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Protein Banana Nut Oatmeal Bake - A Cozy, Make-Ahead Breakfast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or steel-cut)
  • Ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
  • Protein powder (vanilla or unflavored; whey or plant-based)
  • Milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy like almond, oat, or soy)
  • Eggs (for binding; flax eggs work if needed)
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are classics)
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber)
  • Neutral oil or melted butter (for the pan and a richer crumb, optional)
  • Optional add-ins: dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, blueberries

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep the pan. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment for easy removal.
  2. Mash the bananas. In a large bowl, mash 2 large ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps. You should have about 1 cup of mashed banana.
  3. Whisk in wet ingredients. Add 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk, 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup (if using), and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Add dry ingredients. Stir in 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2–2/3 cup protein powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1–2 tablespoons chia or ground flax if using. Mix until everything is evenly moistened.
  5. Fold in nuts and extras. Add 1/2–3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans. If you like, toss in a handful of chocolate chips or berries. Don’t overmix; just fold to distribute.
  6. Rest the batter. Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes so the oats hydrate and the batter thickens slightly. This helps the bake hold together.
  7. Pour and level. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle a few extra nuts on top for crunch.
  8. Bake. Place on the middle rack and bake 30–40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
  9. Cool and slice. Let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes to set. Slice into squares and serve warm.
  10. Serve it up. Enjoy as-is, or top with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of almond butter, fresh banana slices, or a splash of warm milk.