Easy Chocolate Porridge Recipe (4 ingredients)

This addictive 15-minute Chocolate Porridge is crafted with 4 simple, wholesome ingredients for a breakfast that feels like dessert but fuels like a superfood. It's deliciously chocolatey - yet contains no refined sugar. You can also make this Chocolate Oatmeal gluten and dairy free so everyone can enjoy it!

Whether you call it porridge or Chocolate Oatmeal, this dish is unbeatable for busy mornings. It’s been a reader favorite for years—some even swap the liquid for creamy chocolate milk for an extra-indulgent twist. 

Because it’s naturally customizable, you can easily prepare these Chocolate Oats gluten-free or dairy-free, making it a safe, delicious win for every dietary need.

Porridge is also great for gut health. It's full of fiber and protein so keeps you fuller for longer.

Why readers love this Chocolate Oatmeal

• Beyond the unbeatable taste, this warm and comforting bowl is a powerhouse for gut health.

• As a professional recipe developer, I’ve designed this dish to be far superior to store-bought instant oatmeal, ensuring it remains low in salt and refined sugar but high in fiber and plant-based protein.

• It is a kid-friendly staple that helps lower inflammation and uses complex carbohydrates to keep the whole family fuller for longer.

• If you love oats here are some other healthy breakfast options to start your day right. Try my Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats, Coconut Oil Granola, 10 Minute Stovetop Granola orFrozen Yoghurt Bites. Don't forget my viral High Protein Waffles - also made with oats!

What is the difference between Porridge and Oatmeal?

The distinction often depends on where you are in the world. In the US and many other regions, the terms are used interchangeably to describe the same comforting breakfast bowl.

In the UK, "oatmeal" traditionally refers to the ground oat itself, used in both sweet and savory cooking. "Porridge," meanwhile, is the finished hot dish, which can technically be made from various grains—though oats are the most common.

What Oats Are Best for Porridge?

When visitng the cereal aisle, the options can be overwhelming: steel-cut, Scottish, quick, and rolled. 

While quick oats are convenient for time-crunched mornings, they often lose the hearty texture and nutritional density found in less processed varieties. Steel-cut oats offer the highest fiber content but requires a significant simmer time.

For this recipe, I recommend rolled oats. They offer the perfect middle ground—cooking quickly while maintaining a thick, creamy consistency that makes this chocolate version feel truly indulgent.

Chocolate Porridge Ingredients

Find the full list and quantities in the recipe card below.

Oats - I have used rolled oats to make my porridge as they have a great creamy texture.

If you are follow a gluten free diet please look for gluten free oats. However, bear in mind that some Celiac sufferers can't even eat gluten free oats so it is always worth checking first.

Milk - use any variety of milk in this recipe. For a vegan and dairy free porridge use a dairy free milk. For anyone with a nut allergy use either dairy milk or a nut free dairy milk like oat milk or soy.

It's also fine to make this porridge with water - still delicious but it won't be as creamy.

Cocoa- you can use regular/natural cocoa powder or "Dutch processed". Either will work in this porridge.

Maple Syrup- I like to use maple syrup as it is an unrefined sugar. You could also use agave syrup or honey if you prefer. Just note that if serving this porridge to vegan diners, honey is not vegan.

How to Make Chocolate Porridge

Find the full printable recipe below.

First bring oats, the milk of your choice and maple syrup to a boil in a medium saucepan.

Next sift in cocoa power into the pan, stir and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes - until the oats are cooked and the porridge is thickened.

Finally serve in bowls and add your favorite toppings.

How many oats per serving of porridge?

½ a cup of rolled oats is the recommended amount for a portion serving. So for a family of 4, add 2 cups of rolled oats to the pot.

What is the Perfect Ratio of water/milk to oats for porridge?

The quantities for making porridge are very simple to remember, the ratio is double the amount of liquid to oats. You may find you need to add a splash or 2 of additional liquid depending on how runny or thick you like your porridge.

Do I have to use milk to make Porridge?

You can make porridge with water, milk or a blend of the two. Any variety of milk will work in this porridge, whole milk or skimmed, dairy free, almond milk or nut milks are ideal if you're trying to cut back on dairy.

Can I make this porridge in the microwave?

Yes, you can easily make this in the microwave if you are in a rush. Simply combine the oats, liquid, and sifted cocoa powder in a large microwave-safe bowl—ensure it is twice the size you think you need to prevent the oats from bubbling over. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir well, then continue in 30-second bursts until you reach your desired consistency. Let it stand for one minute before serving to allow the oats to fully hydrate and thicken.

How do I prevent the cocoa from tasting bitter?

Since this recipe has no refined sugar, the quality of your cocoa matters. If the porridge tastes too sharp, a tiny pinch of sea salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract can help mellow the bitterness of the cocoa and bring out its natural sweetness without adding sugar.

Can I make this porridge ahead of time?

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge, or even prep it as "overnight oats" by mixing the ingredients and letting them sit in the refrigerator overnight. The cocoa flavor actually deepens as it sits.

How can I add extra protein to this recipe?

If you want an even more filling breakfast, you can stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter once the porridge is cooked. You can also whisk in an egg white during the last minute of simmering on the stove for a protein boost that makes the texture incredibly fluffy and mousse-like.

Variations and Suggestions

For a deliciously creamy, simple oatmeal, you can leave the cocoa powder out altogether. Or how about swapping the cocoa for a teaspoon or two of ground spices, eg ground cinnamon to make a great tasting cinnamon porridge.

Using the creamy porridge as a base you can add any flavors to this simple oatmeal, stir through some fresh fruit, berries, vanilla extract or even some fruit jam.

A dollop of Greek Yoghurt is delicious and increases the protein content.

For even more fiber - stir through a teaspoon or two or chia seeds. Cacao nibs are also delicious on top.

Pro Tips For Making Chocolate Porridge

• Use a good non-stick pot, this stops the porridge from sticking to the bottom.

• For the same reason, don't walk away from the stove while cooking your porridge. Keep an eye on the pan and stir the porridge to stop it sticking.

• Use a sifter to add the cocoa powder. Don't be tempted not to - the cocoa powder might go lumpy.

• Add a tiny pinch of salt to the oats while they cook to intensify the chocolate flavor without making it salty.

• Toast the dry oats in the pan for a minute before adding liquid to create a deeper nuttier base.

• Whisk the cocoa powder into a small amount of cold milk first to create a smooth paste if you do not have a sifter handy.

• Add the liquid gradually while stirring to achieve a much creamier consistency.

• Soak the oats for ten minutes before cooking if you have time to make them even easier to digest and quicker to cook.

• Always stir in a clockwise direction as tradition suggests it brings good luck to the kitchen!

How to Serve

Chocolate Oatmeal tastes great so you can serve it just as it is. Toppings are always fun though! Stir through some Nutella to make a Nutella Oatmeal - once you've added Nutella I promise you'll never look back!

Other great flavor toppings include:

• Fresh fruit - my Easy Raspberry Chia Seed Jam is amazing with the chocolate flavor!
• Crushed nuts - hazelnuts; almonds; pecans; macadamias
• Seeds - chia; pumpkin; flaxseed and sunflower
• Sweeteners - maple syrup; honey
• Spreads - Peanut butter or fruit jams or jellies

Storage and Reheating

While this porridge is best served hot and fresh from the pot, it can be easily stored for quick breakfasts later in the week. As the oats sit, they will continue to absorb liquid and the texture will become thicker and firmer.

How to Store

To store any leftovers, allow the porridge to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

When you are ready to eat, you will notice the oats have become quite thick. To bring back that creamy, silk-smooth consistency, you will need to add a splash of extra milk or water before reheating.

• Stovetop: Place the porridge in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a little liquid and stir frequently until it is heated through and creamy again.
• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of liquid. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until hot.

Can you freeze porridge?

Yes, you can freeze individual portions of this chocolate porridge in freezer-safe containers or even muffin tins for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before following the reheating instructions above.

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This recipe was shared with the #cookblogshare community, which this week was kindly hosted by Sisley at sewwhite.com