Name: Protein Cranberry Bliss Baked Oats (Easy Recipe)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup certified gluten-free quick oats; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; 1 egg; 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp orange zest; 1 tbsp dried cranberries; 1 tbsp white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt; 1 tbsp light cream cheese; 1 tbsp powdered sugar; more dried cranberries and white chocolate chips for topping

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Indulge this Christmas season with our Cranberry Bliss Baked Oats – a festive fusion of tart cranberries, orange zest, and a luscious cream cheese drizzle baked to perfection. Elevate your breakfast game and treat yourself to a blissful and wholesome start to your day.

Hey breakfast buddy, guess what? I’ve created the ultimate morning game-changer, and I couldn’t wait to spill the beans.

Brace yourself for a breakfast experience that’s going to make your taste buds do a happy dance – Protein Cranberry Bliss Baked Oats. Yep, it’s as deliciously blissful as it sounds.

Imagine white chocolate oatmeal cookies meets bags of fresh cranberries – and they had a baby. It’s like the starbucks’ bar, but in breakfast form. A healthier guilt-free version of the ever so popular Starbucks bars.

This is better than Christmas cookies, trust me. I can guarantee the whole family will love this new recipe.

If you love baking over the holiday season you may also want to try my Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies or my 5-Ingredient Christmas Cookie Fudge Recipe.

Table of Contents

WHY THIS IS THE BEST MORNING OATMEAL

So, picture this: a hearty breakfast that not only fuels your day but also feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds.

We’re talking about the goodness of protein-packed oats, the sweet tartness of cranberries, and a dash of nutty goodness – all baked into one glorious dish.

WHAT ARE THE STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS?

So, imagine this: a chewy, blondie-like base with white chocolate chips, and then, BAM, a cream cheese frosting that’s basically dessert royalty. Oh, and let’s not forget the dried cranberries and a drizzle of white chocolate on top.

It’s like a holiday party in your mouth.

Now, these bars aren’t available all year round. Starbucks brings them out during the holiday season, and it’s the kind of limited-time goodness that makes you want to do a little happy dance when you spot them on the menu.

They’re the perfect sidekick to your coffee, adding a touch of sweetness and holiday cheer to your day. Just be warned: they might become your new winter addiction.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE CRANBERRY BLISS BAKED OATS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this oatmeal bake (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

gluten-free oats -quick oats blend up a bit easier but you can also use old-fashioned rolled oats. Do not use steel-cut oats in this recipe.
baking powder – gives the mixture a slight rise and that perfect fluffy cake-like texture.
Whey Protein powder – My favourite type of protein powder is PEScience vanilla protein powder and you can use code BAILEY at checkout for a special deal on all their products! They have really good vegan protein powder and chocolate protein powder.
unsweetened almond milk – any non-dairy milk or regular milk will work. We add some to the batter and then some more for pouring over the oats once baked.
vanilla extract – use real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
egg – could substitute for a flax egg or chia seeds but will not be as fluffy as whole eggs.
orange zest
dried cranberries
white chocolate chips
Plain greek yogurt
Cream cheese
Powdered sugar
Optional – pure maple syrup, brown sugar, orange extracts, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease small oven safe baking dish with cooking spray or softened butter.
Blend your oats on high to create a fine powder. Then add all remaining wet ingredients and dry ingredients for oats and blend till combined.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and add the cranberries and white chocolate chips. Mix around and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
While oatmeal mixture is baking, mix together the greek yogurt, cream cheese and powdered sugar in a small bowl.
Let oatmeal cool for 5-7 minutes, then top with cream cheese frosting. Add more cranberries and white chocolate chips on top and enjoy!

STORAGE

Refrigeration
- Store the baked oats in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature. This helps maintain their freshness and texture. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can eat them cold or reheat in the microwave.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment:
- If you want to keep your Cranberry Bliss Baked Oats for an extended period, freezing is a fantastic option. Once the baked oats have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-sealed. Frozen baked oats can last for several weeks.
Thawing and Reheating:
- When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen baked oats, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can either eat them cold or reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Freshness Reminder:
- Keep in mind that while storing baked oats is convenient, their texture may change slightly after refrigeration or freezing. However, the flavor should remain delicious.

FAQS

CAN I USE FRESH CRANBERRIES IN THE BAKED OATS OR DO THEY HAVE TO BE DRIED?

Fresh cranberries work perfectly! Chop them up and fold them into the oats for a burst of tartness in every bite.

CAN I PREPARE CRANBERRY BLISS BAKED OATS THE NIGHT BEFORE FOR A HASSLE-FREE CHRISTMAS MORNING?

Absolutely! The best part is you can prep these baked oats the night before, pop them in the oven on Christmas morning, and enjoy a stress-free and delicious breakfast.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE THE CREAM CHEESE DRIZZLE ON THE BAKED OATMEAL WITH SOMETHING ELSE?

Get creative! If you prefer a different drizzle, consider options like a vanilla glaze or a spiced icing for a personalized touch.

WHAT MAKES THIS PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS DAY?

These baked oats are the epitome of holiday joy with the combination of tart cranberries, a cream cheese drizzle, and warm spices. They’re like Christmas morning in a dish!

Other Baked Oatmeal Recipes You May Enjoy!

Yield: 1 serving