Protein Baked Oatmeal

Name: Protein Baked Oatmeal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 medium overripe banana; 2 cups certified gluten free quick cook oats (✅ ); 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder (✅ ); 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds (✅ ); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (✅ ); 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional); 1/2 cup fresh blueberries; 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder (✅ optional); maple syrup (optional)

Jump to Recipe Save Recipe Pin Recipe

Boost nutrition in your child’s breakfast routine with our Kid-Friendly Protein Baked Oatmeal. Packed with certified gluten-free oats, vanilla protein powder, blueberries, and the added goodness of flax seeds, this easy breakfast recipe is designed to make mornings more nutritious. Easy to make and customizable, it’s the perfect way to start the day.

baked oatmeal cut into 6 slices in a baking dish

Oatmeal on its own is not super packed with protein. Instead, it contributes complex carbohydrates to provide a steady release of energy, fiber to aid in digestion and essential nutrients like iron and antioxidants.

By adding protein to oatmeal, you can elevate the nutritional value and health benefits to the bowl of hot cereal. A protein rich breakfast can help kids stay fueled and focused until snack or lunch time.

Our recipe features vanilla protein powder to not only boost nutrition but to add a flavor profile that kids love. The vanilla complements the sweetness of the banana and blueberries that fill this baked protein oatmeal.

Included you will also find instructions on how to make ahead of time, helpful recipe tips and simple ingredient swaps to fully customize this recipe to your liking. As a bonus, we share a few other popular breakfast recipes that have all been kid approved such as these delicious chocolate protein balls.

Let’s get started!

vanilla protein powder, oats, flax seed, eggs, banana, milk, blueberries, vanilla and brown sugar on a countertop

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 medium overripe banana
2 cups certified gluten free quick cook oats
2 cups milk
1/2 cup vanilla protein powder ✅
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons ground flax seeds ✅
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract ✅
1/2 teaspoon salt optional
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons peanut butter powder, optional ✅
maple syrup optional

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

hand using a fork to mash a banana in a mixing bowl

milk poured into mixing bowl with oatmeal ingredients

How To Make Protein Baked Oats

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line the baking pan with parchment or aluminum foil to make clean-up easier.

In a mixing bowl, mash the banana then add the oatmeal, milk, protein powder, eggs, flax seeds, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir well. Add the blueberries and combine. Pour into the baking pan.

If there are any additional mix-ins that you would like to add to the protein oatmeal, stir into the batter before pouring into the pan.

oatmeal batter with fresh berries in a baking dish

top down shot of blueberry baked oatmeal

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.

Serve as is or combine 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder with 1 tablespoon of water and stir (adjust with more water if needed to thin).

Drizzle over the oatmeal bake. Can also drizzle with maple syrup. Garnish with more blueberries and serve hot.

Substitutions and Add-ins

Dried fruit: Add dried fruit such as apples, banana chips, apricots, blueberries, cranberries or cherries instead of fresh blueberries.
Nuts: Incorporate additional healthy fats by pouring in a 1/2 cup of pecans, macadamia nuts, walnuts or almonds.
Seeds: Chia, sunflower or pumpkin seeds all make delicious alternatives if flaxseed is unavailable or not desired.
Banana swaps: Use pumpkin puree or Greek yogurt for the mashed banana to accommodate allergies or preferences.
Milk: Add in dairy milk or a non-dairy alternative such as coconut, soy, almond or oat milk.
Fresh fruit alternatives: Swap the blueberries with fresh blackberries, raspberries, strawberries or chopped cherries.
Final additions: Mix-in mini chocolate chips, coconut shreds, cinnamon, or additional nuts or seeds.

blueberry baked oatmeal in a baking dish

Helpful Tips

Prevent Dryness: To prevent this protein oatmeal bake from becoming dry, ensure you have enough liquid in the mixture. The ratio of oats to liquid is key to achieving the desired consistency. If the oatmeal square is dry upon reheating, pour a few tablespoons of milk over the top to moisten.
Experiment: One of the best characteristics of our protein oatmeal recipe is being able to try different ingredients and flavors. You can customize the bake to your family’s preferences and dietary needs by swapping in favorite ingredients.
Let it Rest: Allow the protein powder baked oatmeal to cool slightly after baking before slicing and serving. This helps it to set completely and all the flavors to further meld together.
Storage: Leftover oatmeal bake can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Individual portions can be enjoyed chilled or reheated in the microwave for a quick and easy hot breakfast option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to add protein to oatmeal?

Protein powder is just one of the many ways you can add protein to oatmeal. Greek yogurt, nut butter and whisked eggs are other options that pack in protein. You can also opt to serve oatmeal alongside a protein-rich side or with a glass of dairy milk.

What oats to use for oatmeal?

Quick cook oats are best for homemade oatmeal because they cook quickly and create the desired consistency. Old fashioned rolled oats should be the top pick for overnight oats while steel cut oats are best if making stovetop oatmeal.

How much protein is in baked oatmeal?

For this recipe, you’ll find approximately 16g of protein per serving if sliced into 6 portions.

What are other high protein make ahead breakfast ideas?

Along with this protein oatmeal, Eggs in the Oven, Gluten Free Quiche, Crockpot Breakfast Casserole, Gluten Free Breakfast Sandwich and Tofu Smoothie are all great high protein breakfast recipes that can be made in advance.

What To Serve With Baked Oatmeal With Protein Powder

This protein oatmeal recipe can be served alone for a complete and satisfying breakfast. We like to slice into individual oatmeal squares to make it easier for kids to grab from the fridge or freezer.

If you want to serve additional breakfast recipes to provide variety, here are some options:

Yogurt parfaits layered with plain or Greek yogurt, granola and fresh fruit.
Eggs whether scrambled, sunny side up or cooked on a sheet pan.
Smoothies packed with fruits, leafy greens and yogurt.
Sausage, turkey bacon or Canadian bacon.

baked oatmeal slice drizzled with syrup topped with fresh berries

How To Make High Protein Baked Oatmeal Ahead of Time

Making protein powder baked oatmeal ahead of time is a convenient way to have a delicious and nutrition breakfast ready to enjoy throughout the week.

Prepare the recipe as written and bake according to the recipe directions.

Once baked, allow it to cool completely then portion into individual servings and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, place in freezer bag to freezer for up to 3 months. It can be helpful to place a piece of parchment paper between each layer of oatmeal squares to make it easier for kids to remove from the freezer.

Place in the fridge overnight to thaw then enjoy chilled or reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until hot.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Read the label on the oats to ensure you are baking with quick cook oats (not old fashioned or steel cut oats). This will help the oatmeal to cook quickly and create the best texture.
You will bake the recipe for 30-35 minutes or until set. That means to continue baking until the oatmeal has cooked through and has a firm texture. The edges of the oatmeal may start to brown slightly, and the center should not be runny when gently pressed with a spatula or fork.
To garnish with hot maple syrup, pour the syrup into a microwave safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments until warm. Then, carefully pour over the top of the oatmeal bake. You can also microwave berries to turn into a homemade syrup or opt for honey, agave or drizzled nut butter.

More Oatmeal Recipes

Want access to more oat recipes that are kid favorites? From healthy overnight oats to delicious desserts featuring oats, we have you covered!

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

Rate Recipe Add to Recipe Box