The other week, one of my readers asked me if I could share some healthy and easy vegan breakfast recipes. I then realized that I really needed to post some everyday breakfast dishes on the blog. I mean tofu scramble, pancakes, and banana quinoa bread are awesome, but sometimes we just don’t have enough time for a fancy breakfast. So this might be the perfect time for these super easy vegan chocolate zoats with berries and bananas.
For those of you who are now wondering what zoats are: no it’s not a cool new slang word that kids are using, it’s an abbreviation for zucchini and oats. Zucchini and oats?! This might sound even weirder than zoats, right? Haha! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably know that I love smuggling in some veggies in all kind of dishes.
Beans in brownies and donuts? No Problem!
Zucchini in muffins? Check!
So when I first heard of zoats (it’s pretty popular on Instagram), I just had to give it a try!
It’s made of shredded zucchini, oats, and milk. To make it vegan I usually use almond or oat milk, but other plant-based milks work just as fine. I also added some cacao and chia seeds and topped it with almond butter, coconut flakes, and some more chocolate.
I’m always trying to use as little sugar as possible, so I added a mashed banana to the vegan chocolate zoats instead of sugar. This works great in other desserts as well (for more check out my recipe for gingerbread avocado chocolate mousse). If you want it to be a little bit sweeter, you can also puree the banana together with a couple of dates or stir in a teaspoon of agave.
I just love healthy breakfast bowls like this one. They’re not only super easy to make but also sooo delicious and pretty with all the different colors!
I hope you had a good start into the new year! If you give this vegan and healthy bowl of zoats a try, let me know how you liked it!
As always, I love hearing from you guys and seeing your fabulous pictures on Instragram (don’t forget to tag me with @_veganheaven_ so I can see your creations).
Talk to you soon! xx
Vegan Chocolate Zoats
Ingredients
For the zoats:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 cup shredded zucchini I used one medium zucchini
- 1 cup almond or oat milk
- 1 banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon agave (if using)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 6 tablespoons plant-based milk
For the topping:
- fresh berries
- kiwi
- banana
- coconut flakes
- almond butter
- dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Put the chia seeds in a small bowl and stir in 6 tablespoons of plant-based milk. Allow to thicken while you make the rest of the zoats.
- Place the oats, the shredded zucchini, and the almond or oat milk in a small pot and cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Then stir in the mashed banana, the cacao, the soaked chia seeds, and if using the agave.
- Put in two bowls and top it off with fresh berries (I used blueberries and raspberries), bananas, kiwi, almond butter, coconut flakes, and chopped dark chocolate.
Ilona @ Ilona's Passion
Wow! I love zucchini in it. Looks delicious, perfect for any breakfast!
Sina
Thanks, Ilona! :-)
Donna
Oh I love the sound of boats – how have I not heard of this before? Will have to give it a go, sounds like my kind of breakfast :)
Vegan Family Recipes
This is such a brilliant idea! I definitely need to try it!
Gin
Whoa, I love the idea of zoats! I definitely need to give them a try. You make them look delicious!
The Vegan 8
I have never heard of zoats before but I love zucchini and love to sneak them into desserts, so why not oatmeal?! What a great idea, so pretty too Sina!
Kathy Hester
I never thought of adding in zucchini to oats like this – it’s a great idea and I can’t wait to try it!
mel@avirtualvegan.com
I love zoodles but have never tried zoats. They are now on my ‘too make’ list. So healthy and filling!
Sina
I love zoodles too, Mel! :-) Let me know if you give it a try.
Nicole Dawson
I guess if you can add zucchini to oat muffins, why not oatmeal? Sounds super easy and delicious. Can’t wait to try.
Sina
I totally agree with you, Nicole! :-)
Amanda
I’ve never heard of zoats before, but what a great idea! I love eating zucchini noodles or hiding it in other food to get a little healthier. Having it with oats sounds great. And this looks so delicious. Looking at it made me crave a bowl right away.
Sina
Thanks, Amanda! :-) I’ve seen it on Instagram and I just had to give it a try.
The Food Hunter
zucchini! who would have thought. I’m going to try it.
Sina
Let me know how you liked it. :-)
Kelly @ TastingPage
I want Zoats – and not just because it’s fun to say. I love all the great veggies you have in here. Pinned for later!
Sina
Glad you like it, Kelly! And I agree, it really does sound pretty funny. :D
Linda @ Veganosity
I LOVE this, Sina!What a great way to get kids, and adults, to eat more veggies.
Sina
Haha! I guess this would be great for picky eaters. :-)
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Smuggled veggies, fruit to sweeten, chocolate, and all those toppings–this is totally my kind of breakfast! I have yet to try zoats actually, but i certainly need to <3
Sina
I’m sure you’d love zoats, Natalie! :-) Can’t believe you haven’t tried them yet.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Zucchini pancakes, quinoa flakes, bread, muffins…I need to make oatmeal!
Sina
It’s one of my favorite breakfast dishes, Rebecca. Although zucchini pancakes sound awesome too! Yummy! :-)
Jenn
Wow, I love this idea! I’m a huge fan of sneaking the veggies in wherever you can. I must try this!
Sina
Haha! Me too, Jenn! :-( Let me know if you give it a try.