This vegan chocolate banana porridge is my go-to when I've skipped my meal prep, and I need a quick and cozy breakfast. It's naturally sweet from the banana, creamy, and comes together in under 10 minutes—all in one saucepan!
Key ingredients and substitutions
- Oats: You can use either rolled oats for a bit more texture or quick oats (aka porridge oats) for a softer bite. Make sure to choose gluten-free oats, if you're on a gluten-free diet.
- Banana: A spotty ripe banana adds natural sweetness and makes the porridge extra creamy.
- Plant-based milk: Any plant milk will do the trick (e.g., almond, hazelnut, oats, soy, or rice milk). Note that each one will add a slightly different flavor and amount of sweetness (oat and rice milk are the sweetest), so pick your favorite or whatever you have in the fridge.
- Cocoa powder: I like Dutch-processed cocoa powder which is richer and less acidic (as it has been treated with an alkalinizing agent) than regular cocoa powder. But you can use whatever you have in the pantry.
- Vanilla extract and salt: Both bring out all the flavors of this porridge, making it feel like a treat.
Elo's tip
My ultimate hack for the BEST porridge texture is combining thick rolled oats with thinner quick-cooking oats (also known as porridge).
The old-fashioned rolled oats add a satisfying chew, while the quick oats make the porridge creamier. That way you get the best of both worlds!
Step-by-step instructions
- Step 1: Mash the banana with a fork. I find it easier to do on a flat surface such as a plate or a small cutting board.
- Step 2: Add everything to a saucepan. Stir together the oats, plant-based milk, mashed banana, vanilla, and salt.
- Step 3: Cook the porridge over medium heat until it starts to thicken and get a deep brown color.
- Step 4: Creamy hack. Remove the porridge from the heat and add a splash of milk at the end. This prevents it from being too thick and sticky and gives it that perfect creamy consistency.
Recommended toppings
- Banana slices: I like to add ⅔ of a banana to my porridge and save the last third as a topping. I cut it into slices for an intense banana flavor with every bite.
- Dark chocolate: If you want your porridge to taste more like dessert than like breakfast, you definitely want to add some dark chocolate chips or a chopped piece of chocolate.
- Cocoa nibs: My favorite for some crunch and a bitter chocolate flavor.
- Nut butter: Great for extra richness. Hazelnut butter is my favorite as it pairs incredibly well with the chocolate (just like the classic chocolate hazelnut spread we all love!).
Storage tips
Let's be honest, porridge tastes best when it's warm, cream, and fresh off the stove.
But sometimes, I'll whip up a double batch and store a serving in the fridge for a quick breakfast the next day. Just transfer it to an airtight container, let it cool, and refrigerate.
When you're ready to eat, reheat it with a splash of milk on the stove or in the microwave. Alternatively, try my chocolate raspberry overnight oats or my tiramisu overnight oats.
Join us!
Don’t forget to join the Cooking With Elo newsletter. You’ll get plant-first recipe ideas sent weekly to your inbox.
The recipe
Chocolate Banana Porridge
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup (25 g) rolled oats gluten-free if needed
- ¼ cup (25 g) quick-cooking oats or more rolled oats
- ½ cup (120 ml) plant-based milk of choice I use unsweetened soy milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
Mash the banana: Use a fork to mash ¾ of the banana on a plate or small cutting board until smooth. Save the rest as a topping.
Combine the ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together the oats, plant-based milk, mashed banana, vanilla, and salt.
Cook the porridge: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns a rich brown.
Make it creamy: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in a splash of extra milk for a smooth, creamy finish.- Serve with the rest of the banana that you cut into slices and your favorite toppings (e.g., cocoa nibs, dark chocolate, nut butter).
Nutrition
Leave a star rating and review below. Thank you!
Did you like this recipe? Let me know!