Save to Pinterest High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats is a wholesome baked oats dish that captures the nostalgic and comforting flavors of a classic coffee cake. This dish features a rich cinnamon ribbon and a crunchy crumble topping, providing a satisfying texture in every bite. Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and protein powder, it is an ideal choice for a nutritious breakfast or a post-workout snack that feels like a treat.
Save to Pinterest This recipe transforms simple ingredients like rolled oats and almond milk into a fluffy, cake-like breakfast. By layering the cinnamon crumble both inside and on top of the oats, you create a beautiful marbled effect that ensures the warm spice of cinnamon is present throughout the entire dish.
Ingredients
- → Oat Base
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2%)
- 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- → Cinnamon Swirl & Crumble
- 1/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or oat flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, almond milk, eggs, Greek yogurt, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3
- In a separate small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, flour, and a pinch of salt to form the crumble.
- Step 4
- Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon crumble evenly over the oats.
- Step 5
- Pour the remaining oat mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon crumble.
- Step 6
- Use a knife to gently swirl the crumble into the oats for a marbled effect.
- Step 7
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Step 8
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra protein, you can increase the protein powder by 2–3 tablespoons. To add more texture and a bit of crunch, consider mixing chopped nuts or diced apples directly into the oat base before baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt. This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and gluten; to make it gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour. For a nut-free option, use dairy milk or oat milk instead of almond milk.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these baked oats warm, ideally with a dollop of extra Greek yogurt on top or a generous drizzle of your favorite nut butter to complement the cinnamon flavors.
Save to Pinterest With 245 calories and 15g of protein per serving, this High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats is a balanced and delicious way to start your morning. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated during a busy week, it brings the cozy joy of a bakery classic right to your kitchen table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these oats ahead of time?
Yes, these baked oats store beautifully. Prepare the full batch, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or enjoy cold. The crumble topping stays surprisingly crisp even after refrigeration.
- → What type of protein powder works best?
Vanilla or unflavored whey or casein protein powder blends smoothly into the oat mixture. Plant-based protein powders also work but may create a slightly denser texture. Avoid chocolate or strongly flavored varieties as they'll compete with the cinnamon profile.
- → Can I freeze these cinnamon swirl oats?
Absolutely. Cut into individual squares, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave. The texture remains remarkably close to fresh-baked.
- → How do I achieve the best cinnamon swirl effect?
Reserve half the oat mixture and half the crumble for layering. After adding the final crumble layer, use a butter knife to make gentle S-shaped motions through the batter, dragging the crumble slightly into the oats without overmixing. This creates the beautiful marbled appearance.
- → What milk alternatives work in this dish?
Unsweetened almond milk provides a neutral base, but oat milk, soy milk, or dairy milk all work well. Keep in mind that creamier milks like oat or soy will create a richer texture, while thinner almond milk keeps the oats lighter.
- → How can I increase the protein content further?
Add 2-3 extra tablespoons of protein powder, mix in collagen peptides, or stir in chopped nuts before baking. Serving with additional Greek yogurt or a dollop of cottage cheese adds 10-15 more grams of protein per serving.