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Start your day right with thick, creamy Protein Steel Cut Oats. Packed with 20 grams of protein, it's the perfect high-protein vegan breakfast!
When I'm not whipping up oatmeal blender pancakes, you can bet I'm digging into these protein-packed steel-cut oats!
There's just something about slowly cooking up these oats, especially on a lazy weekend morning.
For busier days, prepare a large batch of this protein-packed oatmeal in advance! It stores and reheats wonderfully.
By adding protein powder to your oatmeal, you're creating a hearty breakfast that provides lasting energy to fuel your day ahead.
And when topped with crunchy quinoa granola, walnuts, fresh strawberries, and creamy almond butter, it's the perfect post-workout pick-me-up.
How much protein is in steel-cut oats?
A single serving of steel-cut oats made with water has 5 grams of protein.
This recipe uses a combination of soy milk and pea protein powder to amp that up to 20 grams.
Then with a combination of almond butter and walnuts, the protein content comes out to 30 grams.
Check out this article by the Mayo Clinic to learn more about recommended protein intake.
Ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients to make steel-cut oats with protein powder:
- Steel Cut Oats are the name of the game! I used regular steel-cut oats, but you could also use quick steel-cut oats for faster preparation.
- Plant Milk adds creaminess and an extra boost of protein. I used soy milk as it has a high protein content. Almond milk and cashew milk are also good options.
- Water is used along with the milk to cook the oats. This allows the creaminess of the milk to shine while minimizing some of the disadvantages of solely using milk (longer cooking time, possibility of boiling over).
- Vanilla Protein Powder gives these oats extra flavor and sweetness, but you could also use another flavor you enjoy, like chocolate. I tested this recipe with pea protein powder.
- Vanilla complements the flavor profile of vanilla protein powder, enriching and deepening its taste.
- Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to steel-cut oats, enhancing their overall taste profile. (This is also why this oatmeal recipe has a bit of a darker appearance).
- Salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness in steel-cut oats.
Please refer to the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and detailed instructions.
Directions with Pictures
Here's a step-by-step guide to making thick and creamy steel-cut oatmeal with protein powder:
- Step 1: Bring soy milk and water to a gentle boil.
- Step 2: Stir in oats, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add the protein powder and mix to combine with the oats.
- Step 5: Continue simmering and adding water until the oats have reached your desired consistency
- Step 6: Top with chopped strawberries, walnuts, and almond butter, and enjoy!
Notes
Adjust the Chewiness - This recipe combines (in my opinion) the best of both worlds, a slightly chewy oat, but a creamy overall consistency.
To make less chewy, more creamy oats, simmer for close to 30 minutes before adding the protein powder. Add more water as needed.
Adjust the Thickness - Start by just adding in the protein powder. If the oatmeal is too thick, stir in more water or milk. Add up to a cup of water.
Adjust the Sweetness - I find this oatmeal to be just the right amount of sweetness when using vanilla protein powder, but you can always add a touch of maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar if needed. Stir it in at the same time as the protein powder.
Oatmeal Toppings
Take this oatmeal recipe up a notch with your favorite toppings!
- Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a colorful and refreshing touch.
- Coconut flakes elevate the texture and give a bit of tropical flair.
- Sliced bananas provide a smooth texture and delightful sweetness.
- Diced apples add a crisp, fruity flavor.
Add Even More Protein
- Nut/Seed butter, like creamy peanut butter, adds rich flavor.
- Nuts such as walnuts or almonds provide a crunch to complement the creamy oats.
- Seeds like popped quinoa, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds are great for a nut-free crunch.
- Vegan yogurt introduces an extra element of creaminess to your oatmeal.
- Granola with Quinoa and lots of seeds adds a crunch to balance the creamy texture of the oats.
Storage
Store leftover protein steel-cut oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze individual servings in freezer-safe containers for 2 to 3 months.
Reheating Oatmeal
When reheating on the stovetop, add milk or water to maintain creaminess.
Alternatively, microwave them for a minute for a quick and easy preparation.
FAQ
Steel cut oats are naturally gluten-free but are often processed in facilities that also process wheat products. So, if necessary, buy certified gluten-free steel-cut oats.
Steel-cut oats have a heartier texture and nuttier flavor since they're chopped. They are also less processed, retaining more of their fiber and nutrients.
Old-fashioned rolled oats are flattened for a softer texture, making them perfect for various recipes like pumpkin protein balls or making oat flour.
More Vegan Breakfast Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Protein Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups soy milk or other plant-based milk
- 1 cup water plus more to thin if needed
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup vanilla protein powder pea protein
Recommended Toppings
- 1 cup walnuts or another nut/seed
- ½ cup almond butter or another nut/seed butter
- 1 cup strawberries chopped
Instructions
- Bring soy milk and water to a gentle boil in a medium-sized pot.
- Stir in oats, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally (every 5 minutes or so).
- Add the protein powder and mix to combine with the oats.
- Add more water, using just as much as you want to achieve your desired oatmeal consistency. I usually use about a ¼ cup, but you can use up to 1 cup more.
- Continue simmering for about 5 minutes until the oats have reached your desired consistency.
- Top with chopped strawberries, walnuts, and almond butter, and enjoy!
Kate says
Could I make it with water instead of milk or substitute milk? I don't like any substitute milks and I'd like to cut milk out of my diet because of an intolerance. Thanks!
Sarah Pilley says
Hi Kate! Yes, you can use water instead, the protein content will just be a little less but they are still super creamy 🙂