High-Protein Peanut Butter Baked Oats

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This baked oatmeal is a protein powerhouse, made with a blend of peanut butter, strained yogurt and chocolate pudding mix. Why pudding mix instead of cocoa powder? It adds moisture to the oats, making them less dense and chewy, and it adds a sweeter, richer chocolate flavor without the bitterness of traditional cocoa powder.

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
8
the ingredients to make the High-Protein Peanut Butter-Brownie Baked Oats

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk

  • 2/3 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt 

  • 2/3 cup smooth natural peanut butter, divided

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 (3.9-ounce) package chocolate instant pudding mix

  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 3 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Whisk milk, yogurt, 1/3 cup peanut butter, eggs, pudding mix, maple syrup, vanilla, baking powder, salt and baking soda together in a large bowl until combined.

    a photo of the ingredients whisked together in a bowl

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  2. Fold in oats and chocolate chips until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Microwave the remaining 1/3 cup peanut butter on High until warmed and runny, about 1 minute. Drizzle evenly over the oat mixture.

    a photo of the mixture in a baking dish

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

  3. Bake until just set in the center and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

    a recipe photo of the High-Protein Peanut Butter-Brownie Baked Oats

    Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 piece

Calories 411, Fat 20g, Saturated Fat 5g, Cholesterol 57mg, Carbohydrates 42g, Total Sugars 14g, Added Sugars 8g, Protein 15g, Fiber 5g, Sodium 296mg, Potassium 311mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are peanut butter baked oats healthy?

    Oats are a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates to keep you energized and support gut health. The milk, yogurt, eggs and peanut butter are all great protein sources, and combined with the fiber from the oats will keep you full and satisfied, partly by helping to stabilize your blood sugar.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Technically, oats are a gluten-free grain. Some oats, however, can be cross-contaminated by gluten-containing grains, either during harvest or on the equipment used to process the oats. If you need to eat gluten-free, look for the “gluten-free” label on the package of oats.

  • Can I make baked oatmeal ahead?

    Absolutely, and you can store these treats covered at room temperature for up to four days.

  • What other toppings or mix-ins can I add?

    Some favorites include toffee bits, butterscotch or caramel chips, or a blend of all three; crushed nuts; or mini marshmallows. A touch of espresso powder will give this recipe a hint of coffee flavor. When your baked oats are cool, you can dust the top with confectioners’ sugar or shredded coconut.

EatingWell.com, June 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

412 Calories
21g Fat
43g Carbs
16g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size 1 piece
Calories 412
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 43g 16%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 14g
Added Sugars 8g 16%
Protein 16g 33%
Total Fat 21g 26%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 57mg 19%
Vitamin A 57µg
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Vitamin D 1µg
Vitamin E 2mg 10%
Folate 45µg
Vitamin K 1µg
Sodium 325mg 14%
Calcium 191mg 15%
Iron 3mg 14%
Magnesium 111mg 26%
Potassium 474mg 10%
Zinc 3mg 24%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Carrie Myers, M.S.
Carrie Myers
Carrie Myers is a portfolio entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the health and wellness space. As a writer and editor, Carrie has worked for both consumer and trade print and online publications. She's been quoted in several articles as a health and fitness expert. Carrie is also a certified life and wellness coach and exercise physiologist, and the founder of CarrieMichele Co., a lifestyle company that helps women create lives they love where they can be authentic.
and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.