This cozy chocolate cherry oatmeal is the breakfast I come back to again and again — it’s warm, filling, and tastes like dessert while being packed with fiber and protein. If you’ve ever wanted a breakfast that keeps you satisfied for hours without feeling heavy or restrictive, this is it.
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If there’s one meal I could eat on repeat forever, it’s this Chocolate Cherry Cauliflower Oatmeal. And honestly… I kind of do. 😄
This is my go-to, everyday breakfast, the one I come back to when I want something quick, comforting, filling, and genuinely supportive of my health goals. It’s warm, chocolatey, packed with fiber and protein, and yes, it secretly contains cauliflower (but you’d never know).
Before you click away at the thought of veggies in your oatmeal, hear me out. Cauliflower oatmeal is one of my favorite ways to add volume, fiber, and nutrients to breakfast without changing the flavor. It makes the oats extra creamy and filling, and keeps me satisfied for hours.
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Why you'll love Chocolate Cherry Cauli Oats
This bowl hits all the marks I care about in the morning:
- Complex carbs from oats and fruit for energy
- Plant-based protein to keep blood sugar stable
- Healthy fats from ground flax
- Fiber-rich volume thanks to cauliflower and cherries
It’s simple, balanced, and feels like a treat — which is exactly how breakfast should feel.
Why add cauliflower to oatmeal?
Riced cauliflower might sound unconventional, but it’s a total breakfast game-changer:
- Adds volume without extra calories
- Boosts fiber and micronutrients
- Makes oats creamier (especially with protein powder)
- Helps keep me full longer
This combo has been a staple for me during weight loss, maintenance, and muscle-building phases — because it’s not about restriction, it’s about building meals that actually satisfy you.
Substitutions
- Protein powder: Any chocolate or vanilla vegan protein works; sweetness will vary, so adjust toppings as needed. I personally love Earth Chimp, for their simple wholesome ingredients.
- Fruit: Cherries can be swapped for strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry blend (my personal favorite).
- Oats: Quick oats cook fastest, but rolled oats work too in a pinch. I personally think quick oats gives a better consistency with the cauliflower oatmeal, but if you use rolled oats just add a splash more water and extra cook time as needed.
- Flax: Ground chia seeds or hemp hearts can be used in place of flax.
- Sweetener: The protein powder adds enough sweetness for me, however, maple syrup, dates, banana slices, or even a few chocolate chips can be added after cooking if desired.
FAQ
Nope! The cauliflower blends right in and takes on the chocolate flavor! If you're worried about it, I suggest adding less cauliflower rice the first time you make this and then slowly increase as you make it more!
No, but it helps boost protein and satiety. If you skip it, you may want to add extra oats or top with nut butter or soy yogurt.
Yes! The stovetop method works great and gives you even more control over texture.
Yes! You can prep a few portions as overnight oats! Mix it all up and store in thr fridge. Warm it up in the microwave when you're ready to dig in.
Absolutely. Add maple syrup, sliced banana, dates, or your favorite sweetener after tasting, since protein powders vary in sweetness.
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Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Cauliflower Oatmeal
Ingredients
- ¾ cup frozen riced cauliflower
- ½ cup quick oats gluten free if needed
- 1 scoop chocolate vegan protein powder check for gluten free if needed - I love Earth Chimp
- ½ tablespoon cocoa powder optional
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 cups frozen pitted cherries any variety of frozen berries also works great in this recipe. I like to do a cherry berry mix!
- ½ tablespoon ground flax seed
Instructions
Microwave Instructions
- Add the cauliflower rice, quick oats, protein powder, cocoa powder and water to a bowl and mix well. Top with frozen berries, do not mix.
- Microwave for 3-4 minutes. Stir well and then microwave for another 1-2 minutes until everything is warmed through.
- Top with flax and enjoy! If you need a little more sweetness, sliced banana, dates or a drizzle of maple syrup work great!
Stove Top Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except ground flax to a medium saucepan, cover and cook over medium-low heat until the frozen ingredients are hot and the oats are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir well.
- Top with flax and enjoy!
Notes
- I use Earth Chimp Chocolate Protein, which is very mildly sweet.
- I recommend tasting your oats before adding sweetener, since protein powders vary a lot.
- If you prefer sweeter oats, a drizzle of maple syrup or sliced banana on top does the trick.
- This recipe is incredibly customizable — swap cherries for strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries depending on what you have on hand.
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