Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal {Vegan, Gluten-Free}

If you ever feel the need to eat chocolate for breakfast but want something more reasonable than a straight up handful of chocolate chips- here’s your solution!  This version is made with dark cocoa powder and maple syrup, but still has all the jazz.

I was craving a bowl of oatmeal the other day, which is pretty rare for me, I’m more of a toast girl in general.  So, I decided I’d make the most of it and throw everything in my pantry into this one bowl of oatmeal.  In went a handful of trail mix, some chia seeds, a little coconut, and then I eyed a container of Ovaltine. Remember Ovaltine?  I stood there for a minute with my face scrunched up wondering if this was a bad plan. Well, in went a scoop and so was born chocolate oatmeal.  Ovaltine oatmeal wasn’t bad, but the idea needed a bit of finessing.

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Dark Chocolate Cherry Oatmeal {Vegan, Gluten-Free}

Serves 1

Chocolate oatmeal! With cherries in it! And it's healthy!

Oatmeal for One

1 cup Water

1/2 cup Quick Cooking Oats*

1 teaspoon Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder

1 Tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar

2 Tablespoons Dried Cherries Pinch of Salt

Oatmeal for Four

4 cups Water

2 cups Quick Cooking Oats

4 teaspoons Dark Cocoa Powder

1/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar

1/2 cup Dried Cherries

1/8 teaspoon Salt

Stove top Preparation (Preferred Method)

Bring water to a boil in a small covered pot.

Stir in remaining ingredients and cook for 1 minute.

Cover, remove from heat and let sit for 3-4 minutes until thickened to your preference. Stir occasionally.

Microwave Preparation

Combine ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl.

Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until thickened to your preference.

Remove from microwave and stir.

Microwave ovens vary in power, therefore cooking times may vary.

Notes

*Substitution: You can definitely substitute Steel Cut Oats, just follow the instructions on the package for preparation.