If you're a true chocoholic, this chocolate porridge recipe with Nutella delivers everything you want in a breakfast.
All the comforts from a warm bowl of porridge, but with added chocolatey goodness. It's creamy, filling and nutritious, just what you need to set you up for the day on a cold winter's morning.
If you love porridge, you should also try this delicious recipe for creamy peanut butter oatmeal and this twist on a popular Italian dessert, Tiramisu overnight oats.
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What's to love about this recipe
- This creamy porridge is energy-packed to keep you going for a busy day.
- Quick and easy recipe, takes 10 minutes or less to make.
- Healthy, filling and nutritious breakfast.
- Ideal winter breakfast. It warms you inside and out (and your spirit too!).
- It's absolutely delicious, like dessert parading as breakfast, therefore kid-friendly and sweet tooth-approved.
- Gluten-free.
Key ingredient notes and substitutions
**Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients.
Oatmeal
Rolled oats is available in almost every supermarket. These often come under various names and textures, use the one you prefer (for instance, fine-milled, coarse etc.).
If you are using steel-cut oats, you may need to cook it for slightly longer, up to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during this time to check the liquid levels and add a splash of milk or water if needed.
Milk
This recipe uses half milk and half water. If you want the porridge to be even creamier, use all milk.
Alternatively, swap the milk portion for water for a dairy-free version, or use almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk or lactose-free milk.
Cocoa powder
We would highly recommend using a good quality Dutch-processed, 100% cocoa powder like Valrhona, Callebaut or Ghirardelli. If you can't find these, use your cocoa powder of choice.
Brown sugar (optional)
The brown sugar adds warmth and depth of flavour, but it can be omitted or substituted with white sugar or your preferred sweetener. The Nutella also lends natural sweetness.
Nutella
Nutella is the pièce de résistance that makes this porridge shine. Once scooped over the steaming oats, the Nutella transforms into a luscious melted topping.
You can leave the Nutella out or swap it for a different topping like honey or maple syrup.
Cacao powder vs. Cocoa Powder - What's the difference?
Cacao and cocoa originate from the same bean but differ in their level of processing.
Cacao undergoes minimal processing to retain more of the bean's original nutrients and compounds. Cocoa receives more intensive processing, which alters the flavour and reduces some of the health benefits.
In short, cacao refers to the lightly processed bean that stays closer to its raw, natural state, while cocoa is the heavily processed and roasted end product. The processing method is the key distinction between cacao and cocoa.
Cacao offers exceptional nutritional value, while cocoa provides rich chocolate flavour.
How to make chocolate porridge
- Place the oats, milk, water, cocoa powder, brown sugar and salt in a medium saucepan and stir to combine.
- Over medium heat, bring to a boil and immediately turn the heat to low. Leave to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until creamy and thick.
- Give it a stir every minute or so. If it looks like it's getting dry too quickly, add a splash of milk or water.
- Spoon into bowls and top with Nutella. Allow the Nutella to slowly melt into the warm porridge.
Other topping ideas
- Sliced banana or mashed banana.
- Honey.
- Cocao nibs.
- Dark chocolate chips.
- Flaked coconut.
- Orange zest.
- Peanut butter.
- Milk.
- Dried banana.
- Fresh fruit and berries.
- Nuts.
- Dried apple slices.
- Biscoff spread.
- Maple syrup.
- Agave syrup.
- Grated chocolate.
- Peanuts.
- Chia seeds.
- Pinch of ground cinnamon.
Storage
Any leftover porridge will keep well in the fridge for up to three days if stored in an airtight container.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 2 minutes or until piping hot throughout. Alternatively, add it to a saucepan with a splash of milk and heat through.
More tasty breakfasts
Pandekager - Crispy Danish Pancakes
FAQ
The terms get used interchangeably so can be confusing. When oats is cooked with milk or water, it becomes porridge oats but not all porridge is made from oats.
Yes, oatmeal is generally considered a healthy breakfast food for several reasons:
Whole grains - Oats are a whole grain that provide important nutrients like fibre, protein, iron, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins.
Lower glycaemic index - Steel cut and rolled oats have a lower glycaemic index which means they stabilize blood sugar levels.
Soluble fibre - The soluble fibre beta-glucan in oatmeal helps lower LDL "bad" cholesterol.
Satiety - The combination of protein, fat and fibre means oatmeal is very filling and promotes satiety.
Versatile - Oatmeal is a blank canvas for healthy toppings like fruit, nuts, seeds, milk, yogurt and peanut butter.
The main differences between rolled oats and steel-cut oats are:
Cut - Rolled oats are flat oat flakes made by steaming and rolling whole oat groats. Steel-cut oats are chopped into just 2-3 pieces from the whole groats.
Texture - Rolled oats are soft and fluffy when cooked. Steel-cut oats retain more chewiness and shape when cooked.
Cooking time - Steel-cut oats generally take almost double the time to cook compared to rolled oats.
Consistency - Rolled oats result in a creamier, smooth oatmeal. Steel-cut oats have a heartier, chunkier consistency.
Processing - Rolled oats are steamed and rolled, so more processed. Steel cut undergo minimal processing.
Nutrition - Due to less processing, steel-cut oats retain a bit more protein, fibre and fat. Differences are minor.
Price - Steel-cut oats are typically more expensive than rolled oats.
More processed - Instant oats are cooked, partially pre-digested, dried and rolled thinner, resulting in more processing that decreases fibre and nutrient content.
Less fibre - The processing of instant oats removes some of the beneficial fibre found in rolled or steel-cut oats. This fibre helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Higher glycaemic index - Since instant oats are more processed, they cause a quicker spike in blood sugar compared to steel cut or rolled oats.
Added ingredients - Many instant oatmeal packets contain added salt, sugar, artificial flavours and preservatives, making them less healthy.
Less filling - The partial pre-cooking of instant oats results in a softer, mushier texture that is less satisfying and doesn't keep you full as long.
Quick cooking - While convenient, the ability to cook instant oats faster removes the benefits of slowly cooking traditional oats.
Yes, it is possible to freeze oatmeal porridge for later use. Here are some tips for freezing oatmeal:
Let the porridge cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Putting hot porridge directly in the freezer can lead to frost build-up.
Leave room at the top of containers for expansion as the oatmeal freezes. Seal tightly.
Porridge can be frozen in individual portions for quick reheating.
Add any toppings like fruit or nuts after reheating, not before freezing. The toppings can get soggy.
Steel-cut or rolled oats freeze better than instant oats, which can become gummy.
Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat on the stovetop with some milk or water to loosen it up.
Stir frequently while reheating and add liquid as needed.
Frozen oatmeal is best consumed within 2-3 months.
More chocolate recipes
Recipe
Chocolate porridge with Nutella
Ingredients
- 250 millilitre oatmeal
- 250 millilitre milk
- 250 millilitre water
- 1.5 tablespoon cocoa powder - preferably 100% pure cocoa
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar - optional
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons Nutella - optional
Instructions
- Place the oats, milk, water, cocoa powder, brown sugar and salt in a medium saucepan and stir to combine.
- Over a medium heat, bring to a boil and immediately turn the heat to low. Leave to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, or until creamy and thick.
- Give it a stir every minute or so. If it looks like it's getting dry too quickly, add a splash of milk or water.
- Spoon into bowls and top with Nutella. Allow the Nutella to slowly melt into the warm porridge.
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies
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