Chocolate Covered Cherry Baked Oatmeal

What better way to start the day than with fiber, protein, antioxidants, and (let's be real) chocolate?

Oats are rich in beta-glucans, which is a type of fiber that helps lower cholesterol, boosts gut health, and keeps you fuller longer.

Cherries are packed with antioxidants that fight off diseases, potassium for heart health, and vitamin C to boost the immune system.

Chocolate is not only good for the soul, as dark chocolate is rich in flavanols (a type of antioxidant) that helps reduce inflammation and prevents illness.

This oatmeal is great to make at the beginning of the week to enjoy at breakfast (or even dessert) all week long.

Ingredients:

Dry ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats (use gluten-free if desired)

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1/2 cup chocolate protein powder

• 2 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder (if using vanilla or unflavored protein powder, increase to 3 tbsp)

• pinch of salt

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, + 2 tbsp for on top (optional)

Wet ingredients:

• 2 cups milk of choice

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup cherries, thawed and halved (can use frozen), + 2 tbsp for on top (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

2. Spray an 8x8 cooking pan with non-stick spray

3. Mix all dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl, except the chocolate chips, until everything is mixed

4. Add all wet ingredients, except the cherries until everything is mixed together

5. Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries

6. Pour mixture into the 8 x 8 baking dish

7. Top off with extra cherries and/or chocolate chips

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean (mine was cooked in 23 minutes)

9. Let cool completely

10. Cut into six large or nine medium pieces

11. Savor and enjoy!