Baked Protein Oatmeal is a great way to start your day! It’s packed with healthy oats, eggs, and your favorite mix-ins like fruits and nuts. Yum!
I love how easy it is to whip up a big batch and enjoy it all week. Plus, it’s like having dessert for breakfast—who can resist that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats are perfect here because they provide great texture. If you’re in a pinch, quick oats work too, but avoid instant oats as they can get mushy.
Protein Powder: I usually use vanilla protein powder for sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use ground flaxseed for extra nutrition. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly.
Milk: Choose any milk you like! Almond, soy, or oat milk are great dairy alternatives. For creaminess, use whole milk or coconut milk.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup gives a lovely flavor. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try agave or a few drops of liquid stevia.
Nut Butter: Peanut butter is my go-to, but almond or cashew butter are tasty substitutes. For nut allergies, try sun butter made from sunflower seeds.
How Can I Ensure a Perfectly Baked Oatmeal?
Getting your baked oatmeal just right can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining. This helps everything blend evenly.
- Don’t overmix! Gently fold in the blueberries to avoid crushing them and turning the batter blue.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens vary, so check after 25 minutes. You want it to be set and lightly golden, not dry.
- Let it cool briefly before serving. This helps it firm up a bit more for easier slicing.
Enjoy your baked protein oatmeal, whether you have it warm or as leftovers!
Baked Protein Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 scoop (about 30g) protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter or almond butter (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: a few oats for sprinkling on top before baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This baked protein oatmeal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying a warm, hearty breakfast in around 40 minutes. Perfect for an energizing start to your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a small baking dish that’s about 6×6 inches. This will prevent your oatmeal from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good stir so all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, peanut butter (or almond butter), maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and blended well.
4. Mix It All Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Add the Blueberries:
Now, fold in the fresh blueberries gently, so they stay intact and add bursts of flavor throughout your oatmeal.
6. Get Ready to Bake:
Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. If you like, you can sprinkle a few oats on top for a nice finish.
7. Bake:
Put the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s set and golden around the edges.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle some extra peanut butter on top and garnish with more fresh blueberries for a delicious look and taste.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the baked protein oatmeal warm and dig in! Enjoy all the flavors and know you’re starting your day off right with this hearty, nutritious breakfast.
This baked protein oatmeal is not only easy to make but also customizable! Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, as instant oats can become mushy and may not hold up well during baking. If you only have instant oats, reduce the baking time slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk of your choice. Make sure to use a vegan protein powder as well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm them in the oven—just cover those with foil to keep them moist.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to add in nuts, seeds like chia or flaxseed, or other fruits like bananas or apples for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure not to overload it too much!
