If you have a soft spot for nostalgic breakfast treats but want something a little more nourishing, the Strawberry Pop-Tart Protein Baked Oats Recipe is going to become your new favorite morning indulgence. This recipe transforms that beloved pop-tart flavor into a wholesome, protein-rich baked oats dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Imagine tender, fluffy oats infused with vanilla protein and wrapped around a luscious layer of sweet strawberry preserves, finished with a creamy yogurt frosting. It’s everything you love about a pop-tart but packed with nourishing ingredients that keep you energized. Trust me, once you try this, your breakfast game will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a crucial role, whether it’s building the structure, adding natural sweetness, or enhancing that iconic strawberry flavor and creamy texture. Plus, they combine to make a colorful, inviting dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Oat flour (1 cup): Provides a hearty, chewy base and is perfect for baked oats.
- Dymatize Elite Vanilla Casein Protein Powder (1 scoop): Adds a smooth vanilla flavor along with slow-digesting protein to keep you fueled longer.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures a light and fluffy texture by helping the oats rise while baking.
- Salt (pinch): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the taste.
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk (2/3 cup): Keeps things dairy-free and adds subtle vanilla notes.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding the oats together and giving structure.
- Maple syrup (1 tbsp): Natural sweetness that complements the strawberry perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Boosts flavor depth for that classic vanilla undertone.
- Smucker’s Low Sugar Strawberry Preserves (2 tbsp): This is your sweet and tangy filling—low sugar but big on taste.
- Powdered sugar (6 tbsp): For the frosting, creating that authentic pop-tart glaze feel.
- Plain non-fat Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Combines with powdered sugar to make a creamy, protein-packed frosting alternative.
How to Make Strawberry Pop-Tart Protein Baked Oats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dishes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, give your baking dishes a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This little prep step is crucial because it guarantees your baked oats will come out cleanly and keep their perfect pop-tart shape when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the oat flour, vanilla protein powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until they’re perfectly blended. This ensures that the leavening agent and the protein are well-distributed, so every bite is equally fluffy and flavorful.
Step 3: Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Once combined, pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and stir until the batter is thick, sticky, and there’s no flour left hiding around. The consistency here is key—it’s what gives the baked oats that satisfying, tender texture.
Step 4: Layering Like a Pro
Divide the batter evenly, spooning half into your prepared dishes. Smooth it out to the edges with a spatula. Now, dollop the strawberry preserves on top, leaving a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t leak out while baking. Finally, cover with the remaining batter and spread it all the way to the edges. This layering is what really tricks your taste buds into thinking you’re biting into a nostalgic pop-tart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your dishes into the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the oats gently puff up, develop a light golden-brown top, and feel firm to the touch without leaving a dent. Cooling them on a rack after baking keeps them from getting soggy and lets the flavors settle beautifully.
Step 6: Whip Up the Frosting
While your oats cool, mix the Greek yogurt and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If you want to play up the pop-tart vibes, add a tiny dab of red gel food coloring for that classic pink frosting look. This frosting is not only delightfully sweet but packs an extra protein punch, making your breakfast both indulgent and nutritious.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Once the baked oats have cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Feel free to sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or crushed freeze-dried strawberries to give it that extra festive pop-tart appearance. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of childhood nostalgia and wholesome nutrition.
How to Serve Strawberry Pop-Tart Protein Baked Oats Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like sliced strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar can brighten the flavor and add freshness. Toasted coconut flakes or a few chopped nuts also give a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy frosting and soft oats.
Side Dishes
You might want to complement your baked oats with a side of Greek yogurt or a small bowl of fresh fruit salad for added vitamins and textures. A hot cup of herbal tea or cold brew coffee pairs wonderfully too, making your breakfast feel like a little celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your baked oats layered in mason jars for an Instagram-worthy presentation. You can also cut them into bars for a grab-and-go snack or even sandwich two small portions with frosting in between to mimic the original pop-tart shape. Playing with presentation can make this nutritious treat feel extra special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten baked oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their moisture and keeps the flavors fresh. Just make sure to add the frosting fresh before serving again to keep it creamy.
Freezing
These baked oats freeze beautifully. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your frozen or refrigerated baked oats in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until warm. If you prefer, a toaster oven works well to keep the edges slightly crisp. Always add the frosting after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular protein powder instead of casein?
Absolutely! While casein protein gives a creamier texture and slower digestion, you can swap with whey or plant-based protein powder. Just be mindful of flavor differences and adjust sweetness if necessary.
Is oat flour gluten-free?
Oat flour is naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing. Choose certified gluten-free oat flour if you need to avoid gluten strictly.
Can I substitute the strawberry preserves with another flavor?
Definitely! Blueberry, raspberry, or even apricot preserves work wonderfully if you’re craving something different but still want that delicious fruit filling.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the frosting?
Mix a bit of honey or maple syrup into Greek yogurt as an alternative sweet frosting, though it will be less thick. Adjust the quantity to taste for sweetness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
While this recipe is not vegan due to eggs and dairy, you can experiment with flax eggs and plant-based yogurt to create a vegan version, but texture and flavor may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hunting for a delicious, nourishing way to enjoy your favorite childhood breakfast treat, the Strawberry Pop-Tart Protein Baked Oats Recipe is just what you need. It combines the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of a pop-tart with the wholesome goodness of oats and protein. Whip up a batch, share it with friends or family, and watch everyone fall in love with breakfast all over again.
Print
Strawberry Pop-Tart Protein Baked Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Strawberry Pop-Tart Protein Baked Oats recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic pop-tart, combining the comfort of baked oats with the sweet strawberry preserves and a protein-packed vanilla frosting. Perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack, it’s easy to prepare and offers a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats with reduced sugar.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour (120 grams)
- 1 scoop Dymatize Elite Vanilla Casein Protein Powder (33 grams)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (5.3 fl oz)
- 2 large eggs (100 grams)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (21 grams)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Smucker’s Low Sugar Strawberry Preserves (34 grams)
- 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (2 fl oz)
Frosting & Topping
- 6 tbsp powdered sugar (45 grams)
- Optional: red gel food coloring
- Optional: sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dishes: Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Spray the inside of 3 half-quart (about 8 fl oz capacity) baking dishes with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together oat flour, vanilla casein protein powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to create a uniform dry mixture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is thick, sticky, and fully combined with no dry spots.
- Assemble the Layers: Divide the batter in half. Spread the first half evenly into the prepared baking dishes, then spoon and spread the strawberry preserves over the batter, avoiding the edges. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it evenly to the edges to encase the filling.
- Bake: Place the baking dishes in the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes until the oats puff up and lightly brown on top. The oats should feel set to the touch with no wetness left.
- Prepare Frosting: While the oats cool on a rack, whisk the Greek yogurt with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring if you want a pink tint.
- Frost and Serve: Once the baked oats are cool, spread the protein frosting on top and sprinkle with optional sprinkles. Serve immediately for a satisfying protein-packed breakfast.
Notes
- Use oat flour or grind whole oats in a blender for a homemade substitute.
- Vanilla casein protein powder can be swapped with any vanilla protein powder for variation.
- Ensure baking dishes are properly greased to prevent sticking and maintain shape.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs and Greek yogurt with suitable plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
