Why You’ll Love Oatmeal with Protein Powder
In my house, oats and breakfast go hand in hand. From banana baked oatmeal and peanut butter overnight oats to oatmeal chocolate chip bars and even healthy homemade cocoa puffs (!), oats are a staple. Recently, though, I’ve found myself craving creamy comfort and, as a new mother, needing extra sustenance to stay full and energized until lunch. Enter: protein oatmeal aka proats. This protein oatmeal recipe requires only 4 base ingredients and 5 minutes. It’s just as creamy and comforting as regular oatmeal but with a whopping 30 grams of protein (more/less, depending on the protein powder). Oh, and PSST, for other new mothers, oats increase milk supply! Best of all, it’s almost endlessly customizable with flavored protein powders, mix-ins, and toppings! Looking for more vegan high-protein breakfast ideas? Try protein pancakes, chocolate protein bars, or protein toast (possibly with tofu scrambled ‘egg’?).
The Ingredients
Quick (instant) oats: Use gluten-free certified oats if necessary. Salt: Just 1-2 pinches to enhance the flavor of oatmeal to add depth. Plant-based milk: Any should work (almond milk, oat milk, coconut, cashew, etc.). Use soy milk for high protein. For a lighter option, replace some (or all) dairy-free milk with water. Protein powder: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder, like soy or pea protein (or plain protein powder with added vanilla extract and optional sweetener).
Recipe Variations and Add-ins
The easiest way to adjust the flavor of protein oats is with flavored protein powder (chocolate, berry, banana, Biscoff, coffee, etc.). However, you could add:
Sweetener: Depending on how sweet the protein powder is. I.e., maple syrup, agave, or even sugar-free syrup. Add to taste. Extracts: Add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to increase the vanilla or add depth with almond extract, orange extract, etc. Spices: Increase the warm flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or pumpkin spice. Chia seeds: Thicken and add fiber, protein, omegas, and nutrients to the protein oats. Nut/ seed butter: 1 tbsp peanut or almond butter adds healthy fats, fiber, protein, and richness. Berries: Throw in a handful of fresh/frozen berries when simmering. Zucchini: Finely shredded zucchini tastes of nothing but adds extra vitamins and minerals.
Please read the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, measurements, complete recipe method, and nutritional information.
How to Make Protein Oatmeal
First, add the oats, salt, and milk to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy (About 2-3 minutes).
Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the protein powder.
If it’s a little thick, add more milk or water to your desired consistency.
Finally, serve the high-protein oatmeal in bowls with your preferred toppings. Enjoy!
How to Store
Fridge: Despite being simple enough to throw together in minutes, leftover protein porridge stores, cooled and covered, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Freezer: I haven’t tried it, but leftovers should freeze fine in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Then, leave to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat: On the stovetop or in a microwave, adding extra water/milk if needed to make it creamy again.
The Best Oatmeal Toppings
Build a delicious bowl of oatmeal, no matter your mood and nutrition goals, with:
Banana slices (for sweet flavor and extra fiber) Berries (Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, etc.) Other fresh fruit (shredded or sliced apple, pear, mango, peach, pomegranate, etc.) Chocolate chips or chunks Cacao nibs (adds antioxidants and crunch) Nuts/ seeds (walnuts, pistachios, almonds, sunflower seeds, etc. for crunch/protein) Coconut (raw or lightly toasted shredded or flakes – for texture and flavor) Syrup (Drizzle over maple syrup, agave, or even a sugar-free syrup for decadence) Jam/preserves (Any fruity flavor, including plum jam, a simple strawberry compote) Other sauces (like vegan Nutella, Biscoff, a drizzle of vegan caramel, etc.)
Can I make protein oatmeal in the microwave?
Yes. Use a high-sided large microwave-safe bowl and cook it on high for 1 ½ minutes, then in 20 to 30-second increments until tender, stirring in between.
Can I use steel-cut oats? What about rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats don’t work for this recipe as they require a different amount of liquid/cooking time. Rolled oats are fine, but won’t make the oatmeal as creamy as quick /instant oats and you will need less liquid.
Can you put protein powder in oatmeal?
Yes, absolutely! Just remember, it’s absorbent, so you’ll need more liquid than regular oatmeal. Once added, the oatmeal is not only loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and several micronutrients but also around 30 grams of protein per serving!
How to add even more protein to oatmeal?
My favorite way to make protein oatmeal is with a scoop of protein powder and a high-protein milk. However, you can also boost protein content with:
1 tablespoon chia seeds 1 Tbsp nut butter (particularly peanut butter)/PB powder A sprinkle of nuts and seeds Swirl in high-protein yogurt Silken tofu (blended and stirred in) Replace some oats with quinoa flakes
Recipe Notes and Tips
Adjust the consistency: For thinner oatmeal, add extra milk/water to your desired consistency. To thicken it, try adding a tablespoon of chia seeds. To avoid scorching: Stir often while the oats are simmering. Sweeten to taste: Depending on how sweet the protein powder is. Add the protein off-heat: Whisk it in quickly and thoroughly to avoid clumps.
More Vegan Oat Recipes
Chocolate baked oatmeal Raspberry oatmeal crumble bars Apple cinnamon baked oatmeal Pumpkin baked oatmeal Strawberry oatmeal bars
If you try this easy protein oatmeal recipe, I’d love a comment and ★★★★★ recipe rating below. Also, please don’t forget to tag me in re-creations on Instagram or Facebook with @elavegan and #elavegan—I love seeing them.
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