Name: Mars Bar Protein Baked Oats – A Cozy, High-Protein Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: ½ cup (45–50 g) rolled oats or quick oats; 1 scoop (25–30 g) chocolate or vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based); ½ tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; ½ cup (120 ml) milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy); 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for extra chocolate); 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp Greek yogurt or applesauce (for moisture); 1 small Mars Bar (about 40–51 g), chopped into small pieces; Optional add-ins: a pinch of instant coffee, a few chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt; For topping (optional): extra Greek yogurt, a drizzle of warmed peanut butter, or sliced banana

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If you love a warm, chocolatey breakfast that feels like dessert but still supports your goals, this one’s for you. Mars Bar Protein Baked Oats bring together soft, cake-like oats, a hit of protein, and that nostalgic caramel-chocolate flavor. It’s quick to prep, easy to customize, and ideal for busy mornings or post-workout snacks.

You can bake it in the oven or zap it in the microwave, and it still turns out gooey in the middle with a melty top. It’s comfort food you can feel good about.

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What Makes This Special

Close-up detail: Gooey-centered Mars Bar Protein Baked Oats just out of the oven in a small white ra

This recipe blends simple pantry staples with a touch of indulgence. The oats turn fluffy and tender, while the protein powder adds staying power.

A chopped Mars Bar melts into the batter, creating pockets of caramel and chocolate that taste like a built-in topping. It’s a single-serve bake, so portion control is easy, and cleanup is minimal.

What You’ll Need

½ cup (45–50 g) rolled oats or quick oats
1 scoop (25–30 g) chocolate or vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
½ cup (120 ml) milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for extra chocolate)
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp Greek yogurt or applesauce (for moisture)
1 small Mars Bar (about 40–51 g), chopped into small pieces
Optional add-ins: a pinch of instant coffee, a few chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt
For topping (optional): extra Greek yogurt, a drizzle of warmed peanut butter, or sliced banana

How to Make It

Tasty top view, final presentation: Overhead shot of Mars Bar Protein Baked Oats served warm in the

Prep your dish: Lightly grease a small oven-safe ramekin or mini baking dish (8–10 oz). Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
If microwaving, skip preheat.
Blend or mix oats: For a cake-like texture, blitz oats in a blender for 10–15 seconds to make oat flour. For more chew, leave them whole.
Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, stir oats, protein powder, baking powder, cocoa (if using), and salt until evenly mixed.
Add wet ingredients: Whisk in milk, sweetener, vanilla, and Greek yogurt/applesauce. The batter should be pourable but not watery.
Adjust with a splash of milk if too thick.
Fold in the Mars Bar: Stir in most of the chopped Mars Bar, reserving a few pieces for the top.
Transfer and top: Pour batter into the dish and scatter remaining Mars Bar pieces on the surface.
Bake or microwave:
- Oven: Bake 16–20 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just slightly soft.
- Microwave: Cook 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes, checking every 20–30 seconds. Stop when the top is set but still moist.
Rest and serve: Let it sit for 2–3 minutes to settle. Add optional toppings and enjoy warm.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers store well, but this is best fresh.

If you do make two at once, refrigerate for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds with a splash of milk to bring back moisture. Avoid freezing with the candy mixed in, as caramel can turn grainy.

Why This is Good for You

Protein-packed: Protein powder and Greek yogurt help keep you full and support recovery.
Whole grains: Oats add fiber for steady energy and digestion.
Balanced indulgence: A small Mars Bar delivers flavor without going overboard when paired with a high-fiber, high-protein base.
Customizable: Easy to adjust for dietary needs with dairy-free milk or plant-based protein.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Dry texture: Too much protein powder or overbaking can make it dry.
Add a bit more milk if the batter looks stiff, and pull it when the center is just set.
Rubbery top in the microwave: Cook in short bursts and stop as soon as it sets.
Uneven melt: Chop the Mars Bar into small, even pieces so the caramel disperses well.
Overly sweet: Taste your batter. If your protein powder is sweet, reduce the maple syrup.

Alternatives

No Mars Bar: Use mini caramel-filled chocolates, a square of milk chocolate with a drizzle of caramel, or chocolate chips plus a spoon of dulce de leche.
Flavor twists: Add orange zest, peanut butter swirls, or a pinch of cinnamon.
Dairy-free: Use almond, soy, or oat milk and a plant protein. Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or more applesauce.
Higher protein: Stir in 1–2 tbsp powdered peanut butter or add an egg white and reduce the milk slightly.
Lower sugar: Choose an unsweetened protein and skip the extra sweetener.
Keep the Mars Bar pieces small.

FAQ

Can I make this the night before?

Yes. Mix the batter (without the Mars Bar), refrigerate overnight, then fold in the candy just before baking. You may need 1–2 extra minutes of bake time from cold.

Which protein powder works best?

Whey isolates blend smoothly and bake well.

Plant-based powders can be thicker; add an extra splash of milk to keep the batter pourable.

Can I cook it in an air fryer?

Yes. Use a small oven-safe dish, cook at 320°F (160°C) for 10–13 minutes, and check for doneness. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.

Do I have to blend the oats?

No.

Blending gives a cake-like crumb, while whole oats add texture. Both work—pick your preferred bite.

How can I make it nut-free?

Use dairy milk or nut-free plant milk like oat or soy. Skip nut toppings and choose plain yogurt or banana slices instead.

Wrapping Up

Mars Bar Protein Baked Oats deliver that warm, gooey, chocolate-caramel vibe with a solid boost of protein.

It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to tweak to your taste. Make it your weekday go-to or a cozy weekend treat—you’ll get the best of comfort and nutrition in one bowl.