This breakfast bowl tastes like warm apple pie but keeps things light, balanced, and quick. It’s creamy, spiced just right, and packed with protein to hold you over until lunch. You’ll get that cinnamon-apple comfort without the sugar crash.

Best of all, it comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.

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What Makes This Special

Cooking process close-up: Diced apple sautéing in a small nonstick skillet with melted coconut oil,

This bowl delivers the nostalgic flavor of apple pie in a smart, weekday-friendly format. With a base of Greek yogurt and protein powder, it’s both high-protein and under 350 calories. Lightly sautéed apples bring a warm, caramelized touch without loads of sugar.

Cinnamon and vanilla round out the pie vibes, while oats and nuts add crunch and staying power. It’s quick, cozy, and genuinely satisfying.

What You’ll Need

1 small apple (about 120 g), diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work great)
1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or 2% if you prefer)
1/2 scoop vanilla whey or plant protein (about 12–15 g)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons quick oats (or rolled oats, lightly crushed)
1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (for sautéing the apple)
1–1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional sweetener: 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey, or a zero-cal sweetener
Optional toppings: 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans, extra cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Final dish overhead: Apple Pie Protein Breakfast Bowl assembled in a white ceramic bowl—creamy Gre

Sauté the apple: Warm a small nonstick pan over medium heat. Add coconut oil, then the diced apple, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly softened and fragrant. If you like extra sweetness, add a teaspoon of maple syrup at the end.
Toast the oats (optional but tasty): Push the apples to one side and sprinkle the oats onto the dry side of the pan. Toast 60–90 seconds, stirring once, until they smell nutty.
Remove from heat.
Mix the protein base: In a bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, protein powder, applesauce, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon. If it’s too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons water or milk to loosen.
Assemble: Spoon the warm apples and toasted oats over the yogurt mixture. Add chopped nuts if using.
Finish with an extra shake of cinnamon or a touch of nutmeg.
Taste and adjust: If you prefer sweeter, drizzle a bit more maple syrup or your sweetener of choice. Serve immediately.

Keeping It Fresh

For meal prep, store the yogurt-protein base separately from the apples and oats. The base keeps well for 3 days in the fridge.

Sauté apples fresh for best texture, or cook them in advance and reheat briefly. Add nuts and oats right before eating to keep the crunch.

Benefits of This Recipe

High protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle recovery.
Balanced energy: A smart mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats prevents mid-morning crashes.
Under 350 calories: A lighter start that still feels indulgent.
Fast and flexible: Ready in about 10 minutes with easy swaps.
Great flavor payoff: Warm spices and caramelized apples deliver that classic apple pie vibe.

What Not to Do

Don’t skip the pinch of salt: It boosts the apple and cinnamon flavors.
Don’t add protein powder all at once if your yogurt is very thick. Sprinkle it in and stir to avoid clumps.
Don’t drown it in sweetener: A little goes a long way, especially with vanilla protein and applesauce.
Don’t store the oats mixed in: They’ll get soggy.
Add just before serving.

Variations You Can Try

Overnight version: Mix the yogurt, protein, applesauce, and 1/4 cup oats. Chill overnight. Add warm apples and nuts in the morning.
Dairy-free: Use a thick coconut or almond yogurt and a plant-based protein powder.
Extra fiber: Stir in 1 teaspoon chia seeds or ground flax.
Lower sugar: Skip maple syrup and use a few drops of liquid stevia or leave it unsweetened.
Micro “crust” crunch: Crumble a half sheet of graham cracker on top for a dessert-like finish (adjust calories as needed).
Microwave shortcut: Toss diced apple with cinnamon and a splash of water, microwave 60–90 seconds, then assemble.

FAQ

How many calories are in this bowl?

With nonfat Greek yogurt, half a scoop of vanilla whey, a small apple, applesauce, oats, and 1 teaspoon coconut oil, it typically lands around 320–340 calories.

Toppings like nuts or extra sweetener can nudge it higher, so measure if you’re tracking.

Can I make it the night before?

Yes, prep the yogurt-protein base ahead. Cook apples fresh for the best flavor and texture, or reheat pre-cooked apples for 20–30 seconds. Add oats and nuts just before eating.

What if I don’t have protein powder?

Use an extra 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and add 1 tablespoon powdered peanut butter for flavor.

The protein will be a bit lower, but still solid.

Which apple is best?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great for sweetness and texture. If you prefer tart, go with Granny Smith and add a touch more sweetener.

Can I serve it warm?

Yes. Keep the yogurt base cool and top with hot apples, or gently warm the whole bowl for 15–20 seconds in the microwave if you like it cozier.

In Conclusion

This Apple Pie Protein Breakfast Bowl gives you comfort-food flavor with smart nutrition and minimal effort.

It’s quick, satisfying, and easy to tailor to your taste or diet. Keep the staples on hand, and you’ve got a reliable breakfast that feels special any day of the week—without climbing over 350 calories.