High Protein Banana Blueberry Breakfast Bake

The morning sun was streaming through my kitchen window when I first threw this together, desperate for something that would actually keep me full until lunch. I had three overripe bananas staring at me mournfully from the counter, and a newly opened container of protein powder I swore I'd use more regularly. Now this bake has become my Sunday ritual, filling the house with cinnamon and banana warmth while I sip coffee and pretend I have my life together.

Last winter my sister came over for a weekend visit and looked skeptically at the dish coming out of the oven. She's not exactly the breakfast bake type, preferring her morning routines to be quick and utilitarian. But after one bite, she sat down at the counter and ate an entire square standing up, then asked if I could teach her how to make it 'properly' before she left.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed: The darker and spottier the better, they dissolve into the batter and create natural sweetness
• 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the mixture
• 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt: I've found full fat creates the creamiest texture but any plain yogurt works beautifully
• 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup: Maple adds a lovely depth but honey makes it slightly sweeter, choose based on your bananas sweetness
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: Any milk you have on hand works, even dairy if that's your preference
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Dont skip this, it's what makes it taste like a treat instead of health food
• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats: Quick oats can make it gummy, stick to the old fashioned kind for better texture
• 1/2 cup vanilla or plain protein powder: Unflavored works but vanilla adds a lovely bakery style sweetness
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: This gives it that fluffy, cake like rise instead of being dense
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: I sometimes add a pinch more because cinnamon and bananas are best friends
• 1/4 tsp salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries: Frozen berries work perfectly but fresh burst beautifully when you bite into them
• Optional toppings: The nuts add crunch but chia seeds are my secret for that extra nutrition boost

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 350°F and grease your 9x9 dish with butter or coconut oil, getting into all the corners so nothing sticks

Mix up the wet ingredients:

Whisk the bananas, eggs, yogurt, honey, milk and vanilla until completely smooth, taking your time to break up any banana lumps

Combine the dry mixture:

In another bowl stir together the oats, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon and salt until well combined

Bring it all together:

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet and fold gently until just combined, dont overmix or itll get tough

Add the berries:

Gently fold in the blueberries last so they dont all burst and turn everything purple

Top it off:

Pour into your prepared dish and scatter the nuts and chia seeds across the top if you're using them

Bake until golden:

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is beautifully browned and a toothpick comes out mostly clean

Let it rest:

Wait 10 minutes before slicing, this is hardest part but it makes cutting so much easier

Save

This recipe has become my go-to when friends have babies or need a meal train, because it feels like giving someone a hug in food form. There's something about a warm, fruit filled breakfast that says someone cares about you.

Making It Your Own

I've experimented with different fruits and spices depending on what's in season or on sale. Apple pie spice in fall, fresh peaches in summer, and once I stirred in pumpkin puree when I was feeling particularly ambitious.

Storage and Meal Prep

The squares freeze beautifully, which means I can double the batch and have breakfast sorted for weeks. I wrap individual portions and freeze them, then just reheat for 45 seconds in the microwave on busy mornings.

Serving Suggestions

While it's perfectly delicious on its own, I love serving it with a cold dollop of Greek yogurt on top. The contrast between the warm, spiced bake and cool creamy yogurt is absolute perfection. Sometimes I'll drizzle a little almond butter over it too.

• Warm it up and top with a pat of butter for extra richness
• Serve with a side of fresh berries for a complete breakfast
• It's also delicious as an afternoon snack with coffee

Save

There's something deeply satisfying about starting your day with a meal that feels both indulgent and purposeful, like you're doing something good for yourself without sacrificing joy.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This bake stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or enjoy cold. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just wrap individual slices tightly before freezing.

→ What protein powder works best in this recipe?

Vanilla or plain whey protein powder blends seamlessly, but plant-based options like pea or rice protein work wonderfully too. Avoid unflavored varieties with strong aftertastes. If using chocolate protein powder, consider reducing the honey slightly to balance sweetness.

→ Can I substitute the blueberries?

Yes! Raspberries, blackberries, chopped strawberries, or diced apples all work beautifully. Frozen fruit can be used directly without thawing—just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time if using larger amounts of frozen fruit.

→ How do I know when it's finished baking?

The bake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs. Some moisture is expected due to the fruit. The center should feel set but not overly firm.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Perfect for meal prep! Bake on Sunday and portion into containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day or two in the refrigerator. Each serving provides 15g of protein to power your morning.