Cinnamon Swirl Protein Banana Oats (Printable)

Tender oats blended with banana, swirled with cinnamon sugar, and packed with protein for a wholesome single-serve breakfast.

# Components:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1/2 cup unsweetened milk of choice
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

05 - 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
06 - 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Cinnamon Swirl

09 - 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1 teaspoon melted butter or coconut oil

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-10 ounce single-serving ramekin with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the banana. Whisk in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
03 - Add the oats, protein powder, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated with no dry pockets.
04 - Pour the oat batter into the prepared ramekin and smooth the top surface with a spatula.
05 - In a small bowl, combine the coconut sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create a paste-like consistency.
06 - Spoon the cinnamon mixture in small dollops over the batter surface. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the top layer to create a marbled effect.
07 - Bake for 22-25 minutes until the center is just set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.
08 - Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with yogurt, banana slices, or nut butter drizzle.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and comforting but actually keeps you full for hours thanks to the protein.
  • No dishes piling up in the sink—you bake it in the same ramekin you eat from.
  • The cinnamon swirl creates this magical marbled effect that looks way fancier than the effort it takes.
02 -
  • The banana has to be ripe—I mean actually soft with some brown spots, because that's when it has enough natural sugar and flavor to make this work.
  • Don't skip the 5-minute cool time; it lets the center set up so it doesn't collapse when you eat it, and it actually tastes better warm but not lava-hot.
03 -
  • Use a small ramekin because it bakes faster and the center sets more evenly than in a larger dish.
  • If your protein powder is unflavored or chocolate, add an extra quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract so the banana flavor doesn't get lost.
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