Cottage Cheese Hot Cakes Recipe

If you’re searching for a breakfast that punches up both flavor and nutrition, Protein Baked Oats might just become your new best morning friend. This delicious bake brings together creamy bananas, hearty oats, and a double hit of protein with peanut butter and protein powder, all sweetened naturally with maple syrup. Every bite feels comforting like banana bread, but with enough staying power to keep you energized right through lunch. Whether you’re fueling a busy day or craving something special for brunch, Protein Baked Oats is that dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Protein Baked Oats recipe is simple, yet each one plays a key role in creating a rich, tender, and satisfying breakfast. Here’s a lineup of what you’ll need, plus a quick tip or highlight for each!

• Milk (1 ¾ cup): Use dairy or your favorite plant-based blend for creaminess and moisture throughout the oats.
• Eggs (3 large): Bringing these to room temperature ensures a perfectly fluffy texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 ½ teaspoon): A dash of real vanilla adds warmth and sweet aroma.
• Mashed Overripe Bananas (1 cup): Choose super spotty bananas for unbeatable natural sweetness and moisture.
• Natural Peanut Butter (½ cup): Creamy peanut butter brings rich flavor and lasting fullness.
• Maple Syrup (½ cup): This not only sweetens but infuses the bake with cozy, caramel-like notes.
• Old Fashioned Oats (3 cups): Rolled oats deliver hearty texture and make the dish wholesomely satisfying.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): A splash of salt highlights the other flavors and keeps things balanced.
• Peanut Butter Powder (½ cup): Adds an extra punch of peanut flavor and protein, minus extra fat.
• Protein Powder (½ cup): Choose vanilla or unflavored for an extra boost; if using a sweetened version, reduce your syrup slightly.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Blueberries (½ cup): Go classic with chocolate or try fruit for a lighter twist.
• Optional Drizzle Toppings: Natural peanut butter, melted coconut oil, and chocolate chips make for an irresistible finishing touch.

How to Make Protein Baked Oats

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, making sure to cover the corners. This step guarantees that every square comes out clean, without leaving a crumb behind.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla, mashed bananas, natural peanut butter, and maple syrup. Whisk everything together until smooth and cohesive; this blend is key for super moist Protein Baked Oats with a hint of caramelized banana flavor.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle in the oats, salt, peanut butter powder, and protein powder. Continue whisking, making sure any lumps of peanut butter powder dissolve completely. You want a thick but pourable batter that’s full of hearty oats and protein power.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the oat mixture into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chocolate chips (or blueberries, if you’re feeling fruity) across the top. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The Protein Baked Oats are ready when the center doesn’t jiggle and the edges bubble up with excitement!

Step 5: Add Optional Drizzle Toppings

If you’re in the mood for an extra treat, whip up the drizzles while the oats are still hot. Mix peanut butter with a splash of melted coconut oil for a creamy drizzle, and melt chocolate chips with a touch more coconut oil for a glossy, chocolatey finish. Zigzag the drizzles across the top before serving.

How to Serve Protein Baked Oats

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with fresh banana coins, a sprinkling of toasted nuts, or a few extra chocolate chips for good measure. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a dusting of cinnamon adds a lovely touch, making Protein Baked Oats look as sumptuous as they taste.

Side Dishes

Round out your plate with a bowl of fresh fruit or a crisp green smoothie. For heartier mornings, enjoy alongside turkey bacon or scrambled eggs. The protein-packed base makes this dish totally satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with all your favorite breakfast sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Cut the bake into bars for a grab-and-go breakfast, or layer warm squares into parfait glasses with yogurt and fruit for brunch. You can even slice Protein Baked Oats into bite-sized cubes and skewer them with strawberries for an eye-catching breakfast platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep Protein Baked Oats fresh, allow leftovers to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to five days, perfect for meal prepping breakfast for the week ahead.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in wax paper, then place in a resealable freezer bag. The oats freeze beautifully for up to three months and can be popped into a lunch bag straight from the freezer for instant breakfast on busy days.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until heated through, or cover and reheat a larger portion in the oven at 300°F. A quick splash of milk before reheating brings back any lost moisture, making Protein Baked Oats taste freshly baked every time.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats work best for Protein Baked Oats, as they create a chewy, satisfying texture. Steel-cut oats will stay too firm and chewy with this bake time, so stick to old-fashioned oats for the best result.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flax or chia eggs, opt for a plant-based milk, and choose a vegan-friendly protein powder. With these swaps, you’ll still enjoy all the cozy goodness of Protein Baked Oats, just entirely plant-powered.

What’s the best protein powder to use?

Both vanilla and unflavored varieties work beautifully, but be sure to adjust maple syrup if using a sweetened blend. Stick with a protein powder you love the taste of, whether it’s whey, pea, or collagen, for a bake that suits your preferences.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply use two pans or a larger baking dish if you have one, and keep an eye on baking time, adding a few extra minutes as needed. Protein Baked Oats is a wonderful make-ahead option for brunch parties, family gatherings, or busy mornings.

Why are overripe bananas important in this recipe?

Overripe bananas bring an incredible natural sweetness, deep flavor, and extra moisture to Protein Baked Oats. They’re easier to mash and fully integrate into the batter, which leads to a bake that’s tender, cohesive, and sweet in every bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like a fresh, warm pan of Protein Baked Oats to make your mornings a little brighter (and tastier!). With its hearty oats, creamy peanut butter, and plenty of wholesome protein, this breakfast truly feels like a treat that you can feel great about enjoying. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing this nourishing dish as I do—be sure to let me know how you top yours!

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