High-Protein Peanut Butter Baked Oats

3.8
(19)
12 Reviews

This brownie-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.

By
Amanda Holstein
Amanda Holstein
Amanda Holstein

Amanda Holstein fell in love with baking at the age of 6, and has continued to grow her passion through culinary school and working in bakeries. For more than 10 years, she worked at multiple well-known restaurants and bakeries in the Orlando, Florida, area, preparing delicious scratch-made desserts and assisting with dinner events, before becoming a test kitchen assistant at Dotdash Meredith.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on June 18, 2024
Tested by
Amanda Stanfield
Amanda Stanfield Headshot
Tested by Amanda Stanfield

Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
8
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Soy-Free High-Fiber Vegetarian High-Protein Gluten-Free
the ingredients to make the High-Protein Peanut Butter-Brownie Baked Oats

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 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

  • 1/2 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 369mg, Potassium 311mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are peanut butter brownie 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 brownie 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.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, June 2024

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