Mornings when I want both comfort and fuel — this high-protein vanilla berry oatmeal bowl hits the spot. As the oats soften, the kitchen fills with a warm, sweet-scented swirl of vanilla and oats simmering slowly. Once you stir in the protein-rich base, the texture becomes silky and rich, like a creamy porridge you’d crave after a chilly night. Then comes the bright punch of juicy berries and a sprinkle of nuts that crack with each spoonful. It feels both nourishing and indulgent, perfect for a workout day breakfast — or a cozy weekend treat when you still want to stay on track.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 1 (scale up as needed)
- Cuisine: International / Breakfast
- Course: Breakfast
Ingredient
For the Oat Base
- ½ cup rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the Protein-Vanilla Boost
- ⅓ cup low-fat cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt if preferred)
- 1 scoop (about 25–30 g) vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving & Flavor
- ½ cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries — or frozen & thawed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped nuts (e.g. almonds or walnuts) — optional for extra crunch
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup — optional, to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the rolled oats, water, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the oats absorb most of the liquid and start to soften (about 4–5 minutes).
- While the oats cook, whisk together cottage cheese (or yogurt), vanilla protein powder, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until fully smooth — aim for a silky, lump-free mixture.
- Once the oats are cooked, remove from heat and let them sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly (this helps prevent the protein from clumping).
- Stir the cottage cheese–protein mixture into the oats until combined and creamy. If the texture seems too thick, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it.
- Transfer the creamy protein oatmeal to a bowl. Top with mixed berries, chopped nuts (if using), and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you like added sweetness.
- Serve immediately while still warm — enjoy the creamy texture, the burst of berry freshness, and the nutty crunch.
Tips & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangy, smooth base — especially good if you don’t own a blender.
- Swap out vanilla protein powder for chocolate or berry-flavored powders for a different taste profile.
- For a more decadent version, replace some of the water with milk (dairy or non-dairy) to give extra creaminess.
- Want extra fiber & healthy fats? Stir in 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds before serving.
- To make overnight protein oats, mix dry oats with the blended protein base and berries/nuts in a jar, refrigerate overnight — eat cold or warm next morning.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~360 kcal
- Protein: ~ thirty grams (≈ 30 g)
- Carbohydrates: ~38 g
- Fat: ~8 g
- Fiber: ~6 g
- Sugar: ~10 g (depends on berries + sweetener)
- Sodium: ~220 mg
Ingredients
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine the rolled oats, water, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the oats absorb most of the liquid and start to soften (about 4–5 minutes).
- While the oats cook, whisk together cottage cheese (or yogurt), vanilla protein powder, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until fully smooth — aim for a silky, lump-free mixture.
- Once the oats are cooked, remove from heat and let them sit for 30 seconds to cool slightly (this helps prevent the protein from clumping).
- Stir the cottage cheese–protein mixture into the oats until combined and creamy. If the texture seems too thick, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it.
- Transfer the creamy protein oatmeal to a bowl. Top with mixed berries, chopped nuts (if using), and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you like added sweetness.
- Serve immediately while still warm — enjoy the creamy texture, the burst of berry freshness, and the nutty crunch.
Notes
- Protein: ~ thirty grams (≈ 30 g)
- Carbohydrates: ~38 g
- Fat: ~8 g
- Fiber: ~6 g
- Sugar: ~10 g (depends on berries + sweetener)
- Sodium: ~220 mg
FAQs
Can I prepare this ahead and reheat later?
Yes. Make the oatmeal, cool it, then store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on stove with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
Can I make this dairy-free / vegan?
Yes — use plant-based protein powder, non-dairy milk (e.g. almond or oat), and skip cottage cheese or replace with dairy-free yogurt. The texture will be slightly different, but still creamy.
Will protein powder make the oatmeal gritty or chalky?
If you whisk the protein powder thoroughly with the cottage cheese (or yogurt) first, and stir into oats after cooling slightly, you’ll get smooth, creamy oatmeal — avoid dumping powder directly into hot oats to prevent grittiness.
How can I make it more filling for a post-workout meal?
Add a tablespoon of nut butter or a sprinkle of hemp/hemp-seeds for extra healthy fats and protein. You can also top with banana slices or more nuts for extra calories and sustained energy.
