6tablespoonsprotein powder(about 1 ½ scoops) (see notes)
¾teaspoonbaking powder
½teaspooncinnamon
¾cuprolled oats
1cupblueberriesuse frozen or fresh, or blackberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries
Optional for serving:
Drizzle oftahini
Drizzle ofdate syrupor maple syrup
Drizzle ofnondairy milk
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 360ºF (182ºC).
Soak the Dates: Place the dates in a small bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes to soften. After soaking, drain the water and remove the pits. Transfer the dates to a blender.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Add the nondairy milk, hemp hearts, protein powder (if using), baking powder, and cinnamon to the blender with the dates. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine with Oats and Blueberries: Place the oats in a small baking dish (1.2 QT or 7x5 inches baking dish/storage container)or two oven-safe single-portion containers. Pour the blended mixture over the oats and add the blueberries. Stir thoroughly to ensure the oats and blueberries are evenly distributed. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few additional blueberries and hemp hearts on top, if desired.
Bake: Position the dish on the middle or lower rack of the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden and feels almost firm to the touch. It will be slightly soft on top but will firm up as it cools.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool before serving. Alternatively, after cooling, cover the dish and store it to enjoy throughout the week.
Optional Topping: For a flavorful drizzle, mix tahini, date syrup, and a bit of nondairy milk until smooth, adjusting the quantities to achieve your preferred taste and consistency.
Notes
Nutrition facts are for 2.5 servings–the recipe makes 2 to 3 servings. If consumed in 2 servings, 1 serving is 595 kcals, 40 grams protein.
Protein powder: I used an UNSWEETENED 1-INGREDIENT PROTEIN POWDER linked here. To omit the protien powder, reduce the milk by about ¼ cup.
Use Rolled Oats: Quick oats may turn mushy, and steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.
Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom to boost flavor.
Don’t Overbake: It should be slightly soft on top; it firms up as it cools.
Customize the Sweetness: Add a touch of maple syrup for more sweetness.
Extra Protein Boost: Stir in a spoonful of nut butter or more hemp hearts.
Topping Matters: A drizzle of tahini and maple syrup enhances flavor and creaminess.