These single-serve, high-protein baked oats are packed with chocolate chips and taste just like cake! They're fluffy, naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and perfect for a healthy breakfast.
Update: This recipe, first published in May 2021, has been updated with more tips and step-by-step photos showing how easy it is to make protein baked oats at home!
You already know that baked oats are my go-to breakfast. They're easy, healthy, high in protein, and so satisfying. I have tons of baked oats recipes, from double chocolate baked oats to my air fryer baked oats to these fluffy 2-minute microwave-baked oats. But these chocolate chip protein baked oats might just be my favorite.
They have 16g of natural protein from egg whites, so there's no need for protein powder. Plus, they're healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free-but you'd never know because they're so soft and delicious! Super similar to my viral 3 ingredient banana oatmeal pancakes with 20g of natural protein.
I've been making this recipe for over five years, and it was one of the first I ever shared on my blog. With hundreds of rave reviews and remakes on Instagram, it's a tried-and-true favorite, and I can't wait for you to try it!
If you love single-serve, high-protein breakfasts, you'll also love my single-serve banana bread (same approach, made with one egg, oat flour, and just half a banana). It bakes in 20 minutes or microwaves in 90 seconds.
Why you'll love this high protein recipe:
- Extra fluffy and moist: These high-protein baked oats have a soft, cakey texture.
- 16 grams of protein: No protein powder is needed!
- Naturally sweetened: No refined sugar added.
- Healthy & allergen-friendly: Gluten-free and dairy-free.
The ingredients
These protein baked oats are made with eight simple ingredients. You'll need rolled oats, egg whites, half a banana, your favorite milk, and a few other basics. Here's everything you need:
- Oats: I use old-fashioned rolled oats, but quick oats work, too. If you're gluten-free, just make sure to grab gluten-free certified oats. Don't use steel-cut oats, though-they're too tough for this recipe!
- Eggs: We're using just the egg whites here, which add protein and help bind everything together.
- Banana: Look for a banana with lots of brown spots-this makes the oats naturally sweeter. It also helps create that perfect fluffy texture.
- Milk: I love vanilla unsweetened almond milk, but any milk (or oat milk) will work.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness. The recipe is refined sugar-free, but you can skip this if you want it 100% sugar-free.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a little for big flavor.
- Baking Powder: This helps the oats rise and gives them that fluffy texture. (Note: baking powder is different from baking soda!)
- Ground Cinnamon: It makes these oats taste like banana bread-so good!
- Chocolate Chips: Optional, but I love them. They make these baked oats feel like a treat.
Instructions
High-protein baked oats are super easy to make in a few simple steps. They are extra fluffy, moist, and soft. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are in the recipe card's bottom of this page.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a single-serve baking dish or ramekin. Add all the ingredients (except the chocolate chips) to a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Pour the batter into the greased ramekin (I used an 8-ounce one) and top with chocolate chips.
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let your protien baked oats cool for about 5 minutes. Then, top with a drizzle of chocolate, peanut butter, or almond butter if you'd like. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Blend well: Make sure to blend your ingredients until smooth for a super fluffy and moist texture.
- Grease your ramekin: This prevents the oats from sticking to the dish.
- No steel-cut oats: Only use rolled oats or quick oats for baked oatmeal.
Equipment
Substitutions & Variations
- Add Extra Protein: You can add one scoop of protein powder to increase the protein. If you do this, add 1 - 2 Tablespoons of additional milk so that the baked oats are moist and soft.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free rolled oats to keep this recipe gluten-free. Make sure your milk and any add-ins like chocolate chips are also gluten-free!
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the batter and top with extra chocolate chips.
- Banana Nut: Stir in chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunchy twist.
- Add Berries: Mix in your favorite fresh or frozen berries, like blueberries or raspberries.
- Coconut Chocolate Chip: Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flair
- Egg Whites: You can substitute with ¼ cup liquid egg whites or use a whole egg if you prefer.
- Milk: Any milk works-almond, oat, or regular milk.
- Banana: If you don't have a ripe banana, you can use applesauce or a bit of maple syrup for sweetness.
- Chocolate Chips: You can skip the chocolate chips or swap them with chopped nuts or dried fruit.
Storage
Storing: Keep protein baked oats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can substitute the two large egg whites with ¼ cup of liquid egg whites.
No! Steel-cut oats are too tough for this recipe. Stick with rolled oats or quick oats.
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 290°F and air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden and fluffy. Check out this air fryer baked oats recipe!
Yes, you can freeze baked oats in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat as needed!
More delicious oatmeal recipe!
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Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Protein Baked Oats
Ingredients
- ½ cup old-fashion rolled oats, gluten-free or regular
- 2 large egg white, or ¼ cup of liquid egg whites
- ½ ripe banana, spotty and brown for extra sweetness
- ¼ cup milk, I love vanilla unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoon chocolate chips, I used Lily's Dark Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a single-serve baking dish or ramekin.
- Add all ingredients (except for the chocolate chips) to a high-speed blender and blend until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased oven-safe ramekin (I used an 8-ounce one) and top with the chocolate chips.
- Bake for 18 - 22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes. Then top with a drizzle of chocolate, peanut butter, or almond butter, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Sharing is caring!
Saskia says
Baked oats are the bomb and this was incredible.
Brynn Murray says
I try a lot of baked oats recipes and this is one of my top favorites for sure!
Valeria Hirsch says
tastes just like a banana bread
Amber Lamphere says
This was the perfect baked oats recipe!! Such a yummy way to start my morning, and I was easily able to add some protein powder to the recipe to add even more protein. This will be a recipe I always come back to!
Amelie says
One of my all time favorites from Tati. These are really good!
Marli Jonck says
Oh WOW!!!
Tati Chermayeff says
Marli, thank you! These protein baked oats are simply the best 🙂
Moorea Wood says
Loved this so much! I treat it as a desert or a meal & tastes so good for being so healthy. I have made it with blueberries instead of chocolate chips for an extra healthy start to the day:)
Tati Chermayeff says
Moorea, SO HAPPY TO HEAR THIS!! I am totally obsessed too.
Christine Gabriel says
The recipe is easy to follow and easy clean up. It turned out moist & creamy inside. I love chocolate chiips so I added extra. Thank you for the recipe
Tati Chermayeff says
This is music to my ears!! Thank you so much Christine for your kind and glowing comment! I love this recipe too 🙂
Hanna says
Never gets old how good these are! 4th time making them and they are just so good!!!
Tati Chermayeff says
You are too kind, Hanna!!
Katie says
Could be my all time favorite baked oats recipe!! WOWOWOWOWOW.
Tati Chermayeff says
Best news EVERRRRR!!!
STEPHANIE MANNION says
This did not disappoint! Cooked up perfectly and was delicious. The nutrition added up a little differently for me 393 kcal for me (on MFP) but the flavor and consistency is SO GOOD! I put a little almond butter on it and have some plain nonfat greek yogurt on the side. Great sweet treat at the end of the day!
Tati Chermayeff says
Stephanie, I am SO happy to hear this! This is my favorite and go to breakfast!!
Adele Kempt says
THE BEST!!! This is such a great baked oats recipes. It tastes like a cake and is the perfect serving size.
Tati Chermayeff says
Beyond thrilled to hear this, Adele!! Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful and kind message!
June says
This recipe was amazing! So easy and so good. Will def make again.
Stephanie says
I’m obsessed, new favorite breakfast!
Tati Chermayeff says
Me too!! One of my FAVORITES!!!
Annie Heartling says
WOW! Made with right when Tati posted them on Instagram and I cannot reccomened them enough. Filling and delicious! I topped my with almond butter.
Tati Chermayeff says
This just made my day hearing this!!! Thank you so much, Annie!!!