A comforting blend of vanilla and maple with a protein twist. This maple pecan oatmeal recipe is the best reason to get out of bed in the morning. Creamy, chewy bites broken up with chunks of toasted pecans to make an indulgent breakfast or brunch.
Plus, with 33 grams of protein per serving it's a great way to stay full!
Skip the protein powder but enjoy the perks of protein with this high-protein oatmeal (learn more about how to increase your daily protein).
Eating a diet high in protein helps keep you full, gives you energy, boosts your immune system, and achieve weight loss goals. It's why I am so pro having high protein snacks on hand.
Though this recipe can easily be used for busy mornings, it is much more cozy on a fall weekend when you can curb up with a bowl.
Loaded with protein and healthy fats, these protein oats work as a delicious way to kick off the morning.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I use this maple pecan oatmeal with clients because it's:
- Great recovery food
- A hit with kids
- Dairy-free and gluten-free
- Indulgent but healthy
- High in protein (33 grams!)
Ingredients You'll Need
Even though this maple pecan oatmeal recipe is high in protein, you can bypass the protein powder here! Instead, raid your gluten-free pantry for the staples and whip this up!
Regular gluten-free oats: don't use quick oats for this high-protein oatmeal as they won't hold their texture as well.
Chia seeds: these little seeds are a wonderful burst of omega three fatty acids and one of the foods I think all toddlers should have in their diet.
Almond milk: any plant-based milk will work in the recipe. We use homemade hemp milk the most though.
Dates: a natural sweetener. Adding dates allows you to reduce the amount of processed sugar in the protein oatmeal.
Cinnamon & vanilla: two classics that give a classic pecan pie flavor.
Maple syrup: you only need a hint of maple syrup for this maple pecanoatmeal. Make sure to grab the real maple syrup so that you get the rich, smokey flavor.
Collagen powder: the cleanest source of protein and one of the top ways to add protein to oatmeal. Collagen powder is what gives this oatmeal recipe its "high protein" title while allowing you to skip the protein powder. Learn more about the difference between collagen powder and protein powder.
Chopped pecans & Coconut: you'll be toasting both of these for the best flavor (don't skip this step!). You want them lightly toasted though so keep your eye on them.
Step By Step Photos
How To Make The It
- In the oven, toast the pecans and coconut at low heat.
- Mix all ingredients together in a small pot except the collagen.
- Heat until rolling boil, mixing frequently.
- Let cook at medium for 5 minutes once bubbling.
- Stir in the collagen powder and mix until no clumps.
- Mix in the toasted chopped pecans and coconut. Turn the element off and let sit.
Regular Rolled Oats Versus Instant Oats
Using regular rolled oats (over the instant variety) means that you'll be getting a lot more fiber and protein.
When your grandma said that oats "stick to your insides" she wasn't lying! In fact, the extra fiber helps keep you full much, much longer.
The different names for the oats come from the way that they're processed. Learn more about types of oats.
Considering this, I prefer to opt for rolled oats over instant oats for my oatmeal recipe to get the biggest nutritional benefit I can from them.
On top of that, instant oats will come out a bit "mushier" than rolled oats in this recipe.
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Expert Tips To Make The Maple Pecan Oatmeal
Keep an eye on the pecans and coconut when toasting them. They brown quickly and you don't want them to burn.
Mix the collagen powder in quickly. Taking a pause after you pour it will cause it to clump.
Though coconut milk is a great addition, it shouldn't replace almond milk completely. Otherwise, the maple pecan oatmeal will be too rich.
Stir the oatmeal frequently while it's on the element and keep the heat at medium or lower so that it doesn't burn.
Make sure to measure the chia seeds evenly. Because chia seeds absorb so much liquid, adding more to the mixture will alter the consistency.
You cannot use protein powder in place of collagen powder.
I have not tried making this into a baked oatmeal recipe. If you're looking for a make-ahead breakfast, baked oatmeal try these peanut butter baked oats or chocolate baked oatmeal.
Extra Toppings
Though the chopped pecans and coconut are enough as they prove a super rich maple pecan flavor, I know some people really want dessert for breakfast (cough cough.. me!).
Some tasty additional toppings are:
- Additional maple syrup
- Brown sugar
- Dairy-free caramel sauce
- Fresh berries
- Drizzled almond butter
Keep in mind that the sugar on this maple pecan oatmeal is already semi-high (dates + maple sugar) so adding anything else is going to jack it up. Work out first lol
Choosing Collagen Powder
It’s no surprise that these carrot protein cookies are made with collagen powder!
All the protein without the bloat.
I use collagen powder for amping up protein and boosting gut health.
Learn about the difference between collagen and bone broth as how to increase protein intake.
Honestly, as a busy mom collagen powder just makes it easy to eat more protein and not feel like I’m living off chicken and eggs.
And more protein means more energy, more natural beauty, and feeling your BEST.
Plus, in recipes like this, you can sneak protein into your kids as it’s one of the purest sources.
I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements because they source their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.
Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.
Easy to mix, this collagen powder adds a protein punch to anything you pair it with. Made from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows there are no pesticides, hormones, or filler agents. Just put collagen protein. Use code mamabear10 to save money on your next order.
Frequently Asked Questions About High-Protein Oatmeal
Yes! You can make the maple pecan oatmeal ahead of time, store in the fridge and reheat it. When reheating, just add a splash of almond milk (about ⅓ cup) and heat on low. this will help keep the high-protein oatmeal creamy.
Oatmeal itself is a great food but can be very high in calories and carbohydrates. Depending on your personal goals, use this oatmeal as a post-workout snack or opt to have it only a couple of times per week on higher training days to help refuel your muscles.
Unfortunately, collagen and protein powder do not absorb liquid in the same way. Vegan protein powders especially absorb a lot of liquid. This means that using protein powder in place of collagen would result in a drastic alteration to the creamy texture of the high-protein oatmeal.
More High Protein Recipes You'll Love
- High protein granola
- Blueberry protein muffins
- Chocolate chip granola
- Espresso protein overnight oats
- Paleo morning glory muffins with zucchini
- Easy granola bars
- Flourless peanut butter protein muffins
- The BEST dairy-free gluten-free brownies
- Overnight cookie dough protein oats
- Chocolate chia protein balls
- Peanut butter and jam protein balls
- Chocolate fudge protein balls
- Crunchy granola
- Sugar-free granola
- Fudgy protein brownies
- Chocolate chip granola bars
- High protein cookies
- High protein snack recipes
High Protein Maple Pecan Oatmeal
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cups oats gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 ¼ cups almond milk unsweetened
- 3 dates chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup Collagen Powder
- ¼ cup pecans chopped
- 3 tablespoons coconut unsweetened, shredded
Instructions
- Combine the first seven ingredients in a small pot and mix well.
- Heat on the stove at medium-high until a boil just begins.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let cook for 5 minutes.
- In the meantime, toast the coconut and pecans in the oven at 300 for 6-8 minutes or until just turning brown.
- Turn off the element but leave the pot on it and mix in the collagen powder until no clumps remain.
- Let sit on the element for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly. Mix in the pecans and coconut and serve.
Notes
- Keep an eye on the pecans and coconut when toasting them. it browns quickly and you don't want them to burn.
- Mix the collagen powder in quickly. Taking a pause after you pour it will cause it to clump.
- Though coconut milk is a great addition, it shouldn't replace almond milk completely. Otherwise, the maple pecan oatmeal will be too rich.
- Stir the oatmeal frequently while it's on the element and keep the heat at medium or lower so that it doesn't burn.
- You cannot use protein powder in place of collagen powder.
- I have not made this into a maple baked oatmeal and so, am unsure if it would work.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Carol says
This is a fantastic choice for a healthy breakfast and YES to high-protein snacks! I look forward to my morning breakfast because of this pecan pie oatmeal. Great recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Haha protein snacks are where it's at!
Terry says
I am on the lookout for high-protein meals that my dad will eat after his stroke. He can only have pureed foods so, I made the recipe as written, ate half for myself, and threw the other in the blender for him. He loved it and so did I. Thanks for the great recipe.
fitasamamabear says
That's so clever! Super happy it worked for him.
Sheryl says
I can't believe this oatmeal is dairy-free; it's so creamy and satisfying. The maple pecan topping adds the perfect crunch.
fitasamamabear says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Connie says
I love pecan pie so naturally I had to try this oatmeal recipe. It was easy to make, had good flavor, and the texture was good on it as well. I would definitely make it again.
fitasamamabear says
It's such a comforting breakfast.
Juls says
This reminded me of those brown sugar oatmeal packets but in a much more delicious and adult package! Love the taste and the added boost of protein. kept me full for hours.
fitasamamabear says
Haha I used to love those as a kid!
Runcanvas says
Looks so yummy! Great pics too
fitasamamabear says
Thanks so much! It's a decadent one 🙂
amanda says
Sounds delicious! It's hard to be gluten free and find recipes that turn out really well, but I'm going to try this one for sure.
fitasamamabear says
It can definitely be tricky on the GF front because a lot of recipes end up chalky or just odd.. this one is pretty decadent though so I hope you enjoy it!
Sincerely Ophelia says
How do you come up with all these amazing recipes! You had my heart at oatmeal and gluten free!
Sincerely,
Ophelia
NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
fitasamamabear says
Haha it's really just stuff I make! This oatmeal is amazing so enjoy!
Christie Moeller says
YUM! Pinned and going to make!
xoxo Christie
https://www.icanstyleu.com/blog/
fitasamamabear says
Thanks for sharing Christie! It's a super tasty recipe so enjoy it!
Patricia says
Seems yummy! I usually don't eat a lot for breakfast, but this recipe would be great for me if I have a busy morning where I need a lot of energy!
fitasamamabear says
It's a tasty one! I've made it the night before and reheated in the am too- still tastes great!