Protein powder tossed in a shake or smoothie makes a great quick morning meal. But there are so many additional ways to boost your food. And baked oatmeal is my current good-for-you morning comfort food obsession.  

A quick and simple stir together of basic ingredients stored in the fridge overnight, then baked until warm and wonderful in the morning. This makes your kitchen smell like your grandma’s house. It’s vanilla and cinnamon and oats all baked into a banana berry protein baked oatmeal that is so good, the whole family will be begging for this instead of pancakes for breakfast. 

Never made baked oatmeal? It’s kind of a cross between a bowl of hot, creamy oatmeal and a coffee cake. Soft and splendid. And in this version, studded with bananas and berries.  

I love this recipe because you can prep it overnight, pop it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning. Which makes Saturday or Sunday mornings feel extra indulgent. Just wake to a clean kitchen, pop it in the oven, and turn on some great tunes while you wait. 

To serve, you can eat this like a bar. Or like a cake. Top with maple syrup or coconut cream like a pancake, or serve in a bowl drenched in vanilla almond milk and honey like a traditional bowl  of oatmeal. 

Whichever way you make it, your kitchen, your kids, your face, and your body will thank you for baking up a berry most beautiful breakfast. 

Yay for yummy mornings!

SERVINGS: 9

PREP TIME: OVERNIGHT

TOTAL TIME: 60 MIN

• 2 cups rolled oats 
• 4 eggs 
• 4 scoops Creamy French Vanilla Flavor Whole Blend IsaLean® Shake 
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 
• 2 cups coconut milk 
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract 
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 banana, sliced 
• 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries 
• Maple syrup, coconut cream, or whipped cream (optional)

In a large bowl, mix together oats, eggs, protein powder, maple syrup, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Allow to sit in the fridge overnight or for 20-30 minutes minimum.  

Just before baking, stir in the banana slices and berries. Pour into a 9-by-9-inch nonstick pan.  

Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving. 

If desired, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of coconut cream, yogurt, or whipped cream.