If you are looking for a breakfast that feels indulgent but keeps you full and energised all morning, this Chocolate Protein Porridge is it. It's rich, gooey and chocolatey, naturally sweetened, and packed with protein and fibre. It's perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or even a cosy weekend breakfast.
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I love starting the day with oats as they are fibre packed, but often lacking in protein. Not these!
Made on the hob (stovetop) with simple kitchen ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes and can be easily customised for kids or adults. Think chocolate dessert vibes, but totally breakfast-appropriate.
It's all done in one pan with minimal prep, which is just what we want on a busy school and work morning. This Chocolate Protein Porridge proves that healthy breakfasts don't have to be boring. It's rich, comforting, endlessly customisable, and perfect for busy families or anyone who wants chocolate for breakfast.
Looking for more healthy sweet breakfast ideas? Why not try our Overnight Weetabix, Greek Yoghurt Chia Pudding or Breakfast Crumble.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Oats - I used rolled oats. If using instant oats, reduce the cooking time and slightly reduce the liquid.
- Protein powder - This is the Chocolate Protein Powder I use. It has a really good ingredients list and doesn't have a weird artificial taste.
- Cocoa powder - Use some unsweetened cocoa powder to add extra chocolate flavour.
- Nut butter - Any will work, but I love cashew butter. The M&S one is so smooth and creamy.
- Milk - Again, you can use any milk, but we used skimmed milk to keep it lighter.
- Honey - This can be swapped to maple syrup or any liquid sweetener.
- Cinnamon - Adds a lovely warmth. You could use ground ginger or nutmeg too.
- Chocolate chips - Dark chocolate chips are our go-to.
- Berries - You can use fresh berries, but I find when frozen berries start to melt on the hot chocolate protein porridge, they turn really jammy.
Variations
Extra Chocolatey - Add a few extra chocolate chips while cooking for a melt-in effect.
Banana Chocolate - Mash half a banana into the porridge while cooking for natural sweetness and a really nice texture.
Mocha Protein Porridge - Stir in ½ teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder.
Vanilla Chocolate - Use vanilla protein powder for a lighter chocolate flavor.
How To Make Chocolate Protein Porridge
Step 1
Put the oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, cinnamon, honey, water and milk into a saucepan.
Step 2
Mix well and heat over a low heat for 6-8 minutes.
Step 3
Serve topped with chocolate chips, frozen berries and the cashew butter.
Serving Suggestions
For extra protein, and to make it super creamy, why not add a spoonful of Greek yoghurt on top of the chocolate protein porridge. You could use a flavoured yoghurt too for a different flavour too.
You can also top this chocolate protein porridge with lots of chopped nuts and seeds for extra crunch as well as extra protein and fibre.
Dannii's Top Tips
- For kids - If I am making this for my kids, then I would leave out the protein powder and add nothing else, or sometimes add some peanut butter powder.
- Lower heat is key - protein powder can clump if cooked too aggressively and porridge is better when cooked low and slow.
- Stir constantly to keep it smooth and creamy.
- Too thick? - If your protein powder thickens a lot, add a little extra milk until it is the desired consistency.
- Always taste before serving and adjust sweetness if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Yes, you can. You may need to adjust the amount of milk, but this does work really well as overnight oats.
Protein powder absorbs liquid as it cools. Simply stir in more milk until creamy again.
More Porridge Recipes
If you've tried this chocolate protein porridge recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Chocolate Protein Porridge
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 100 g (1 cups) of Oats - (use certified gluten free oats to ensure this recipe is gluten free)
- 4 tablespoons of Protein powder
- 1 tablespoon of Cocoa powder
- 0.5 tablespoons of Cinnamon
- 250 ml (1 cups) of Skimmed milk
- 1 tablespoon of Honey
- 1 tablespoon of Chocolate chips
- 120 g (0.75 cup) of Frozen berries
- 2 tablespoons of Cashew butter
- 125 ml (0.5 cup) of Water
Instructions
- Put 100 g of Oats, 1 tbsp of Cocoa powder, 4 tablespoons of Protein powder, 0.5 tablespoons of Cinnamon, 1 tbsp of Honey125 ml of Water and 250 ml of Skimmed milk into a saucepan.
- Mix well and heat over a low heat for 6-8 minutes.
- Serve topped with 1 tbsp of Chocolate chips, 120 g of Frozen berries and the 2 tablespoons of Cashew butter.
Recipe Notes
- If I am making this for my kids, then I would leave out the protein powder and add nothing else, or sometimes add some peanut butter powder.
- Protein powder can clump if cooked too aggressively and porridge is better when cooked low and slow.
- Stir constantly to keep it smooth and creamy.
- If your protein powder thickens a lot, add a little extra milk until it is the desired consistency.
- Always taste before serving and adjust sweetness if needed
Nutritional Information
Where nutritional information is provided, it is approximate and calculated using online tools. Values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used, but we endeavour to be as accurate as possible.
All timings are a guide and may vary depending on the ingredients, equipment and, where relevant, the appliance used. Changing the serving size may also affect the time needed.
Kelly Walker says
Delicious! Had to make after seeing the picture and thinking about them all night. Tasted great and the only time that I've used protein powder in hot recipes where it hasn't split! Will be a go-to for warming winter breakfasts.
Sandra Twin says
Made this yesterday and it was delicious . Kept me full and going for most of the day. Easy to do and simply define. 5 stars Danni. Thank you. X