High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal – Easy Meal Prep Breakfast

High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you’re winning at life before 9 a.m. It’s cozy, delicious, and secretly loaded with all the good stuff your body craves—protein, fiber, and natural sweetness from ripe bananas. Whether you’re a mom juggling a million things or a busy professional who keeps forgetting breakfast (we’ve all been there), this baked oatmeal is your new morning savior.

It’s quick to throw together, hearty enough to keep you full till lunch, and tastes like banana bread met a warm oatmeal hug. Plus, with ingredients like rolled oats, protein powder, eggs, and hemp hearts, you’ll get that energy boost without needing a second cup of coffee—though no one’s judging if you have one anyway.

Table of Contents

What is High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal?

High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is a baked breakfast dish that combines the flavors of banana bread with the texture and nutrition of oatmeal. Think of it as a cozy mash-up of dessert-for-breakfast and post-workout fuel. You mash ripe bananas, mix them with oats, eggs, protein powder, and milk, then bake until golden and slightly crisp on the edges.

The result? A sliceable, cake-like oatmeal you can grab and go, or enjoy warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and yogurt. What makes this version stand out is the protein boost—it’s loaded with about 19 grams per serving, making it perfect for anyone who wants to stay satisfied longer or is trying to increase their daily protein intake. It’s also meal-prep friendly, naturally sweetened, and great for the whole family, even picky eaters who “don’t do oatmeal.”

Reasons to Try High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

There are so many reasons to love High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal. First, it’s a complete breakfast—packed with carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep your blood sugar steady and your energy consistent. Second, it’s ridiculously easy to make. You mix everything in one bowl, bake it, and breakfast for the week is done.

Third, it’s totally customizable: add nuts for crunch, dark chocolate chips for indulgence, or toss in blueberries for a fruity twist. And if you’ve ever struggled with finding something that’s quick, satisfying, and kid-approved, this recipe checks every box. It’s also gluten-free, can easily be made vegan, and reheats beautifully. Need more grab-and-go protein breakfasts? You’ll love Cookie Dough Protein Powder Balls or Salted Caramel Protein Balls for quick snack options.

Ingredients Needed to Make High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
• 1/3 cup unflavored or vanilla protein powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (dairy or soy for higher protein)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

• 1/3 cup hemp seeds
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

Instructions to Make High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal – Step by Step

If you’ve ever wished your mornings could run smoother and taste better, this High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal Step by Step guide is your new breakfast best friend. Let’s go from “still half asleep” to “meal-prep hero” in eight simple, delicious steps.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Like a Pro

Start this Step by Step process by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gives it plenty of time to heat up while you prep. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil or butter. This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup ridiculously easy. You can even find more meal prep and time-saving tips in our 40-Minute One Dish Ranch Chicken article—because we’re all about quick wins in the kitchen.

Now, take a moment to gather all your ingredients on the counter. Having everything within reach makes this Step by Step process smoother (and you won’t find yourself hunting for the cinnamon mid-mix).

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together your dry ingredients—rolled oats, protein powder, and cinnamon. This step might seem basic, but evenly mixing these ensures your protein and spice are distributed throughout every bite. If you’ve ever had a bite of oatmeal that was bland one second and flavor-packed the next, you know why this step matters.

For the protein powder, you can use either unflavored or vanilla, depending on your taste. If you’re new to baking with protein powders, check out our Cookie Dough Protein Powder Balls for tips on choosing one that tastes great and bakes well. Stir everything gently with a whisk or large spoon until the mix looks uniform.

Step 3: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, peel and mash your ripe bananas. Go for the ones that are soft with lots of brown spots—they bring natural sweetness and moisture to your baked oatmeal. Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth but with a few small chunks for texture.

Now whisk in your eggs, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This mixture should look creamy and smell like Sunday morning—sweet, rich, and a little indulgent. If you’re dairy-free, no worries. You can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for extra protein. For more ingredient swap ideas, our Vegan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry has great tips on plant-based alternatives.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Here’s where the magic happens. Pour your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Grab a sturdy spoon or spatula and stir until everything is evenly coated. You’ll notice the oats absorbing some of the liquid—it’s a good sign! Don’t overmix, though; you’re not making cookie dough.

This Step by Step combination is where flavor and texture come together. You’re building a hearty, chewy oatmeal base that bakes into something beautifully golden and moist. If you love recipes that make mornings easier, try our High-Protein Crock Pot Beef Stew for another prep-ahead winner.

Step 5: Fold in the Add-Ins

Now, it’s time to add your extra goodness. Gently fold in hemp hearts and chocolate chips using a spatula. The hemp hearts bring a subtle nutty flavor and boost your healthy fats and protein, while the chocolate chips melt just enough during baking to create those irresistible little pockets of sweetness.

You can also get creative here—chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even blueberries work beautifully. If you’re a “texture person,” this step is your playground.

Step 6: Pour and Decorate Before Baking

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to smooth the top—this helps it bake evenly. For an extra touch, scatter a few extra chocolate chips or banana slices over the surface. It makes your baked oatmeal not only taste better but also look photo-worthy (and yes, you’ll want to snap a pic).

If presentation matters to you as much as flavor, check out our Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls for another beautiful and nutrient-packed breakfast idea.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should look slightly crisp while the middle stays tender.

During this baking Step by Step moment, your kitchen will smell like banana bread heaven—sweet, toasty, and inviting. If you love the comforting aroma of baked breakfasts, you’ll also adore our Homemade Chickpea Potato Soup, another cozy meal that fills your home with warmth.

Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Once it’s baked, resist the temptation to dig in right away (I know—it’s hard). Let the oatmeal cool for about 20 minutes in the pan. This cooling step helps it firm up, making it easier to slice cleanly into squares.

Now comes the fun part—serving! You can drizzle yours with maple syrup, top it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or even spread a bit of almond butter on top. For an extra protein boost, add a sprinkle of hemp hearts before serving.

This Step by Step process not only gives you a perfectly baked breakfast but also something you can reheat throughout the week. Store the squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three weeks.

If you love breakfast recipes that double as healthy snacks, pair this oatmeal with a side of Salted Caramel Protein Balls for a mid-morning pick-me-up.

What to Serve with High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

Pair your High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal with a little something extra for the perfect breakfast spread. It’s amazing with a dollop of vanilla yogurt, a drizzle of almond butter, or a splash of warm milk. Want a cozy breakfast combo? Try serving it alongside a cup of your favorite coffee or green tea. If you’re in a savory mood, enjoy it after a high-protein meal like these Greek Meatball Bowls with Tzatziki. For something sweet and satisfying, pair it with Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls.

Key Tips for Making High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

1. Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your oatmeal will be—no extra sugar needed.
2. Don’t overmix: Stir until combined, not overworked, to keep the texture tender.
3. Protein powder matters: Choose one you actually like the taste of—unflavored or vanilla works best here.
4. Mix-ins are flexible: Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to customize.
5. Cool before cutting: It holds together better once slightly cooled.
6. Double the batch: Freeze extra portions for those “I overslept” mornings.

Storage and Reheating Tips for High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 3 weeks. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through. For the best flavor, add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the moisture. This baked oatmeal also travels well—perfect for a work snack or lunchbox treat.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.

Can I make it without protein powder?
Yes! Just replace the protein powder with extra oats or almond flour.

Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely—use sunflower seed butter or omit nut-based toppings.

Is it okay to use whey or plant protein?
Both work great! Plant-based powders tend to make the texture denser, so adjust milk slightly if needed.

Final Thoughts

This High-Protein Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal is everything breakfast should be—wholesome, satisfying, and easy. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, it’s one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that makes mornings smoother. Plus, it’s proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. Next time you’re meal prepping, add this to your lineup—you’ll be so glad you did. For more high-protein meal ideas, check out our High-Protein Crock Pot Beef Stew.

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