Baked Protein Oatmeal is a warm and filling breakfast that’s super easy to make! With oats, eggs, and your favorite fruits, it’s great for starting your day right.
This dish tastes like dessert but is packed with good stuff. I love adding berries or bananas for a sweet touch! Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—just bake, slice, and enjoy all week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are a must for this recipe as they provide the right texture. Avoid instant oats, which might turn mushy. However, if you only have quick oats, you can use them, but adjust the baking time slightly.
Protein Powder: I prefer vanilla protein powder for added flavor, but unflavored works too. If you’re allergic to protein powder, use a nut butter to maintain some protein without it.
Milk: You can use any milk you like—dairy, almond, oat, or soy. I often go for almond milk for its light taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, plant-based milk will fit perfectly here.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness, but honey or agave syrup can also work. If you’re looking for a no-sugar option, you could use mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce.
Fruits: Strawberries are my favorite, but you can swap them for blueberries, apples, or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Ensure My Oatmeal Bakes Evenly?
To achieve evenly baked oatmeal, follow these steps:
- Mix thoroughly: Make sure wet and dry ingredients are well combined. This ensures the flavors and textures meld properly.
- Smooth the top: After pouring the mixture into the baking dish, smooth it out with a spatula. This helps promote even rising and cooking.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done! Cooking time may vary based on your oven.
Ensuring a solid mix and proper leveling will lead to a consistent bake every time!
How to Make Baked Protein Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Oats: 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- Protein: 1/2 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- Baking Essentials: 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Liquids: 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based), 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
- Fruits & Toppings: 1 cup strawberries (halved) or other fresh fruit, 1/3 cup whole almonds, and 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked protein oatmeal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires about 30-35 minutes of baking time. Allow for a few minutes to cool before slicing and enjoying, totaling roughly 50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a delicious and hearty breakfast or snack option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir them together so they’re evenly mixed. This step is important for distributing the flavors throughout your oatmeal.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil or butter together until everything is thoroughly blended. This creates the wet mixture that will bind the dry ingredients together.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined. You want to make sure the oats are well coated with the mixture.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even surface for baking.
6. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the halved strawberries, whole almonds, and dark chocolate chips evenly over the top of the oatmeal mixture. Gently press a few into the batter to ensure they stick during baking.
7. Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes—it’s done when the edges are golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Slice the oatmeal into squares for serving. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature; either way, it’s delicious!
This Baked Protein Oatmeal is not only nutritious but also customizable. Enjoy it as a hearty breakfast or a snack throughout the day!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats will cook faster and may result in a softer, less chewy oatmeal. If using them, reduce the baking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on it!
How Can I Make This Oatmeal Dairy-Free?
To make this baked protein oatmeal dairy-free, simply substitute the cow’s milk with any plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk. Just ensure that your protein powder is also dairy-free if you’re avoiding dairy altogether!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it in the morning. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave for a quick breakfast or snack. Adding a splash of milk while reheating can help restore moisture and creaminess!
