High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Oats

Featured in: Morning Glow Bites

These baked oats combine the warmth of cinnamon coffee cake with the nutrition of a protein-packed breakfast. The tender oat base gets swirled with cinnamon-sugar and topped with a buttery streusel for that classic crumble texture. With cottage cheese, eggs, and vanilla protein powder, each serving delivers 16g of protein while keeping things light at 265 calories. Perfect for meal prep—just bake, slice, and reheat throughout the week for a comforting morning treat that tastes like dessert but fuels your day.

Updated on Tue, 03 Feb 2026 01:00:09 GMT
Freshly baked High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats cooling on a wire rack, featuring a golden-brown crumbly streusel topping. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats cooling on a wire rack, featuring a golden-brown crumbly streusel topping. | yummywithmia.com

Start your morning with a cozy, protein-packed breakfast that tastes just like a treat from your favorite bakery. These High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats combine the wholesome goodness of rolled oats with a sweet, spiced cinnamon swirl and a satisfyingly crunchy streusel topping. Whether you are looking for a reliable meal prep option or a hearty weekend indulgence, this recipe provides a nourishing balance of flavor and nutrition.

Freshly baked High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats cooling on a wire rack, featuring a golden-brown crumbly streusel topping. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats cooling on a wire rack, featuring a golden-brown crumbly streusel topping. | yummywithmia.com

The secret to this recipe lies in the combination of cottage cheese and vanilla protein powder, which creates a rich, creamy texture without the need for excessive fats. The cinnamon swirl layered throughout ensures every bite is infused with warmth, making it the ultimate comfort food for a chilly morning.

Ingredients

  • Oat Base: 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), 2 large eggs, 1 scoop (30 g) vanilla protein powder, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice), 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt.
  • Cinnamon Swirl: 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar), 2 tsp ground cinnamon.
  • Crumble Topping: 1/3 cup rolled oats, 2 tbsp almond flour (or all-purpose flour), 2 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar), 2 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil), 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, pinch of salt.
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or similar.
Step 2
In a blender, combine all oat base ingredients. Blend until mostly smooth but with some oat texture remaining.
Step 3
Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 4
In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon swirl ingredients. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the oat layer in the dish.
Step 5
Add the remaining oat mixture on top, then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl evenly.
Step 6
In another bowl, combine all crumble topping ingredients. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the oats.
Step 7
Bake for 28-32 minutes, until the center is set and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown.
Step 8
Let the dish cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When blending the oat base, aim for a consistency that is mostly smooth but still retains a bit of the oat grit; this ensures the finished product has the perfect cake-like bite. If you find the mixture too thick, add a splash more almond milk. Always grease your baking dish thoroughly to make slicing and serving easier.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a tangier profile, you can easily swap the cottage cheese for Greek yogurt. If you have specific dietary needs, use certified gluten-free oats. You can also increase the protein content even further by adding a scoop of collagen peptides or mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Serviervorschläge

These oats are delicious on their own, but they are even better when served with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt or a side of fresh seasonal berries. For a truly indulgent experience, enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea to lean into the classic coffee-cake vibe.

High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats in a baking dish. Save to Pinterest
High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats in a baking dish. | yummywithmia.com

With its delightful cinnamon fragrance and wholesome ingredients, this High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats recipe is sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. It is a satisfying way to fuel your day while satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Common Recipe Questions

Can I make these oats ahead of time?

Absolutely. These baked oats reheat beautifully for quick breakfasts throughout the week. Store sliced portions in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and warm in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before serving.

What protein powder works best?

Vanilla whey or casein protein powder blends seamlessly into the oat base. Plant-based options work too, though the texture may be slightly denser. Avoid unflavored varieties if you prefer that classic vanilla-cinnamon profile.

Can I use regular oats instead of rolled oats?

Quick oats will result in a softer, more pudding-like texture, while steel-cut oats won't cook through properly in this baking time. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the ideal balance of tenderness and structure.

How do I know when the oats are done baking?

The oats are finished when the center feels set and springs back slightly when touched, and the crumble topping turns golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean, though some moisture from the cottage cheese is normal.

Can I freeze these baked oats?

Yes, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven. The crumble topping may lose some crunch after freezing but remains delicious.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Greek yogurt offers similar protein content with a tangier flavor. For a dairy-free option, use blended silken tofu or mashed banana combined with plant-based yogurt, though the protein content will be lower.

High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Oats

Protein-packed baked oats with cinnamon layers and buttery crumble topping for a hearty breakfast.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Morning Glow Bites

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin American

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Oat Base

01 2 cups rolled oats
02 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
03 2 large eggs
04 1 scoop (1 oz) vanilla protein powder
05 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
06 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 1 teaspoon baking powder
09 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Swirl

01 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
02 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Crumble Topping

01 1/3 cup rolled oats
02 2 tablespoons almond flour or all-purpose flour
03 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
04 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
05 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 Pinch of salt

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 02

Blend oat base mixture: In a blender, combine all oat base ingredients. Blend until mostly smooth while maintaining some oat texture.

Step 03

Layer first oat mixture: Pour half of the blended oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 04

Add cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together coconut sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon mixture over the oat layer in the dish.

Step 05

Layer remaining oat mixture: Pour the remaining oat mixture over the cinnamon swirl, spreading to cover evenly.

Step 06

Top with remaining cinnamon swirl: Sprinkle the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture over the top layer of oats.

Step 07

Prepare crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with a fork until crumbly texture forms.

Step 08

Apply topping and bake: Evenly distribute crumble mixture over the oat cake. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Step 09

Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools Required

  • Blender
  • Mixing bowls
  • 8x8-inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Oven
  • Fork or whisk

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains eggs and dairy products
  • Contains tree nuts if almond flour is used
  • Contains gluten if using regular oats or all-purpose flour instead of certified gluten-free alternatives
  • Verify all ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination warnings

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 265
  • Fats: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 16 grams