If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, nutritious breakfast that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning, this High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal Recipe is exactly what you need. It brilliantly combines the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the wholesome goodness of baked oatmeal, turning simple ingredients into a hearty, protein-packed meal that keeps you fueled and satisfied. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weekday or indulging in a lazy weekend brunch, this recipe brings warmth, nutrition, and joy to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition starts with a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from adding natural sweetness and moisture to giving the dish its dense, satisfying texture and that irresistible banana bread flavor.
- Rolled oats: Use 2 cups of rolled oats for a chewy, nutty base that holds its shape beautifully when baked.
- Protein powder: â…“ cup of unflavored or vanilla protein powder boosts the protein content without overpowering the flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: A teaspoon of cinnamon adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the banana perfectly.
- Large eggs: Two eggs bind everything together and add richness.
- Ripe bananas: Two medium ripe bananas, mashed, bring natural sweetness and moisture.
- Pure maple syrup: ¼ cup for a subtle sweetness and a hint of depth beyond just the bananas.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon enhances the overall flavor with gentle floral notes.
- Milk of choice: 1½ cups of dairy, soy, or your favorite non-dairy milk to keep the mixture creamy and tender.
- Hemp hearts: ¼ cup adds a subtle nuttiness and extra protein and healthy fats.
- Optional chocolate chips: ¼ cup for a touch of melty sweetness if you want to treat yourself.
How to Make High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking dish by greasing an 8×8-inch pan or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your oats don’t stick and come out in perfect squares after baking. The warm oven sets the perfect stage for melding all these delicious flavors together.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, protein powder, and ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients form the hearty base of your baked oatmeal, with the protein powder quietly enhancing nutrition while the cinnamon adds a subtle spice that raises the flavor profile.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, mashed bananas, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk until you get a smooth, uniform mixture. This blend brings moisture, natural sweetness, and creaminess to balance the oats and bind everything together beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Mix Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Now fold in the hemp hearts and optional chocolate chips for added texture and bursts of flavor. Be careful not to overmix because you want your baked oatmeal to be tender yet forkable.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the center is set and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The oven work here is magic, creating a dish that’s both soft inside and slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your baked oatmeal cool for 20 minutes in the dish. This resting time helps it firm up for easy slicing. Cut into squares and serve warm—perfect for cozy mornings that call for something nourishing and filling.
How to Serve High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top to elevate the flavors. Fresh banana slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt add a refreshing contrast that complements the baked oatmeal’s rich, warm flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal with a side of fresh berries or a handful of nuts for extra crunch and antioxidants. A cup of your favorite coffee or herbal tea rounds out the meal perfectly, creating a balanced breakfast that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve chunks of this baked oatmeal in glass jars layered with yogurt and fruit for an on-the-go parfait. Or heat a piece and top it with nut butter and a sprinkle of hemp hearts for an indulgent yet healthy snack. This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. It keeps its flavor and texture wonderfully, making it easy to grab a nutritious breakfast throughout the week without extra effort.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prepping ahead or having a quick breakfast option ready to go anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your baked oatmeal squares in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt to refresh the texture and enjoy.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but rolled oats provide a better texture—chewy and hearty—that holds up well after baking. Quick oats might make your baked oatmeal a bit mushier.
What protein powder works best in this recipe?
Unflavored or vanilla whey, pea, or soy protein powders work beautifully here. Choose one you like as it subtly boosts protein without overpowering the gentle banana flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with flax or chia egg replacements and use a plant-based milk. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but still delicious and satisfying.
Is it necessary to add hemp hearts?
Hemp hearts are optional but highly recommended—they add a lovely nutty flavor and an extra boost of protein and omega-3 fatty acids which complement the whole dish wonderfully.
How sweet is the baked oatmeal?
The sweetness comes primarily from ripe bananas and a touch of maple syrup, making it pleasantly sweet but not overly so. This balance makes it perfect for breakfast without a sugar overload.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal Recipe is a game-changer for mornings when you want something comforting, nourishing, and ready to fuel your day. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and so versatile that you’ll want to keep it in your breakfast rotation. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to start the day!
Print
High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is a nutritious and delicious breakfast option that combines the hearty texture of rolled oats with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and a boost of protein powder. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and enhanced with hemp hearts for added nutrition, this baked oatmeal is easy to prepare, gluten-free, and customizable with optional chocolate chips for an extra treat. It’s a healthy, filling dish that’s great for meal prep and satisfies your sweet tooth in a wholesome way.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
- â…“ cup unflavored or vanilla protein powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups milk of choice (dairy, soy, or other non-dairy alternative)
Additional Ingredients
- ¼ cup hemp hearts
- Optional: ¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, protein powder, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Add the mashed bananas, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk, then whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Mix Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir to combine everything evenly. Carefully fold in the hemp hearts and chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges turn a golden brown color. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for about 20 minutes. Once cooled slightly, cut into six equal squares. Serve warm for a comforting breakfast or snack. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for texture; quick oats are not recommended as they can make the baked oatmeal mushy.
- Protein powder can be unflavored or vanilla flavored depending on taste preference.
- Milk choice can be dairy or any non-dairy alternative such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk.
- Optional chocolate chips add sweetness but can be omitted to keep the recipe healthier.
- Let the baked oatmeal cool completely for firmer slices if you prefer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
