Get ready to meet your new breakfast obsession: Protein Baked Oats. This recipe brings together the hearty comfort of baked oatmeal and the powerhouse nutrition of protein, creating a breakfast that’s both indulgent and energizing. With creamy mashed bananas, gooey peanut butter, and a touch of maple syrup, every bite feels like a treat, yet it packs a serious punch with 14 grams of protein per serving. It’s as cozy as it is convenient, making it ideal for meal prep or lazy weekend mornings. Drizzled with melty chocolate and extra peanut butter, Protein Baked Oats offer that irresistible balance of wholesome and decadent, all in one glorious pan.

Protein Baked Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Protein Baked Oats is just how easy the ingredients are to find and love. Each one not only adds some serious flavor but also brings its own magic—think creamy texture, natural sweetness, or nutrition that sticks with you all morning.

Milk (1 ¾ cup, dairy or plant-based): Adds creaminess and helps everything blend smoothly together.
Eggs (3 large, room temperature): Bind the oats and lend a fluffy, custardy finish.
Pure vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoon): Boosts the cozy, bakery-style vibe in every serving.
Mashed overripe bananas (1 cup): Give natural sweetness and keep the bake extra moist.
Natural peanut butter (½ cup): Provides creamy richness and a satisfying nutty flavor.
Maple syrup (½ cup): Sweetens with a warm, caramel-like note—reduce to ⅓ cup if using sweetened protein powder.
Old fashioned oats (3 cups): The classic base that gives baked oats their heartiness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens flavors and balances sweetness.
Peanut butter powder (½ cup): Layers in even more peanut flavor and plenty of protein without extra fat.
Vanilla or unsweetened protein powder/collagen powder (½ cup): Delivers the all-important protein boost to make this breakfast super satisfying.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips, carob chips, dark chocolate chips or blueberries (½ cup): Choose your favorite for pockets of sweet, melty joy or juicy bursts.

How to Make Protein Baked Oats

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and coat it with non-stick cooking spray so your Protein Baked Oats release easily and clean-up stays joyful (not dreadful!).

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla, mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup. This step is like creating a luscious base layer that infuses every bite with wholesome, creamy, nutty sweetness.

Step 3: Stir in the Dry Ingredients

Add the oats, salt, peanut butter powder, and protein powder right into your wet mixture. Whisk everything well, ensuring those peanut butter or protein powder clumps dissolve—think of how smooth and inviting the batter should look before it bakes.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Transfer your oatmeal batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it so corners aren’t left out. Sprinkle chocolate chips (or your favorite add-in) across the surface, earning yourself little bursts of melty goodness in every bite.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for the classic signs: the oats shouldn’t jiggle in the center and should bubble enticingly around the edges. Let it cool on a wire rack while those aromas drift through your kitchen.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Optional Toppings

For that “bakery window” finish, whisk the remaining peanut butter with melted coconut oil until velvety. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in short microwave bursts, then drizzle both over the hot Protein Baked Oats for an eye-catching and irresistible topping.

How to Serve Protein Baked Oats

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of warm peanut butter (just loosen with a little coconut oil) and a flash of melty chocolate takes this breakfast from every day to bakery-level special. Top with sliced bananas or a dusting of cinnamon for an extra flourish.

Side Dishes

Protein Baked Oats pair beautifully with tangy Greek yogurt, a side of fresh seasonal fruit, or even a big mug of your favorite coffee or chai. The oats are filling, so lighter sides work best—think refreshing over heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the baked oats into neat bars for grab-and-go mornings, layer cubes into a jar with yogurt and fruit for a parfait, or serve warm from the pan family-style, with small pitchers of peanut butter and chocolate sauce for everyone to personalize their own slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Protein Baked Oats are a meal-prepper’s dream. Simply cover and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. Morning rush? Just grab a slice and you’re set.

Freezing

If you want to spread out your delicious breakfast vibes even further, pop individual portions in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re ready to go again.

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, microwave a square of Protein Baked Oats in 30 to 45 second bursts until steaming and soft. If you want to crisp up the top, a quick run under the broiler does the trick, too!

FAQs

Can I make Protein Baked Oats with gluten-free oats?

Absolutely! Just swap the standard old fashioned oats for certified gluten-free rolled oats. The result is every bit as hearty and scrumptious.

Do Protein Baked Oats taste eggy?

Nope, not at all. The eggs simply help bind everything and add a lift to the texture, letting the peanut butter, bananas, and maple syrup flavors shine through.

Can I use different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

You totally can! Almond butter or cashew butter offer a similar creamy vibe and pair deliciously with the other flavors, creating your own twist on Protein Baked Oats.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

Yes—use your favorite plant-based milk, swap the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and opt for vegan protein powder. You’ll still get that fluffy, rich texture.

What if I don’t have protein powder?

No worries! You can substitute extra peanut butter powder or just skip it entirely. The oats will still bake up beautifully and be plenty filling—though the protein count will be a bit lower.

Final Thoughts

Breakfasts like Protein Baked Oats make it easy to eat well without compromising on comfort or flavor. If you give them a go, don’t be surprised when they become a regular part of your morning routine—the ease, nutrition, and downright deliciousness are just too good to pass up!

Protein Baked Oats Recipe