in yet another layer of texture and taste, walnuts, to the simmering oatmeal.

Ingredients

• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Rich in fiber, they provide sustained energy and support digestive health.
• Unsweetened almond milk: Low in calories, it offers a creamy texture and is dairy-free.
• Banana: Naturally sweet, full of potassium and vitamins for muscle and heart health.
• Walnuts: A great source of healthy fats and protein, supporting brain and heart health.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor, packed with antioxidants and magnesium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons sugar-free dark chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt
• Additional banana slices for topping (optional)
• Additional walnuts and chocolate chips for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Mix the rolled oats, almond milk, mashed banana, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan.

2. Mix the cocoa powder and spices into the solution by stirring it well. This ensures that they are evenly dissolved and distributed.

3. Set the saucepan on medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir it occasionally.

4. When it has reached a boil, lower the heat and cook the oatmeal for about 5 minutes, or until it has reached a consistency you like. It should bubble gently, and you should stir it frequently to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

5. When the oatmeal has thickened, take it off the heat.

6. Mix in the minced walnuts and the dark chocolate chips, which should now be sugar-free. Let the chips melt a bit and mix in nicely.

7. Adjust the seasoning if needed. This means you should taste it first. There is a possibility that you might need to add more cinnamon to make it even more delicious. Or, maybe it just needs a pinch of salt. Salt is a wonderful flavor enhancer, and it actually makes sweet things taste sweeter. It can also help pull out flavors that are otherwise kind of shy.

8. Place the oatmeal in bowls for serving.

9. If you want more flavor and texture, you can top with walnuts, banana slices, and chocolate chips.

10. Warm and enjoy your Chunky Monkey Sugar-Free Oatmeal.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium saucepan
2. Stirring spoon
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Bowl for mashing banana
6. Knife (for mincing and optional garnishes)
7. Cutting board
8. Mixing bowl (optional, for topping preparation)
9. Serving bowls

FAQ

• Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned rolled oats?You can use quick oats; however, the outcome will have a softer texture in comparison to when you use old-fashioned rolled oats.
• Is there a substitute for almond milk?Almond milk can be swapped for any other non-dairy milk, or if you prefer, you can use regular milk.
• What can I use instead of walnuts for a nut-free version?Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be used instead of walnuts to create a nut-free version.
• Can I prepare this oatmeal overnight?Certainly! Just combine all elements and allow them to chill in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the morning or savor it straight from the fridge.
• How can I make this oatmeal creamier?Use a bit more almond milk, or stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt to the amount shown in the recipe, for an even creamier texture.
• Are there any add-ins that pair well with this oatmeal?Certainly! A scoop of peanut butter or a sprinkling of chia seeds adds both flavor and nutrition. You can add either, both, or mix and match to your heart’s content; they all work well.
• Can I make this recipe vegan?This recipe is already vegan; it uses milk from plants and chocolate chips that are devoid of any sugar.

Chunky Monkey Sugar Free Oatmeal Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Replace unsweetened almond milk with regular milk or any plant-based milk.
Mashed banana can be swapped out for ground flaxseed in order to achieve a different texture.
Substitute almond or hazelnut extract for vanilla extract when you want to change the flavor profile of a baked good.
Almond or hazelnut extract can be used in the same proportion as vanilla extract.
Consider utilizing carob powder in place of unsweetened cocoa powder. Carob powder can create a palatable and visually appealing chocolate cake.
You can substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts if you want to use a different nut and still get a nice nutty flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Walnuts: Before adding the walnuts to the recipe, consider toasting them lightly in a pan until they are golden and fragrant. This step enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the oatmeal.