Name: Banana Bread Protein Baked Oats (No Flour) - Cozy, High-Protein Breakfast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 very ripe banana (the spottier, the better); 1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option); 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt); 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based; about 25–30g); 1–2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy), as needed for batter consistency; 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Optional mix-ins: 1–2 tablespoons chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or blueberries

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If you love banana bread but want something quick, nourishing, and higher in protein, these baked oats hit the spot. They taste like a slice of warm banana bread but come together in one bowl and bake up into a soft, cake-like breakfast. There’s no flour involved—just oats, banana, and pantry staples.

You can bake a single serving or a whole pan for the week. Add chocolate chips or walnuts if you like, or keep it simple and cozy.

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What Makes This Recipe So Good

Close-up detail shot of freshly baked banana bread protein baked oats in a 16–20 oz ramekin, top c

No flour needed: Rolled oats blend into a wholesome, tender base that feels like dessert for breakfast.
High in protein: Protein powder and Greek yogurt keep you full and satisfied.
Great texture: Moist, cake-like, and naturally sweet from ripe bananas.
Easy to customize: Add nuts, chocolate, or blueberries without changing the base recipe.
Meal-prep friendly: Bake once, enjoy all week.

What You’ll Need

1 very ripe banana (the spottier, the better)
1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
1/2 cup rolled oats (or quick oats; avoid steel-cut)
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based; about 25–30g)
1–2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy), as needed for batter consistency
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional mix-ins: 1–2 tablespoons chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or blueberries

How to Make It

Overhead process-to-serve shot of a sliced 8x8 pan of banana bread protein baked oats, golden-brown

Prep the oven and dish: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 16–20 oz oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish.
For meal prep, use an 8×8-inch pan and double the recipe.
Mash the banana: In a bowl, mash the banana until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
Whisk in wet ingredients: Add egg, Greek yogurt, vanilla, and maple syrup (if using). Whisk until creamy.
Add dry ingredients: Stir in oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
If the batter feels very thick, add 1–2 tablespoons milk to loosen. It should be like thick muffin batter.
Fold in extras: Gently fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, or blueberries if you like.
Pour and smooth: Transfer to the prepared dish and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake 18–25 minutes for a single serving, or 25–30 minutes for an 8×8 pan, until the top is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Rest and serve: Let cool 5 minutes to set. Enjoy warm as is, or top with a little peanut butter, yogurt, or a drizzle of maple.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Microwave 30–60 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes.

Health Benefits

High protein: Supports muscle repair and keeps you full longer.
Whole grains: Oats provide fiber for steady energy and digestion.
Naturally sweetened: Ripe banana adds sweetness and potassium with minimal added sugar.
Balanced macros: Carbs from oats and banana, protein from powder and yogurt, and optional healthy fats from nuts.

What Not to Do

Don’t skip the baking powder: It helps the oats rise and keeps the texture tender.
Don’t use steel-cut oats: They won’t soften enough and will stay crunchy.
Don’t overbake: This can make the oats dry. Pull them when the center is just set.
Don’t add too much liquid: A runny batter won’t bake into that cake-like texture. Start with minimal milk.
Don’t use unripe bananas: They’re less sweet and more starchy, which affects taste and moisture.

Alternatives

Vegan: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, rest 5 minutes) and dairy-free yogurt/protein.
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free protein powder.
No protein powder: Replace with 3 extra tablespoons oat flour (blend oats) and add 1–2 more tablespoons yogurt; sweetness may need a touch more maple.
Spices: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice for a cozy twist.
Mix-ins: Try pecans, coconut flakes, or a swirl of peanut butter before baking.

FAQ

Can I make this in the microwave?

Yes.

Use a large, microwave-safe mug or bowl. Cook on High for 2–3 minutes, checking at the 90-second mark. The center should look just set.

Microwaves vary, so add 15–20 seconds as needed.

Do I have to blend the oats?

No. You can use whole rolled or quick oats for a heartier texture. If you prefer a smoother, cake-like crumb, blend the oats into oat flour first.

Which protein powder works best?

Vanilla whey creates a soft, moist crumb.

Plant-based powders work too but can absorb more liquid. If using plant-based, add an extra tablespoon of milk if the batter seems dry.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Absolutely. Bake in an 8×8 or 9×9 pan.

Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes. Cool, slice, and store for easy breakfasts.

How sweet is this recipe?

It’s gently sweet from banana, with optional maple. If your banana isn’t very ripe, add the maple syrup or a few extra chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Protein Baked Oats are simple, satisfying, and flexible enough for any morning.

You get the comfort of banana bread with more staying power and no flour. Keep the base recipe on hand, then switch up the mix-ins to match your mood. Warm, wholesome, and ready when you are.