Chocolate Orange Oat Snack Loaf

Name: Chocolate Orange Oat Snack Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Daily Cooking

I absolutely love making this Chocolate Orange Oat Snack Loaf! Combining the richness of chocolate with zesty orange creates a delicious snack that's perfect any time of day. The oats add a hearty texture, making it feel wholesome, while the delightful aroma fills my kitchen as it bakes. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat without feeling guilty, and I often find myself sharing it with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this loaf, it will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Created by

Arden Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:53:34.653Z

This Chocolate Orange Oat Snack Loaf has quickly become a beloved recipe in my home. I discovered that balancing the sweetness of chocolate with the bright notes of orange not only elevates the flavor but also makes the loaf visually appealing. I love adding a touch of orange zest to the batter, which enhances the freshness and leaves a lasting impression!

As I experimented with different oats, I found that rolled oats lend a wonderful chewiness, while still allowing the loaf to maintain its structure. The key tip is to mix the wet and dry ingredients gently—this ensures a tender crumb that won't crumble apart when slicing. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will win you over!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Hearty texture from wholesome oats
Perfect for snacking or as a breakfast treat

Ingredient Insights

The combination of oats and cocoa powder is essential for creating the unique flavor and texture of the Chocolate Orange Oat Snack Loaf. The oats lend a hearty, chewy bite, enhancing the loaf’s overall nutritional value, while the cocoa powder adds depth with its rich chocolate taste. Make sure to use rolled oats instead of instant oats, as they maintain better structure during baking, providing that perfect consistency.

Orange zest plays a critical role in balancing the richness of chocolate. It infuses the loaf with brightness and a refreshing aroma, making each bite feel light and invigorating. If you're short on fresh oranges, you can substitute with a few drops of pure orange extract, but be cautious not to overpower the chocolate.

Choosing your chocolate chips wisely can also elevate the flavor profile. I prefer using dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate experience, but semi-sweet or even white chocolate chips can be delightful alternatives. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary depending on your choice.

Baking Tips

When preparing to bake, proper mixing techniques are crucial. Mix the wet ingredients until just blended before incorporating them with the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, which we want to avoid. Look for a batter that is slightly lumpy—this texture contributes to the final loaf’s delightful crumb.

To ensure the loaf bakes evenly, let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes after mixing before transferring it to the loaf pan. This allows the oats to absorb some moisture and can improve texture. Additionally, a glass or metal loaf pan can affect baking time; glass pans often lead to a longer baking duration, so keep an eye on the loaf and adjust accordingly.

For the best end results, check the loaf for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, extend the baking time in 5-minute increments while checking frequently.

Ingredients

For the Loaf

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preparation Steps

Instructions

Steps to Prepare

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy Your Snack Loaf!

Pro Tips

For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips. You can also add walnuts or almonds for a nutty texture.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once fully cooled, the Chocolate Orange Oat Snack Loaf can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer; they can last for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick snack.

This loaf is versatile enough to be enjoyed plain, but it can also be enhanced by serving it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey. For a more decadent dessert, try pairing it with vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm loaf and cold ice cream is simply divine!

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor. Walnuts or hazelnuts can complement the chocolate and orange beautifully. Just remember to adjust the sweetness slightly if you're adding in particularly sweet dried fruits.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe based on your preferences. For a healthier twist, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, which will add a nutty flavor while increasing the fiber content. Just keep an eye on the moisture level as whole wheat can absorb more liquid.

You can also play with the cocoa levels—if you're a chocolate lover, increase the cocoa powder to 2/3 cup for an even richer flavor, but be prepared for a denser loaf. Conversely, if you’d like to lighten up the chocolate, reducing it to 1/3 cup while adding more orange zest can yield a delightful citrus loaf that's great for breakfast.

Another fun variation is to add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, which can provide a warm background note to the chocolate and orange. Just be cautious about the amounts; adding a teaspoon of spice can uplift your loaf without overpowering it.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.

→ How should I store the loaf?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge.

→ Can I freeze this loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What can I use instead of orange zest?

Lemon zest works as a great substitute if you prefer a different citrus flavor.