Brownie Baked Squash Oats

These macro-friendly Brownie Baked Squash Oats are delicious, easy, and just might be the fix for your dessert craving.

About This Recipe

We are several batches in at my house and there’s no going back — these Brownie Baked Squash Oats are a new staple! They’ve become my favorite afternoon treat. And Sophia’s breakfast and dessert!

I don’t want to trick you, so I need to make my disclaimer. These are not brownies or cake. Brownies and cake need FATS— butter or oil etc. So don’t be expecting crispiness or chewiness or fudginess. All of that takes fat! This is it’s own thing. More of a firm square of chocolate oatmeal… made extra “macro-friendly” since it’s bulked up with squash, and I’m hooked!

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Yellow summer squash or zucchini: Finely grated or riced in a food processor.
• Liquid egg whites: A great way to add extra protein to these oats!
• Old-fashioned oats: Rolled oats or old-fashioned oats are my preference for these baked oats. I love how hearty they are and make this more of a dense cake. You could also use quick oats but they will have a little lighter, fluffier, more cake-like texture. I do not recommend using steel-cut oats.
• Creamer: I love the Califia Farms almond milk creamer or you can just sub your favorite milk.
• Protein powder: Use your favorite chocolate protein powder.  I’m LOVING the brownie batter by Clean Simple Eats (Use Lillie for 10% off) or the chocolate protein powder by Active Stacks (Use Lillie for 10% off).
• Stevia: Liquid vanilla stevia or monkfruit. I prefer the liquid version as I think it blends best but any sweetener of choice works!
• Cocoa powder: I love to use jet black cocoa powder (use code Lillie10 for 10% off) to give these oats that really rich, dark chocolatey flavor but you can use any cocoa powder you love!
• Vanilla extract: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness!
• Baking powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh (less than 3 months old).
• Chocolate chips: I love to use the mini chocolate chips so you get little pools of chocolate in every bite but regular chocolate chips also work.

How to Make Brownie Baked Squash Oats

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash and dry your squash and grate them finely. OR, you can use a food processor or salsa maker to “rice” them if you don’t like the strands. OR, use your food processor to get it smooth if you prefer no chunks. (This has become our favorite method.)
3. In a large bowl, combine your riced squash (no need to drain), liquid egg whites, oats, creamer, protein powder, stevia, cocoa powder, vanilla, and baking powder. Mix well and pour into a greased 9×9 pan. (**edited from 9×13 because thicker is better!) Sprinkle the top with 2 Tbsp mini chocolate chips and bake for 35-40 minutes or until set. The bottoms will be wet but that’s ok! It gets better as it sits in the fridge. And the cook time does seem to vary a bit with your protein powder. Keep an eye on them!
4. Let them cool before cutting into 8 pieces. I love mine chilled, then served in a bowl with cashew milk, a few tablespoons of almond milk Reddi Whip, chopped strawberries, and a few more mini chocolate chips! OR, just some reddi whip, a little drizzle of natural peanut butter, and a pinch of flake salt. We also love them with yogurt and fruit. A perfect breakfast, afternoon snack, or healthy dessert.
5. Make sure to store in the refrigerator and enjoy!

How to Serve Your Brownie Baked Squash Oats

They smell like heaven coming out of the oven. BUT, I much prefer my brownie oats chilled in the fridge, then served in a bowl with cashew milk, a few tablespoons of almond milk reddi whip, chopped strawberries, and a few more mini chocolate chips! 

I think pouring milk on top weirds some of you out and THAT’S cool. But I grew up eating cake in a bowl with milk poured on top. SO maybe it’s nostalgic, or maybe I’m just letting you in on the best kept secret, arming you with the tools to maximize your baked brownie oat enjoyment. I’ll let you decide.

We also love them with yogurt and fruit. And that’s normal. Or a peanut butter drizzle. A perfect breakfast, afternoon snack, or healthy dessert. You can’t go wrong!

For More Delicious Recipes

• Apple Crisp Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Bowl
• Dark Chocolate Protein Waffles
• Double Chocolate Mighty Muffin Yogurt Bowl
• Extra Light High-Protein Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Bars

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