Very Cherry Berry Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Thanks to a few dreary mornings here in the Pacific Northwest, I've been craving that classic, old school breakfast that fills you up and reminds you of warm and fuzzy childhood memories.

Why is oatmeal so all-encompassing like that?

I spent many childhood mornings, oatmeal in hand while Bobby's World played on the tv. It was the best. But back then, oatmeal had just two ingredients: brown sugar and maple syrup. Oh, and buttered toast on the side. Easy peasy.

I like to think I've gotten a little more creative since then, while still sticking with simple and wholesome ingredients.

This recipe is so easy and delicious, I just had to share.

Very Cherry Berry Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 ripe banana
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1/2-1 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup & 1 tbsp almond milk (or other non-dairy milk. Creamer or coconut milk would make this even more decadent)
1 Tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
1/2 tbsp cacao nibs or dark chocolate chips
Optional: 2 tbsp chopped berries

Preheat oven to 350

Lightly oil a ramekin dish or another single-serving baking pan (I used a round 6-inch ramekin) In a medium bowl, mix ingredients until just combined. Pour mixture evenly into dish. Cook for about 20 minutes.

1/4 cup chopped strawberries
1/4 cup chopped frozen cherries
1-2 tsp liquid sweetener (I used monk fruit)
1 tbsp water

In a small saucepan, add strawberries, frozen cherries, sweetener and water together. Heat until cherries and berries start to soften and frozen cherries start to melt, about 5-7 minutes. Once they've combined into a sauce, spoon topping onto your baked oatmeal.

Serves 1

Sometimes the simplest breakfasts are also the absolute best.