High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Oats

Featured in: Sweet Spots

Transform your morning routine with these wholesome baked oats inspired by classic coffee cake. The dish features tender oat layers swirled with a brown sugar cinnamon mixture and topped with buttery crumble for that perfect coffee shop experience in breakfast form.

Each serving delivers 15g of protein thanks to Greek yogurt and protein powder, making it an ideal choice for active mornings or post-workout fuel. The combination of rolled oats, almond milk, and eggs creates a fluffy yet substantial texture that keeps you satisfied.

Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal prep, this dish serves four and can be customized with nuts, apples, or different milk alternatives. The cinnamon swirl technique creates beautiful marbling throughout while adding pockets of sweet-spiced flavor in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 11 Feb 2026 01:33:17 GMT
Freshly baked High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats in a glass dish, revealing a golden oat base and marbled cinnamon crumble topping. Save
Freshly baked High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats in a glass dish, revealing a golden oat base and marbled cinnamon crumble topping. | tastychuck.com

Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon wafting through your home. These High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats transform a classic comfort dessert into a nutritious breakfast that will power you through your morning. With a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors, this baked oatmeal dish delivers the nostalgic taste of coffee cake in a protein-packed form that's both satisfying and nourishing.

Freshly baked High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats in a glass dish, revealing a golden oat base and marbled cinnamon crumble topping. Save
Freshly baked High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats in a glass dish, revealing a golden oat base and marbled cinnamon crumble topping. | tastychuck.com

This recipe was born from my love of traditional coffee cake and desire for a protein-rich breakfast that feels like a treat. The cinnamon swirl creates beautiful ribbons of warmth throughout the oats, while the crumbly topping adds that signature coffee cake texture we all crave. It's hearty enough for a post-workout meal yet special enough for a weekend brunch with family.

Ingredients

  • For the Oat Base:
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • For the Cinnamon Swirl & Crumble:
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or oat flour
  • Pinch of salt
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Instructions

Prepare the oven and baking dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish.
Mix the oat base
In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, almond milk, eggs, Greek yogurt, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Make the cinnamon crumble
In a separate small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, flour, and a pinch of salt to form the crumble.
Create the first layer
Pour half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon crumble evenly over the oats.
Add the second layer
Pour the remaining oat mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cinnamon crumble.
Swirl and marble
Use a knife to gently swirl the crumble into the oats for a marbled effect.
Bake to perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
Cool before serving
Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für optimale Ergebnisse empfehle ich, die Haferflocken nicht zu übermischen, da dies zu einer zäheren Textur führen kann. Die Konsistenz sollte feucht, aber nicht zu flüssig sein. Falls der Teig zu dick erscheint, fügen Sie einfach einen Esslöffel mehr Milch hinzu. Die Marmorierung mit einem Messer ist ein wichtiger Schritt – ziehen Sie das Messer vorsichtig durch die Schichten, um ein schönes Swirl-Muster zu erzielen, ohne die Schichten vollständig zu vermischen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Haferflocken lassen sich wunderbar anpassen: Probieren Sie Blaubeeren oder gehackte Äpfel für eine fruchtige Note. Für eine nussige Variante können Sie gehackte Walnüsse oder Pekannüsse hinzufügen. Wenn Sie es noch proteinreicher mögen, erhöhen Sie den Proteinpulveranteil um 2-3 Esslöffel. Für eine vegane Version ersetzen Sie die Eier durch Flaxeier (1 EL Leinsamenmehl mit 2,5 EL Wasser pro Ei) und verwenden pflanzlichen Joghurt. Glutenfrei wird das Rezept mit zertifizierten glutenfreien Haferflocken und Hafermehl statt Allzweckmehl.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie die Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats am besten lauwarm mit einem Klecks griechischem Joghurt und einem Spritzer Ahornsirup für zusätzliche Süße. Für ein vollständiges Frühstück reichen Sie frische Beeren oder geschnittene Früchte dazu. Möchten Sie es besonders dekadent, geben Sie einen Löffel Nussbutter darüber, die auf den warmen Haferflocken schmilzt. Die Portionen lassen sich auch wunderbar für unterwegs in Behälter abfüllen – erwärmen Sie sie einfach kurz in der Mikrowelle für ein schnelles, nahrhaftes Frühstück.

A warm slice of High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats being lifted from the pan, showing fluffy oats and a sweet streusel crumble. Save
A warm slice of High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats being lifted from the pan, showing fluffy oats and a sweet streusel crumble. | tastychuck.com

This High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake Oats recipe bridges the gap between health-conscious eating and comfort food indulgence. It's a testament to the fact that nutritious food doesn't have to be boring or bland. With its protein-rich profile and familiar coffee cake flavors, it's become a staple in my kitchen for both weekday fuel and weekend pleasure. Whether you're looking to increase your protein intake or simply want to enjoy a healthier version of a classic treat, these baked oats deliver satisfaction in every warm, cinnamon-spiced bite.

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Recipe Guide

Can I make these oats ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 45-60 seconds before serving. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight.

What protein powder works best?

Vanilla or unflavored whey or casein protein powder blends seamlessly into the batter. Plant-based options like pea protein work too, though they may create slightly denser results. Avoid strongly flavored varieties that might overpower the cinnamon.

How do I achieve the best cinnamon swirl?

Layer the oat mixture and cinnamon crumble in alternating halves rather than mixing completely. Use a knife to gently drag through the layers in a circular or zigzag pattern—don't over-swirl or you'll lose the distinct marbled effect.

Can I freeze these baked oats?

Absolutely. Cut into individual squares, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat frozen portions in the microwave at 50% power in 2-minute intervals.

What toppings complement this dish?

Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt, drizzle of nut butter, or splash of cold milk. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chopped walnuts add nice contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar mimics the coffee shop experience.

Is the crumble necessary?

The crumble creates essential texture contrast and that signature coffee cake experience. If pressed for time, simply mix the cinnamon swirl ingredients directly into layers rather than creating a separate topping, though you'll lose some crunch.

High-Protein Cinnamon Swirl Oats

Wholesome baked oats with cinnamon swirl and protein-packed ingredients

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
32 min
Full duration
42 min
Created by Chuck Harrison

Style Sweet Spots

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free

What you'll need

Oat Base

01 2 cups rolled oats
02 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
03 2 large eggs
04 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
05 1/4 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
06 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 1 teaspoon baking powder
09 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Swirl and Crumble

01 1/3 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
02 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or coconut oil
04 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or oat flour
05 Pinch of salt

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Combine Oat Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together rolled oats, almond milk, eggs, Greek yogurt, protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.

Phase 03

Create Cinnamon Crumble: In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, flour, and salt, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Phase 04

Layer Base Layer: Transfer half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish and distribute evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon crumble mixture uniformly over the oats.

Phase 05

Complete Layering: Pour the remaining oat mixture over the crumble layer and top with the remaining cinnamon crumble mixture.

Phase 06

Create Swirl Effect: Using a knife, gently cut through the layers in a back-and-forth motion to create a marbled effect throughout the cake.

Phase 07

Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set when tested with a toothpick.

Phase 08

Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into portions and serving.

Kitchen tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • 8x8-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Kitchen knife
  • Oven

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt)
  • Contains tree nuts (almond milk)
  • Contains gluten (regular flour) - use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour as alternative

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice
  • Energy: 245
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 15 g