This protein-packed bowl of oatmeal, sweetened with ripe banana and just a touch of maple syrup, uses vanilla protein shake, egg whites to add more protein and make the oats creamy.
Banana Nut Protein Oats
Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. I try to start every morning with at least 20 grams of protein, especially after a workout which means I am always looking to incorporate more protein into my meals. This healthy banana nut oatmeal hits the spot with 20 grams of protein and just 333 calories. Plus, this breakfast is super easy and fast to make. For more high-protein breakfasts, try High Protein Oat Waffles, Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl, and High Protein Oat Bread.
How do you increase protein in oatmeal?
A half-cup of oats has five grams of protein, so I like to add more so it’ll keep me full all morning long. Below are some ways to increase the protein count.
- Egg Whites: Egg whites in oatmeal are an easy way to add more protein. Not to mention, they make it super creamy, and you can’t even taste them.
- Protein Shake: I use protein shakes instead of water or milk to enhance both the protein and flavor. Orgain’s Grass Fed Clean Protein Shake (Vanilla Bean) is my favorite. You can also use powdered, just prepare as directed then add.
- Nuts: I top the oatmeal with walnuts for extra crunch and protein.
Variations:
- If you prefer to use powdered protein, prepare as instructed and use 2/3 cup powder.
- Switch up the flavor by using chocolate protein shake. Or, if you don’t want to use a protein shake, sub it with 2/3 cup of your favorite kind of milk.
- Sub chopped pecans or almonds for the walnuts
- Switch out the maple syrup with agave or honey.
More Oat Recipes You’ll Love:
- Oatmeal Berry Smoothie Bowl
- Overnight Oats with Figs and Honey
- Granola Bars with Oats, Raisins and Chocolate
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
- Overnight Oats in a Jar
Banana Nut Protein Oats
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe banana, halved
- 1/3 cup quick oats, (check lables for gluten-free)
- 2/3 cup liquid Orgain's vanilla protein shake
- 3 tablespoons egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup
- 5 grams chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Slice half of the banana and set aside.
- Mash the other half of the banana with a fork and place it into a small pot with oats, protein shake and egg whites and mix well.
- Cook medium-low and stir until it comes to a boil, once it boils continue cooking until thickened, about 2 - 3 minutes.
- Pour into a bowl and top with remaining banana, chopped walnuts and maple syrup.
Last Step:
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Notes
Variations:
- If you prefer to use powdered protein, prepare as instructed and use 2/3 cup powder.
- Sub chopped pecans or almonds for the walnuts
- Switch out the maple syrup with agave or honey.
SO GOOD!!!
Can you make this ahead for the week and reheat?
This was very filling and delicious. I found it to be sweet enough without the maple syrup.
I love the idea of this but every time I make it my protein shake curdles and it ends up looking like cottage cheese…any suggestions?
Are you using protein powder? Don’t add it until the oats are cooked and you take it off the heat.. Then stir it in!
Yum! My husband really loved this recipe. Thanks Gina
Quick and easy to make!
This was delicious. If you like oatmeal this is a great twist to add some healthy protein
I LOVE this oatmeal!!! I’ve been making it for about a year, and it’s part of my weekly food prep routine. I usually cook a large batch with 2 bananas (4x recipe size) and split it into 4 equal(ish) portions. I make the protein by dissolving powdered protein (cereal milk or peanut butter cereal milk flavor) in water and don’t add the banana, maple syrup or nuts at the end…it doesn’t need them, it’s so good without!
I just started using skinny taste, this is my first recipe. I hated wasting the rest of the shake so I threw the whole thing in the oatmeal. I also used Splenda stevia for sweetener. This was a great breakfast. Waiting to see how it works on my blood sugar. Thanks… now written in my recipe book.
I’m not a big oatmeal fan, BUT this oatmeal is outstanding! Yum!
This is delicious! Will definitely continue to make it.
Oh my gosh this is delicious!! It tastes just lime banana bread. I’ll be having this every day for a while!
I’d like to know if this can be prepped ahead of time for breakfast over several days? Thanks
Delicious and satisfying! I was skeptical about the egg whites, but I was wrong. It makes breakfast feel more like dessert. Sort of like baked oatmeal or bread pudding. I’m a convert. Equally good with apples. Will try pumpkin too.
I used chocolate protein powder with sugar free vanilla almond milk. It was delicious…seemed a tad sweet….. but the perfect breakfast before a long bike ride.
So delicious! It’s one of my favorite breakfasts for days when I work at home.
Yummm! I substituted peanut butter powder and unsweetened almond milk for the protein shake. So good, thanks for sharing!!
So delicious and love that its high protein1
This is one of our favorite breakfasts! For 2 servings, I use about 1.5 scoops of powder in 1 1/3c of water and 2 egg whites. We typically don’t eat nuts, but the texture/crunch is great in this. Who knew oatmeal could be so good?
Is that right by saying 2/3c of powder? Or am I mixing the powder and milk and using 2/3c of that?
I have the same question!
I found that she answered it in one of the earlier comments. You make your protein shake as you normally would and then just add 2/3 cup of that.
I like this recipe so much, I have made it for dinner!
Lol, nothing wrong with that!!
Wow! I almost passed on this recipe because of the points and I’m not usually an oatmeal fan and I’m glad I didn’t!! I only used 2 tablespoons of egg whites because I didn’t want the taste but I could not taste them at all so tomorrow I’ll do with full amount. I used premier protein cake delight for my protein and it really added a sweetness! Definitely a keeper!
Can this be cooked in microwave?
Made using powdered Orgain (its what I had).
This was good and will definitely put in my rotation.
I made this today and loved the flavor! I used orgain powder protein and then added some almond milk as well. Could you make this as overnight oats?
Just tried this morning. Not my favorite, I think it is because I used protein powder and the brand I have is not the best. I will try again.
Would this work if prepared ahead of time and reheated on the morning?
I’ve recently gone to a flexitarian diet so am looking for ways to get enough protein in my diet. I am not fond of an “eggy”, flan-like taste but the description said I wouldn’t taste the egg. I did…a bit but I liked the overall recipe enough that I’ll cut back on the egg whites and try again.
I only use half a banana and add 1 Tbs of flaxseed but this this is so good and keeps me full all morning. I have shared it with many friends. Thank you! I do microwave it and stir every 30 seconds for 2 minutes.
This was so good! I’m not a fan of overnight oats – I prefer mine warm so I was excited to try your recipe.
I omitted the egg whites and maple syrup; used old fashioned oats because that’s what I had on hand, cooked in the microwave for 2 minutes on high. Sprinkled a few dark chocolate chips on top with the slices banana. Ohmygoodness! So yummy!
Very filling breakfast. I didn’t have vanilla protein shake so just substituted a collagen protein powder with milk.
So good Gina,
It is very filling. For anyone with a busy morning, this is your recipe.
Be sure and spray your pan with cooking spray, it makes clean up easier.
I have made this several different ways. I used strawberry Fair Life protein shake today. It was great. I used fresh strawberries instead of banana for the topping. It was very thick and cooked without boiling. Be careful not to burn when using a whey based protein shake
It worked great with Quaker Oats Quick gluten free oats.
My banana was green so I zapped half it the microwave for 1 minute( pierce holes in skin) for a quick ripening. Let it cool first before peeling.
Thanks again for all your hard work.
So happy you enjoyed it
Can this be made with regular oats instead of quick oats?
Sure
I rarely write reviews for recipes I’ve tried, but I absolutely have to for this one. I’ve made this oatmeal countless times now and it is so freaking delicious! I omit the nuts and maple syrup and add a few dark chocolate chips and it’s almost hard to believe this is a healthy dish it’s so decadent. I just tried this with a chocolate protein shake last night and it was amazing. Thank you for this Gina, it really cures my sweet tooth when I have one! The egg whites add such a wonderful texture to the oatmeal, and the serving is huge. I tell everyone I can about this recipe!
I think at the very end of the recipe where it refers to if you’re using powdered protein instead I think it’s supposed to say to make it as instructed and then use 2/3 of a cup of the liquid. Not 2/3 powder.
I’m also wondering if this could be made ahead of time and reheated. I’d love to make a larger batch and just reheat a serving each morning during the week. Would that work with this recipe? Thank you so much!
Is the note written correctly? Add 2/3 cup of protein powder? Not the equivalent amount of powder mixed with water?
It’s protein liquid rather than powder. So if you are using powder, mix as directed with water then measure 2/3 cup for recipe.
Can this be made ahead and reheated?
THIS is delicious and so filling!! I’ve started eating it for dinner b/c it’s so satisfying and comforting after a stressful work day!!! You are a genius Gina!!
I microwaved the half banana for 30 seconds and mashed it in my bowl. Then proceeded with the recipe using regular (not quick) oats. Microwave for 2 min. 30 seconds. Stir and microwave 30 more seconds. Then finish with recipe.
I really loved this for breakfast. And a bonus is that it is so easy to make. But my concern is the WW green points. I saw the points at the top of the recipe. It said 6 green points, but when I put it into the WW points calculator it says a serving would be 13 points. Can you help me figure this out?
Hey Liz! The only accurate way to determine any recipe’s SmartPoints® value is to plug the ingredients into the recipe builder on the Weight Watchers website (Click on “My Foods,” select “Recipe,” and click “Create a recipe.”) which does not count fruits and vegetables in recipes in the calculations as they are now 0 points.
The SmartPoints® calculator isn’t meant for recipes and will often give you the wrong points (usually higher) because it’s counting the fruits and vegetables. So if you see a recipe with a SmartPoints® value that’s different from what the calculator tells you, now you know why.
I love this! Not eggy at all which I was afraid of. Great, filling start to your day. My calorie counter put this at 600 calories per serving though so I am not sure I will be able to keep making it. 🙁
I just added up the calories (I am calorie counting) and it came out to around 400. Once I adjusted to the less protein shake amount, it came out to less than the listed amount. So I’m thinking her estimation is accurate. Just thought you may want to know so you can keep enjoying these !
Very nice balance of flavors. Thank you!
I loved the vanilla flavor in these oats. Amazing! The texture was a little thick, maybe I’ll add more liquid or cook a little less next time. Wondering how these would be as overnight oats…minus egg whites though? Hmm.
you could make it night before and just re heat it in the morning if you want to keep the high protein level with the eggs. I often male a larger portion of oatmeal on Sunday morning and reheat the next few days. or skip the egg at night and make overnight oats. can eat cold or heat up in the morning. lots of ways to vary this recipe and keep it high protein.
I just wanted to say, I tried this using the Premier Protein Cinnamon Bun shake and the Maple Oat shake. Both really good, and I didn’t have to use ANY sweetener!
Good to know!! I am planning on using that one!
Another recipe knocked out of the park! Before reading through Skinnytaste I couldn’t fathom having bananas in pancakes or oatmeal and now I’m a huge fan of both. Initially I thought the measurement for the oatmeal was too much and while the serving size was way more than I would typically eat, I finished every bite and thoroughly enjoyed it in the process. This is most definitely a staple; I craving it this morning, lol! I used Pure Protein vanilla shake and pecans, points were the same. Thanks for another delicious recipe!!
Awesome!
Can this be made and reheated the next day?
Made this for breakfast today and it was yummy! Substituted water and vanilla protein powder which was suggested….loved it. Very creamy, filling and such a healthy start to our day!! Totally love the creative healthy meals Gina comes up with!!
this was great and kept me full for hours! i used premier protein caffe latte shake and sugar free pancake syrup instead of maple syrup, lol. i also didn’t have walnuts so i topped it with some granola. so yummy
Delicious! So filling and gives my protein shake an unboring existence!
So delicious…and filling. I only had regular oats and it worked just fine. A keeper!
Gina, you have the best recipes. Thank you
Love oatmeal but after ordering, see the vanilla protein shake isn’t dairy free. Any suggestions for a dairy free version of the recipe?
Any dairy free protein works!
I normally hate oats in the morning. But these….oh my god! They are delicious! I felt full but not heavy AND i got a massive boost of energy too.
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
My new favorite oatmeal! The whole family lived it. I used milk instead of protein powder.
Can you prep these and store them in the fridge or is this something that needs to be made morning of?
I loved this! It will be a staple for sure with the upcoming winter months. Wondering how this would be with a chocolate shake?!?
Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
I did and it was great!
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe, will try it out for sure 🙂
Please help, Gina! For the walnuts, how many teaspoons/tablespoons is 5 grams??! And your picture looks like you maybe put some cinnamon on top?? I bought all the ingredients I didn’t have in the house today and would really like to know the answers to my questions! Thank you so much.
5 grams is about 1 teaspoon.
Just made this, soooo good!!
I made this recipe first thing this morning, ( I doubled for hubby) it does not disappoint. Creamy. delicious and filled with flavor!
Thank you for another addition to our breakfast table!
How does this work with Steel Cut Oats?
I made this yummy breakfast this morning! It’s so good I can’t get enough! It’ll be a regular go to for me from now on! Thanks, Gina!
Would this work with Old fashioned oats too?
Sure but it will take a little longer.
Would this work in the microwave instead? If so, how much time/power would you suggest?
I LOVE oatmeal and am anxious to try this recipe. How would the recipe need to be adjusted for old fashioned, long cook, oats?
Had to add another comment. I looked up the Orgain vanilla bean protein shake used in this recipe to see if it’s available near me. It has a LOT of sugar (12g) & fat(7g). There are better options. Just saying…🤷🏼♀️
You might be looking at the wrong thing, they have other products. Mine has 2 grams fat, 3 sugar per 11 oz. I like it because its grass fed, and tastes good but you can use any brand you like.
The one you linked in your recipe/post has 7g fat and 12g sugar per 11 oz bottle. Is there another product that’s the correct one to look at?
Sorry guys!!! The wrong link was added in error. It is fixed now.
The difference isn’t grass fed. Gina is using clean protein which is lower in fats and sugar.
Is anyone else not able to save this recipe?
Yum! Looking forward to trying this. I’ll probably use rolled oats though
Can we use protein powder mixed with water or milk instead of the protein shake or will that mess up the texture?
I have the same question! All I have is vanilla protein powder than I usually mix with water or almond milk.
Sure
Yes, I mentioned that above. That is fine!
Sorry! Missed that comment – Thx Gina!
Yes. I was a little confused too. Was it prepare the oatmeal as instructed it was it make the protein powder as instructed? Seemed like it was saying to add 2/3 cup of protein powder which seems like a lot of protein powder.
You need 2/3 cup liquid. I used protein shake. If you have protein powder, prepare as directed and add 2/3 cup protein shake (in a liquid state)