Chocolate & Coconut Oatmeal (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

I brought to you today this chocolat & coconut with a hint of coffee oatmeal. It’s gluten free and vegan,  very nutrtious, comforting and chocolatey! 

I can say it out loud that is the bestbreakfast I’ve ever prepared! This coconut mocha oatmeal is out of this world!

This coconut mocha oatmeal is truly out of this world. Almost every Friday, I find myself deciding which dish to share with you — simple or creative, traditional or trendy. And that’s always a fun challenge for me: how can I make it mine and still bring you something new?

As food bloggers, we’re not chefs in professional kitchens — we’re storytellers sharing our real experiences with food. Isn’t that what makes blogging so special? In my case, as someone with a background in nutrition, I always aim to create meals that are both delicious and healthy — never bland or boring.

So even though oatmeal recipes are everywhere, I still wanted to share my version, because it’s the one I return to again and again. I’ve tried so many oatmeal combinations — from my own ideas to other bloggers’ recipes — but this one feels perfect. (Though I still want to try that chai oatmeal recipe soon!)

I can confidently say this ratio of milk and water is the best balance. It lets the flavors shine without turning the oatmeal heavy, dense, or overly sweet.

Oatmeal 

I’ve posted recipes before for oatmeal, but never really discussed how healthy, and important to include it in our diet .

• Naturally gluten free whole grain, it can reduce cholesterol, blood pressure.
• It’s high in fibers, and has minerals like magnesium, manganese, and iron. Also in B vitamins like folate , and B1.
• You can add it to almost everything you can imagine. Plus it’s versatile, and airy, but makes you feel full. In this study they compared the effect of oatmeal, and cereals on satiety, and find improve satiety more than cereals.

My love for oatmeal started, when I needed badly to loose weight, and be fit. That was four years ago, when I had a very high cholesterol level. I had oatmeal almost everyday, with milk, and raisins, and it did help me a lot. Then when I came to the U.S, I couldn’t wait to have it with fresh berries every day especially blueberry. But one day, I read this study, claimed that milk decreased the content of flavonoid, and anthocyanin of blueberry. So I stopped adding fruits to oatmeal, and other toppings.

Coconut milk 

This is only things that I’m not happy of this recipe, since coconut milk is low in protein. I usually add coconut milk to desserts, so you can have any kind of protein you like on the side with this oatmeal. Or to make this oatmeal higher in protein, you can add cow’s milk (which I do most of the time) or Greek yogurt. But this version of coconut milk, makes it much lighter.

And I didn’t mention, that this version has coffee, which means some caffeine for your morning boost!

Save the recipe, pin it for later!

❓FAQs — Before Ingredients

Can I use rolled oats instead of instant oats?
Yes! Rolled oats work beautifully and give a slightly chewier texture. Just increase cooking time by 3–5 minutes.

How can I make this oatmeal higher in protein?
Stir in Greek yogurt, a scoop of protein powder, or replace part of the coconut milk with cow’s milk or soy milk.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and coconut milk (like Thai Kitchen brand).

Can I make this recipe without coffee?
Absolutely. Skip the instant coffee or use decaf if you prefer a caffeine-free version. It will still taste wonderfully chocolatey.

What toppings go well with coconut mocha oatmeal?
Try raspberries, banana slices, dark chocolate chips, or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.

Can I meal-prep this oatmeal?
Yes, refrigerate in airtight jars for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to bring back creaminess.

Why does coconut milk make it lighter?
Coconut milk adds richness without heaviness or excess protein, giving a smooth texture and delicate tropical taste.

Now to the recipe! 

Yield: 2

Coconut Mocha Oatmeal

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

This oatmeal can be made in 10 minutes, rich in flavors and healthy, vegan and gluten free.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup instant or old fashioned oatmeal
• 3 Tb grated dried coconut
• 2 Tb instant coffee, or coffee of your choice
• 3 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup full fat coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tb of Sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• 1 tsp grounded cinnamon
• Suggested Toppings
• Raspberries
• chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a small pot, add coconut milk, water, oatmeal, coffee. on a medium heat, give it a good stir.
2. Add grated coconut, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. and stir again.
3. Keep it on the stove until it boils about 5 minutes, or less.
4. Lower heat to the minimum, and keep for it another 5 minutes.
5. Put in a bowl, and enjoy it hot, or cold.
6. Refrigerate any leftover up to two days.

Notes

If you prefer gluten free version: Make sure the oatmeal is gluten free.

And choose gluten free coconut milk, I used Thai brand which is gluten free.

For stronger flavor of coffee, use espresso instead of instant coffee

What’s your favorite oatmeal recipes? Please feel free to share yours!