German Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

This is a baked custard like oatmeal with a surprising twist, German chocolate cake. You may bake in an 8×8 or 6 ramekins using this recipe or double this using a larger cake pan or add more ramekins.  The recipe is egg free and dairy free. Printable recipe here.

Main ingredients:

• 2 cups quick cooking oatmeal*
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 1/3 cups almond milk, unsweetened vanilla
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed
• 4-5 tablespoons water
• 4 ounces baking chocolate
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 tablespoons canola oil

Topping:

• 1/2 teaspoon molasses
• 2 tablespoons butter substitute
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 sweetened coconut flakes
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon corn starch
• 2 tablespoons almond milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly oil baking dish of choice.
3. In a small bowl combine flax seed and water, stir and set aside. 
4. In a small bowl melt baking chocolate in microwave, 30 seconds at a time. Temper chocolate with 1/3 cup almond milk. Once chocolate is melted slowly add almond milk a tablespoon at a time, whisking after each additional tablespoon.
5. In a large bowl add oatmeal, sugar, salt, 3 cups almond milk, flax seed mixture, oil, and vanilla. Mix together using whisk. Then whisk in melted chocolate.
6. Ladle or pour into baking pan of choice.  If using full ramekins I highly suggest a parchment lined baking sheet to catch any drips or spills.
7. Bake 350°F 40 to 45 minutes.
8. While oatmeal is baking, in a small bowl combine molasses, sugar, corn starch, almond milk, and  butter, whisk to combine. Add pecans and coconut flake.
9. Remove oatmeal from oven, the tops oatmeal should be bubbly and raised uniformly. 
10.  Allow to cool before adding topping, it will melt.  Enjoy!

Easily use eggs in this recipe by substituting flax seed meal and 4-5 tablespoons of water for two eggs.

If you can have dairy feel free to use milk and butter.

*Steel cut oats or old fashioned oats may be used, just use 2 1/4 cups instead of quick cooking oats. 

In lieu of baking chocolate, look at cocoa powder tub for oil and powder conversion chart.