Peanut Butter Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Who says peanut butter and chocolate can't be for breakfast?  Not my kids, that's for sure.  No surprise, but these were an instant hit with them.  Again, I am loving oatmeal squares as a quick, healthy breakfast and they are loving them too.  Its a total win-win!

I made these with quick cooking steel cut oats.  No, that is not an oxymoron.  I found them at Costco...Bobs Red Mill Organic Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats!

These make a hardy baked oatmeal that is sure to satisfy all your chocolate cravings and power you through your morning.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

2 cups quick cooking steel cut oats (gluten-free, if necessary)
4 tbls flax meal
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup non-dairy milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup stevia, xylitol or erythritol (or 1/2 cup coconut sugar)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (preferably stevia-sweetened)

Place oats and flax meal in a large bowl  Pour 2 cups boiling water over top and let sit for 20 minutes or until all water has been absorbed.  Let cool to prevent chocolate chips from melting.  Stir in all remaining ingredients.  Scrape batter into greased 9x12 pan and bake for about 22-25 minutes or until centre is firm.  Let cool and then cut into squares.  Makes 24 squares.  Keep refrigerated up to 1 week or freeze.

I have brought this dish to Urban Naturale's Plant Based Pot Luck Link Up and Vegetarian Mamma's Gluten-Free Friday.