Make this recipe if you just went apple picking — or if you just want your kitchen to smell like you did! This high-protein baked oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to capture those warm flavors of apple pie while giving you a delicious breakfast that’s also great for weekly meal prep. With wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla protein powder, it’s a simple breakfast recipe that tastes indulgent while fueling your body with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

And if you’re making it for a cozy weekend brunch or special occasion? Add the optional Caramel Pecan Topping with crunchy pecans, chopped apples, and brown sugar—it turns this oat bake into a holiday-worthy dish your family will ask for again and again. For more cozy fall breakfast recipes, check out my Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping, easy Vegan Pumpkin Banana Bread, as well as my other oatmeal recipes, including Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats, and Vegan Protein Oats - 3 Flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein – Over 15 g per serving, or more if you top it with 1/4 cup of plant-based Greek yogurt like I do. Keeps you full until lunch and helps you hit your protein goals deliciously!
Meal prep friendly – Bake it once, portion into single servings, and store for quick grab-and-go breakfasts and snacks all week long.
Perfect fall flavors – Warm apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg...all the flavors of the season in one recipe.
Naturally sweetened – Maple syrup and unsweetened applesauce replace refined sugar, though you can use brown sugar if desired.

Ingredients to make high protein apple cider baked oatmeal on a tray.

Ingredients + Substitutions

Rolled oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best hearty texture. Quick oats make the oatmeal mixture softer, while steel-cut oats take longer to cook and won’t bake evenly.
Vanilla protein powder – A pea-protein blend works best for baking. It improves protein content without making the oat mixture gummy. I tested this recipe with both Aloha and Truvani brand vanilla plant protein with great results. Nuzest vanilla is another great option. Soy protein is another good way to boost nutrition.
- Pro Tip: Always weigh your protein powder on a kitchen scale for the most accurate results. Scoop sizes vary widely between brands, and weighing ensures your baked oatmeal has the right texture every time.
Baking powder + warm spices – Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and sea salt bring cozy fall flavors. Swap in apple pie spice or pumpkin spice for a shortcut!
Unsweetened applesauce – Adds natural sweetness and moisture. Apple sauce is a great egg substitute here because it helps bind the oat mixture.
Apple cider – Use warm apple cider for the richest apple flavor. Apple juice won’t give the same end result, so I recommend substituting more non-dairy for the apple cider if it's not available to you.
Non-dairy milk – Soy, pea, or protein-fortified non-dairy milk will give higher protein content than unsweetened vanilla almond milk or coconut milk, but any kind of milk will work!
Vegan Greek yogurt – Thick, creamy, and adds extra fiber and protein. Regular vegan yogurt or coconut yogurt can be used in a pinch.
Maple syrup – So great for natural sweetness and that classic fall flavor, but pure maple syrup is pricey and not available to all. If you wish, you can substitute ½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar for the ¼ cup maple syrup, but if you do, add 2–3 extra tablespoons of non-dairy milk to make up for the lost liquid.
Ground flaxseed – Adds binding power, omega-3 fatty acids, and extra fiber.
Vanilla extract – Enhances all the warm flavors.
Fresh apples – Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples work best. Asian pears can also be a fun variation.
Hemp seeds – Add protein and healthy fats. Chia seeds, or crunchy pecans make a great substitution, especially if you're adding the optional caramel pecan topping.
Optional Caramel Pecan Topping – A magical combo of ½ cup chopped pecans, ½ apple (peeled and chopped), 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon forms a crunchy, caramelized layer that makes this feel like dessert. Highly recommend!

How to Make It

1. Prep - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9" x 9" baking dish with cooking spray or vegan butter.

Step 2: dry ingredients in a bowl. — **2. Mix dry ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, flaxseed, and hemp seeds.
**Pro tip**: Measure protein powder by weight, not scoops, to keep the texture light and consistent.

Step 3: mixing wet ingredients in a bowl. — **3. Whisk wet ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, apple cider, non-dairy milk, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: folding chopped apples into bowl of baked oatmeal ingredients. — **4. Combine oats + liquids**: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped apples.

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Step 5: Adding optional topping to pan before baking. — **5. Optional topping**: In a small bowl, mix Sprinkle pecans, apple, brown sugar, and cinnamon. over the oat mixture in your baking dish.

Step 6: Baked oatmeal in a white pan. — **6. Bake**: Bake 40–45 minutes until golden around the edges and set in the center.
7. **Cool slightly** before serving. Add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, a spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup on top.

Storage & Meal Prep

Meal prep tip – Slice into single servings and wrap in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast next time you’re rushing out the door.
Freezer option – Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat on medium heat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Serving ideas – Serve warm with Greek yogurt, almond butter, or peanut butter for extra protein. Fresh fruits like chopped apples or even chocolate chips make fun toppings.

FAQ

Can I make this without protein powder?
Yes—replace the ½ cup vanilla protein powder with ½ cup rolled oats or oat flour. The result will have a lower protein content but still hold together.

Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats?
Quick oats work, but the texture will be softer. Steel-cut oats (or instant oats) require cups of water and longer cooking time, so they don’t work well here. Stick with rolled oats for best results.

What’s the best kind of milk to use?
Non-dairy milk like soy, pea, or protein-fortified almond milk works best for boosting protein content. Coconut milk adds richness and a nutty flavor but less protein.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch baking dish, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely—this baked oatmeal recipe is the perfect way to do weekly meal prep. Bake once and enjoy a simple breakfast recipe all week long.

What to Serve With This Recipe

A drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter and a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra protein and healthy fatty acids
High-protein vegan Greek-style yogurt or coconut yogurt for creaminess and extra fiber
A sprinkle of pumpkin spice or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for cozy fall flavors
Vegan sausages or tempeh bacon for a savory protein boost
A warm cup of tea, a vegan latte, or freshly squeezed orange juice for the perfect fall morning

If you try this High Protein Apple Cider Baked Oatmeal, let me know how you liked it! Leave a rating and comment below, and share your cozy breakfast photos by tagging @thevegansix on TikTok or Instagram. 🍎✨

Apple Cider Baked Oatmeal - Vegan, High-Protein Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients + Substitutions

How to Make It

Storage & Meal Prep

FAQ