Baked Protein Oatmeal is a warm and hearty dish packed with healthy oats and protein. It’s like having dessert for breakfast that fills you up and tastes great!
It’s super easy to make ahead of time, and the best part? You can top it with fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey! I love it warm with a splash of milk—perfect for busy mornings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are the base of this dish, providing fiber and texture. Quick oats can be used if that’s what you have, but the texture will be a bit mushier and less chewy.
Protein Powder: I usually prefer vanilla for a touch of flavor, but unflavored works just fine too. If you’re vegan, you could use a plant-based protein powder, or if you don’t have any, feel free to replace it with an extra 1/4 cup of oats!
Milk: You can use any milk you like! Almond, soy, or oat milk are great dairy-free options. I often enjoy almond milk because it adds a nice nutty flavor without being too heavy.
Peanut Butter: While I love using creamy peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be good substitutes if you want a different nutty flavor or have nut allergies.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness. Honey is a great substitute, but if you’re looking for a sugar-free option, try using mashed bananas or date syrup.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Baked Protein Oatmeal?
Getting this recipe just right is about the right balance of moisture and baking time. Here are some tips:
- Be sure your mixing bowls are well-prepped: whisk your wet and dry ingredients separately before combining. This helps all the ingredients mix evenly.
- Don’t over-mix when combining dry and wet ingredients; folding gently keeps your oats fluffy.
- Check your baked oatmeal around the 30-minute mark. If the edges are pulling away from the pan and the top is golden, it’s done!
- Let it cool slightly before serving; it firms up as it cools, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Top with fun extras like nut butter, fresh fruits, or a scoop of yogurt for added flair!
Baked Protein Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: extra rolled oats for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. Overall, plan for about 50 minutes from start to finish. After baking, it’s nice to let it cool a bit before serving, so you might want to wait another 5-10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish, or something similar that can go into the oven. This helps prevent the oatmeal from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the rolled oats, protein powder, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed, so each bite will be delicious!
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended; the peanut butter should be creamy!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix—just combine everything until the dry oats are moistened.
5. Add Blueberries:
Next, gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries. This is what will give the dish a lovely burst of flavor!
6. Bake the Oatmeal:
Pour the mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with your spatula. If you like, sprinkle a few extra oats on top for added texture. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean to indicate it’s done.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into squares.
8. Drizzle and Top:
For a special touch, drizzle warm peanut butter over the top. You can warm it in the microwave for a few seconds if needed. Then add some extra blueberries on top to make it pretty!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your baked protein oatmeal warm, and if you like, add a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt on the side for extra creaminess. Enjoy this nutritious start to your day!
Can I Use Steel-Cut Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Steel-cut oats won’t work the same way in this recipe, as they require a longer cooking time. If you prefer that texture, you can partially cook them in water before adding to the mix, or simply stick with rolled oats for the best results!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Protein Oatmeal?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s easy to reheat in the microwave or oven—just add a splash of milk to help restore moisture when reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg), use plant-based protein powder, and opt for a dairy-free milk alternative. Maple syrup is already vegan, making it a perfect sweetener!
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings! Sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips are delicious options. You can also swap the blueberries for other berries or diced fruits based on your taste preference.