Okay, real talk: who *doesn’t* crave a gooey, cinnamon-y, frosting-drenched cinnamon roll first thing in the morning? But, like, the guilt? Ugh. That’s where my High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal recipe swoops in to save the day! It’s seriously the *best* of both worlds.
I’ve been experimenting with baked oatmeal recipes for ages, trying to find that perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. And trust me, *this* is it. Imagine all the comforting flavors of a warm cinnamon roll, but packed with protein to keep you full and energized all morning. No sugar crash here, friends! I’ve made this High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal so many times now – tweaking it here and there until it was absolutely perfect. My family begs me to make it every weekend. It’s become a total staple in our house, and I just *know* you’re gonna love it too!
Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, you can throw it together in minutes. So ditch the drive-thru and get ready for a breakfast that tastes amazing and is actually good for you. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Okay, so why is this baked oatmeal gonna rock your world? Here’s the lowdown:
Quick and Easy Breakfast
Seriously, you can whip this up in, like, 10 minutes flat. Perfect for busy mornings!
Satisfying and Filling
All that protein keeps you full ’til lunchtime. No more mid-morning snack attacks!
Guilt-Free Cinnamon Roll Flavor
Cinnamon roll taste without the crazy sugar rush. Yes, please!
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got breakfast sorted for the whole week. Boom!
Ingredients for High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal happen. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!
Oatmeal Base
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant!)
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based, your call!)
- 1 tsp baking powder (for that little bit of fluff!)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (because, duh, cinnamon rolls!)
- ¼ tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy, whatever floats your boat)
- ¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened is best!)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (the *real* stuff, please!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (makes everything better, right?)
Cinnamon Roll Frosting
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (super important – no one wants lumpy frosting!)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (for that smooth, sweet goodness)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (more cinnamon? Always!)
- 1 tbsp milk (just enough to get it nice and drizzly)
How to Make High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to turn those ingredients into a delicious pan of High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!
Preparing the Oatmeal Base
First, grab a big ol’ bowl. Toss in your oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. This avoids random clumps of protein powder later – trust me, nobody wants that!
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl (less dishes later, yay!), whisk together your milk, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Whisk it all up until it looks nice and smooth. No need to go crazy here, just make sure everything’s combined.
Combining and Baking
Alright, here comes the magic! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir it all together until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally fine. Now, grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. I like to use a little cooking spray, but you could also use butter if you’re feeling fancy. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and set.
Making the Cinnamon Roll Frosting
While the oatmeal’s baking, let’s whip up that dreamy frosting! In a small bowl, beat together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk. You can use a fork or a hand mixer. Just keep beating until it’s smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash more milk.
Frosting and Serving
Once the oatmeal’s out of the oven, let it cool for at least, like, five minutes. If you frost it while it’s too hot, the frosting will melt right off! Then, drizzle that glorious cinnamon roll frosting all over the top. Cut it into squares and serve warm. Mmmmmm! Get ready for breakfast bliss!
Tips for the Best High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Want to take your High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my go-to tips!
Achieving the Right Texture
Nobody wants dry, crumbly oatmeal! Make sure you measure your wet ingredients carefully. If it looks too thick before baking, add a tablespoon or two of extra milk. On the flip side, if it seems too wet, add a tablespoon of oats. You’ll get the hang of it!
Enhancing the Cinnamon Roll Flavor
Cinnamon not cinnamony enough for ya? No problem! Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the oatmeal base. You can also swirl a little extra cinnamon into the batter before baking for a more intense flavor. My favorite part is a dash of cinnamon in the frosting!
Customizing Your Baked Oatmeal
This recipe is super versatile! Toss in some chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are awesome), dried fruit (raisins or cranberries), or even a handful of chocolate chips. Get creative and make it your own!
Don’t Overbake It!
Seriously, this is key! Overbaked oatmeal is sad oatmeal. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. You want it to be set but still slightly soft in the center. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Ingredient Substitutions for Your Baked Oatmeal
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or two? No sweat! Here are some easy swaps you can make for your High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal!
Vegan Options
Want to keep it plant-based? Easy peasy! Just swap out the dairy milk for your favorite non-dairy alternative – almond, soy, oat, whatever you like! And make sure you use a vegan protein powder, too. There are tons of great options out there these days!
Sweetener Alternatives
Out of maple syrup? No problem! You can use honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar instead. Just use the same amount as the maple syrup called for in the recipe. Easy, right?
Protein Powder Swaps
Vanilla protein powder is my go-to, but feel free to experiment! Cinnamon roll flavored protein powder would be AMAZING (if you can find it!). Or even a cookies and cream one? Yum! Just make sure it’s a flavor that complements cinnamon!
Serving Suggestions for High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Okay, you’ve got your warm, gooey High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal… now what? Here are a couple of ideas to make it even *more* amazing!
Topping Ideas
A few fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries… yum!) are *always* a good idea. Or, sprinkle on some chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch. And, of course, you can never go wrong with an extra dusting of cinnamon!
Beverage Pairings
Honestly? This baked oatmeal goes with just about anything! A hot cup of coffee or tea is perfect for a cozy breakfast vibe. Or, if you’re feeling extra, a glass of cold milk is always a classic pairing!
Frequently Asked Questions About High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Got questions about my High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:
Can I make this High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is what makes it so perfect for busy weeks. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and then cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 5 days! Then, just grab a square (or two!) in the morning and reheat it. Easy peasy!
Can I freeze High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal?
Yep, you sure can! Cut the baked oatmeal into squares, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, and then toss them all into a freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat one, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or zap it in the microwave for a minute or two.
What kind of protein powder should I use for this Baked Oatmeal?
Okay, so this is totally up to you! I usually use vanilla whey protein powder because that’s what I have on hand, but you can use any flavor you like! Plant-based protein powders work great, too. Just keep in mind that some protein powders can be a little drying, so you might need to add a splash extra milk.
Can I reduce the sugar in this High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal?
Of course! If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can definitely reduce the amount of maple syrup in the recipe. You could also try using a sugar-free maple syrup alternative. And for the frosting, you can use a sugar-free powdered sugar substitute. Just play around with it until you find a sweetness level that you like!
Storing and Reheating Your Baked Oatmeal
So, you’ve made a batch of my High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal – awesome! Now, what to do with any leftovers (if there *are* any!)?
Storage Instructions
Easy! Just let the baked oatmeal cool completely, then cut it into squares and pop them into an airtight container. I like using glass containers, but plastic works too. Then, stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 5 days – perfect for meal prepping!
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready for a warm and cozy breakfast, you’ve got a couple of options! You can zap a square in the microwave for about a minute, or until heated through. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it might get a little dry!
Nutritional Information for High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutritional info… here’s the deal!
Disclaimer
Listen up: I’m a home cook, not a registered dietitian! The nutritional information here is just an estimate. It can vary a *lot* depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. So, if you need precise numbers, plug the recipe into a nutrition calculator yourself, okay?
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Bake Amazing High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal in 30
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a hearty and delicious High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the nutritional benefits of baked oatmeal, packed with protein to keep you satisfied.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Pour mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- While oatmeal is baking, prepare the frosting: In a small bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and milk until smooth.
- Once oatmeal is done, let it cool slightly before frosting.
- Drizzle frosting over the baked oatmeal.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and protein powder.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg