Who says you can’t have chocolate for breakfast? When done right, it can be a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. The key is to pair antioxidant-rich cocoa with wholesome ingredients like oats, Greek yogurt, nuts, and fruit. These 10 easy recipes are designed to be quick to make, satisfying, and packed with good-for-you nutrients to fuel your morning—all while satisfying your sweet tooth. Get ready to make your breakfast the best part of your day!
1. Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats
The most popular make-ahead breakfast gets a chocolate upgrade.
- Why it’s healthy: Balanced with carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
- How to make it: In a jar, combine ½ cup rolled oats, 1 tbsp chia seeds, ¾ cup milk, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder or 1 tbsp cacao powder, date syrup and 1/2 cup yogurt. Shake or stir well. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, top with sliced banana or a spoonful of almond butter.
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
A classic combination that tastes like a milkshake but is packed with protein.
- Why it’s healthy: Provides protein from Greek yogurt and peanut butter to keep you full.
- How to make it: Blend 1 frozen banana, 1 cup milk, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (or 1 tbsp cacao powder), 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tbsp peanut butter until smooth.
3. No-Bake Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Prepare this the night before for a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Why it’s healthy: Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3s and fiber.
- How to make it: In a jar, whisk 2 tbsp chia seeds, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1-2 tbsp maple syrup, and a dash of vanilla extract. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Top with berries before eating.
4. Chocolate Banana “Nice” Cream
This is basically soft-serve ice cream for breakfast. Yes, it’s allowed!
- Why it’s healthy: Made from just fruit! It’s dairy-free and naturally sweet.
- How to make it: Freeze 2 ripe bananas (sliced). Blend the frozen banana slices with 1-2 tbsp cocoa powder and a splash of milk (just enough to get the blender going) until smooth and creamy. Eat immediately.
5. Chocolate & Berry Quinoa Bowl
A high-protein twist on a breakfast bowl using leftover quinoa.
- Why it’s healthy: Quinoa is a complete protein, providing all essential amino acids.
- How to make it: Heat up 1 cup of cooked quinoa with ½ cup milk and 1 tbsp cocoa powder. Sweeten with a little honey or maple syrup. Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of nut butter, and a few dark chocolate shavings.
6. 5-Ingredient Chocolate Breakfast Cookies
Bake a batch on Sunday for a portable breakfast all week.
- Why it’s healthy: Made with oats and bananas, with no refined sugar or flour.
- How to make it: Mash 2 ripe bananas. Mix in 1 cup rolled oats, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, ¼ cup chocolate chips, and a pinch of salt. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes.
7. Chocolate Avocado Toast
A surprisingly delicious and creamy savory-sweet option.
- Why it’s healthy: Avocado provides healthy fats, and using whole-grain bread adds fiber.
- How to make it: Mash half a small, ripe avocado with 1 tsp cocoa powder and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Spread on a slice of toasted whole-grain bread. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt and cacao nibs for crunch.
8. 3-Minute Chocolate Microwave Oatmeal
This is the ultimate quick fix. It’s creamy, rich, and feels like a treat.
- Why it’s healthy: Full of fiber from oats.
- How to make it: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix ½ cup rolled oats, 1 cup milk (or water), 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of salt. Microwave for 2-3 minutes. Stir in a tablespoon of chocolate chips for extra melty goodness.
9. Dark Chocolate & Almond Yogurt Bowl
Elevate your everyday yogurt in under a minute.
- Why it’s healthy: Greek yogurt is high in protein, and dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants.
- How to make it: Spoon 1 cup of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt into a bowl. 1 scoop of chocolate portein powder (optional) 1/2 banan sliced, Top with 1 tbsp almond butter, 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, and a few raspberries for a tart contrast.
10. Single-Serve Chocolate Baked Oatmeal
A warm, cake-like breakfast that’s ready in minutes.
- Why it’s healthy: It’s a whole-grain, portion-controlled delight.
- How to make it: Blend or mix ½ cup oats, ½ ripe banana, ¼ cup milk, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, ½ tsp baking powder, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Pour into a greased ramekin and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until set.
Pro-Tips for a Healthy Chocolate Breakfast:
- Choose Quality Cocoa: Use unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder for the most antioxidants and minimal added sugar.
- Sweeten Smartly: Rely on natural sweeteners like ripe bananas, maple syrup, honey, or dates.
- Add Protein & Fat: Including ingredients like nut butter, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, or protein powder helps balance blood sugar and keeps you full longer.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious start to the day