Chocolate & Cardamom Baked Oatmeal

My chocolate and cardamom baked oatmeal can be categorized as many things…a dessert, breakfast item or snack, however you view it or eat it, it will hit the spot...

My chocolate and cardamom baked oatmeal can be categorized as many things…a dessert, breakfast item or snack, however you view it or eat it, it will hit the spot every single time. I wish someone had told me baked oatmeal was a thing as a child because if it was presented to me like this, I would have had it every single day for sure. Along with this recipe being absolutely delish, it is packed with so many benefits that will keep you happy and full throughout the entire day. Oats are an amazing source of fiber, which is what helps you have that satisfied and full feeling all day. They also help you regulate your bathroom usage if that is something you struggle with or would like to improve for your personal health. In general, oats are just extremely nutrient dense because they include nutrients like iron, magnesium, zinc and so many other benefits. When you combine those qualities of the oats with that deep and rich flavor that comes with the cocoa powder, it truly elevates the recipe. The other star of this dish is the use of cardamom. It is a spice that I grew up eating in Indian food and I recently discovered how magical it is when paired with chocolate which is what inspired me to make this recipe. Cardamom is one of those versatile spices it can be used in recipes ranging from teas to spice blends like garam masala which is used often in South Asian curries. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and aid in digestion. All of these different ingredients combined with the nutrients like potassium and fiber that you gain from the banana help make this recipe super beneficial. It is also a great way for kids to eat their oatmeal if they tend to not like the texture of whole oats. You can also prepare the blended mixture the night before so all that is required of you in the morning is popping it into the oven. Also, if you personally do not enjoy the taste of cardamom or can not find it at your grocery store then you can omit it. In terms of an alternative, a fairly accessible and easy alternative would be to add in either cinnamon, nutmeg or a pumpkin spice seasoning blend. In all, this baked oatmeal recipe has changed the way I eat oatmeal and has become one of my favorite breakfasts. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do and my DMs are always open for any tips you may want/need…happy cooking!