Make-ahead Pumpkin Kefir Baked Oatmeal with pumpkin spice flavored kefir gives extra cozy fall vibes. Healthy pumpkin kefir baked oats uses protein powder and egg whites for even more protein, and no sugar!
Jump to RecipeBiggest reason I made this pumpkin kefir baked oats recipe is because of the new seasonal Pumpkin Spice flavored Kefir I got from Lifeway Foods. Tried a sip straight out of the bottle, and oh man! That drink really is worth to sip on just plain.
Proper fall flavors in that bottle, and they definitely come through in this baked oats recipe.
Ingredients for High Protein Pumpkin Kefir Baked Oatmeal
This high protein pumpkin kefir baked oatmeal recipe is made with pumpkin spice flavored kefir, protein powder and a few simple ingredients; No sugar added here.
- Rolled Oats – I wouldn’t recommend Instant or Quick since they’d get too soggy
- Low Fat Pumpkin Spice flavored Kefir for an extra high protein pumpkin baked oats recipe. I used the one from Lifeway Kefir.
- Vanilla Protein Powder for high protein baked oatmeal, and also replace the sweetener.
I used whey-casein Vanilla protein powder from Quest Nutrition. - Pure Pumpkin Puree either from the can like libbys, or homemade. Make sure its not pumpkin pie filling though
- Egg Whites – Even more protein!
- Baking powder
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
And for the toppings on this kefir baked oatmeal recipe:
- Chopped Pecans
- White Chocolate Chips from Lily’s for a sugar free
Tips for Baked Pumpkin Spice Kefir Oatmeal Bars
These pumpkin spice kefir protein oatmeal bars really are easy to make, and here’s some tips to get it just right!
- Make sure you use Rolled Oats and NOT instant or quick oats! The latter are too fine and will make the mix to soggy.
- Grease the baking pan before putting in the mixture. You want to make sure the baked pumpkin spice kefir oats comes off easily.
- Remove the pumpkin kefir baked oatmeal when the center is still slightly soft; It will cook completely when it cools; Don’t over-bake or the baked pumpkin pie kefir oatmeal bars will be too tough.
How to Store Pumpkin Kefir Baked Oats
Store these pumpkin kefir baked oats in an airtight container on the counter for 2 days, or in the fridge for about 5 days; A make-ahead high protein baked kefir oatmeal for breakfast or an easy high protein snack.
To freeze baked pumpkin kefir oats, cut the baked pumpkin spice kefir oats into bars, wrap in plastic wrap and keep in the freezer in zipper bags. They should last 2-3 months.
Alternatives for Healthy Kefir Baked Oatmeal Bars
These healthy kefir baked oatmeal bars are made with protein powder for extra protein and a sugar free and low calorie recipe, but here’s some options you can try.
- Egg Whites – Flax Eggs or Aquafaba (chickpea liquid)
- Protein Powder – 1:1 Zero Calorie Sugar Substitute; I recommend Lakanto, to keep this recipe sugar free (code HAYLSKITCHEN for a discount here)
More Healthy Protein Baked Oats Recipes
- Nutella Baked Oats – Low Calorie, High Protein
- Protein Baklava Baked Oats
- Chocolate Tahini Protein Oat Bars
- Quick 10 Minute Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal with Protein
- Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal For One
- Banana Protein Baked Oatmeal Bars
- Triple Protein Baked Oats for One
Pumpkin Kefir Baked Oatmeal – High Protein, Great Flavor!
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cup Rolled Oats, 120g
- ¾ cup Pumpkin Puree, 180g, not pumpkin pie filling
- ¾ cup Low Fat Pumpkin Spice flavored Kefir, 180g
- ½ cup Whey-Casein Vanilla Protein Powder, 45g
- 3 Egg Whites, 93g
- 1½ tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
Topping:
- ½ Tbsp Chopped Pecans, 7g
- ½ Tbsp White Chocolate Chips, Melted, 7g
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, and lightly grease a 9”x6” baking dish (or use an 8”x8” and reduce baking time).
- In a large bowl, combine all the wet ingredients -pumpkin puree, kefir, egg whites. Whisk together.
- Add in dry ingredients – oats, protein powder, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.Whisk again.
- Pour mixture into prepared dish and flatten with back of a spoon or spatula.Top with chopped pecans.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes until center is just set. The top will be slightly wet in the middle, but that’s expected. Tester knife inserted into middle should come out slightly moist.Cooking longer will make the oats dry on the inside.
- Let cool for about 15-20 minutes.
- Slice into bars, drizzle on melted white chocolate, and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition details are calculated using products recommended below.
- See post for alternate ingredients, tips and storage options.
- Quest Nutrition Vanilla Whey-Casein Protein Powder
- Servings: 6 pieces | Serving size: 1
- Calories: 160kcal
- Fat: 3.3g | Saturated fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 19.7g | Fiber: 3.6g | Sugar: 4.2g
- Protein: 12.2g
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