Peanut Butter & Jelly Baked Protein Oats

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a childhood memory for most and if you're like us, you still enjoy it while camping, hiking or just because it's plain delicious. This PB & J baked oatmeal is an ode to that grade school lunch staple but packs in protein, fiber and healthy fats to keep you fueled on the playground of life.

These baked high protein oats are perfect for meal prep or for serving to a group. They can easily be made in advance and even frozen and zapped in the microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients for this Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal Bake

Old fashioned oats: You'll want to use old-fashioned oats for this recipe to achieve the best texture. Steel cut oats need much more time to cook and will be dense and too chewy for this recipe. Look for certified gluten-free oats if your diet requires.

Protein powder: Use your favorite protein powder here. I recommend using vanilla protein powder and really love this whey one as it is only sweetened with monk fruit and doesn't have a weird aftertaste. If plant-based is your jam, use your favorite plant-based protein powder.

Flaxseed: Ground flaxseed is a great source of fiber and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been linked to helping lower cholesterol, reducing chances of stroke and decreasing inflammation.

Nonfat greek yogurt: This adds protein and contributes to the delightful texture of this oatmeal bake. I highly recommend using Two Good Strawberry yogurt if you can get your hands on it. Plain nonfat greek yogurts works too, but be cautious of the sugar content in some nonfat flavored yogurts. They can be fairly high with added sugar.

PB2 powdered peanut butter: I love powdered peanut butter to pump up that peanut butter flavor without all of the fat. Powdered peanut butter concentrates that flavor while providing additional protein. You can find powdered peanut butter in your local grocery store, typically with traditional peanut butter and jellies. The most popular brands are PB2 and PBfit. You can also order off Amazon here.

Baking Essentials: Vanilla extract and baking powder are the two pantry staples you'll need for this recipe.

Almond milk: Use any milk you prefer here, but ideally choose an unsweetened variety to keep sugar low. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk.

Jam and fruit: For the drizzle on top, I used a mix of lower sugar jam (Trader Joe's and Smucker's have options) mixed with microwaved raspberries. Alternatively, you could use your favorite flavor jam or smashed berries.

Natural peanut butter: For the drizzle on top, natural, drippy peanut butter is what you'll want to use, either crunchy or smooth, it's up to you!

Ideas to Customize & Substitutions

You can easily sub out the peanut butter within this recipe with almond butter or your favorite nut butter. Omitting the powdered peanut butter will not have an impact on the overall texture. Any kind of jam or fruit will do...think apricot, strawberry, blueberries or even a mixture of berries. All would be delicious. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for a little more crunch.

How to Store and Meal Prep

These baked oats can be cut into six servings and wrapped individually and frozen for up to one month. For a quick breakfast, zap the frozen oats in the microwave in 30 seconds intervals and then drizzle with PB & J toppings. Alternatively, you can freeze as an entire block and put in the oven at 350° F and monitor to warm back up.

If planning to eat throughout the week, store in the refrigerator for up to one week and enjoy a serving (or two!) each day for breakfast, a snack or even an evening dessert.

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