Name: Chocolate Zucchini Bread Oatmeal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup oats; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup coconut milk (opt for full fat in the can if you need a more balancing & filling breakfast); 1 cup zucchini (chopped fine); 1/4 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 banana (mashed); 1 tbsp flax powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp unsweetened mini chocolate chips (vegan preferred, amount of chocolate is optional, choose your own adventure 😉)

Veggies & chocolate for breakfast? That’s my version of balance. This oatmeal recipe is a great healthy indulgence. Chocolate zucchini bread is a child-hood comfort food for me.

Noni at costco
italian grandmother — ***But like how cute is Noni at Costco?***

I have the best memories of going to my grandparents’ house and having fresh baked zucchini bread after hours of playing in the backyard. Picking flowers and climbing fruit trees works up a serious appetite. My sisters and I would rush into the house hungry and the smell of hot zucchini bread sent us wild. Noni’s most important ingredient, using a zucchini fresh from the garden. My Italian grandparents have been doing “farm-to-table” way before it was cool. Every time I make this recipe I have the fondest memories, and the first bite always tastes like love.

Some mornings I need a really rich and satiating breakfast, and this zucchini bread oatmeal gives me all that & more. The oatmeal helps give me energy and filling fiber, and the zucchini makes me feel hydrated and revived. I love everything about chocolate! It provides antioxidants, minerals and a hint of energy yet calmness at the same time. Using quality chocolate is key for me. The richness helps curb my sugar cravings, and because its made with high-quality ingredients & dairy free, I don’t feel like crap after.

If you’re still weirded-out about by using a vegetable in your breakfast… keep reading please.

Why Zucchini Rocks

Zucchini is one of the most universal veggies. It can be used in almost anything and in so many ways. Roasted, grilled, or zoodled, it can also be enjoyed with either savory or sweet flavors. I love how it’s refreshing and naturally sweet raw or cooked.

Zucchini is also rich in antioxidants, potassium, fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. Plus, it’s 95% water so it’s extremely hydrating and satisfying, while also being low in calories.

Tips for Making This Recipe

chocolate zucchini bread oatmeal recipe — Using my Heart Bowl always makes breakfast extra special!

I’d allow about 10-15 minutes to make it. You can throw the zucchini in a food processor or quickly chop it by hand. I love my food processor, but I’m also lazy with cleaning it, so I don’t mind quickly chopping up half a zucchini for this recipe.

When I have a long day ahead of me, I substitute my regular So Delicious Coconut milk for full fat coconut milk. It gives me a dose of healthy fat that helps curb my hunger and grounds my anxious mind.

To keep this recipe healthy & subtly sweet, I like using just half of a mashed banana. If your taste buds like extra sweetness… you might prefer a whole banana and a tablespoon of coconut sugar.

As far as how much chocolate to use, I think that should be completely up to you. Some people are super sensitive to cocoa, others are not. Use what works best for you, and most importantly don’t feel any guilt about having chocolate at breakfast! No matter how healthy you are, your eating-choices aren’t truly healthy until you have a positive and guilt-free attitude behind them.

So if you’ve been really rigid and hard on yourself lately (I’ve been there & still struggle with this haha), and find yourself thinking you’re “being bad” for having chocolate… smile and remind yourself how awesome you are! You’re making a healthy nourishing meal because you love yourself.

Try this recipe?

Share with me on Instagram @emilysiero for a shout-out! I’d love to hear what you think ❤️