Protein Apple Almond Croissant Baked Oats

Name: Protein Apple Almond Croissant Baked Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 Teaspoon Avocado Oil (or cooking spray of choice); 1 ½ Cups Rolled Oats; 1 Cup Almond Flour; ¼ Cup Vanilla Protein Powder; ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon; ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 ¼ Cups Almond Milk; ½ Teaspoon Almond Extract; ⅓ Cup Maple Syrup; ½ Cup Cottage Cheese (I used Good Culture); 2 Honey Crisp Apples (sliced thin); ¾ Cup Sliced Almonds; Powdered Sugar (optional)

Ever wished you could have an almond croissant for breakfast every day without the sugar crash? These Protein Apple Almond Croissant Baked Oats are for you then. Think all the nutty, buttery flavors of a bakery croissant, paired with warm baked apples and a golden almond topping, but in a high-protein, make-ahead breakfast you can feel good about. Each slice packs about 17 grams of protein, thanks to the almond flour, protein powder, and cottage cheese. The texture is soft, tender, and just a little indulgent.

Friends, I don’t know about you, but there’s something about almond croissants that just feel extra special. Maybe it’s the buttery almond filling, maybe it’s the dusting of powdered sugar on top, or maybe it’s the fact that eating one always makes me feel like I should be sitting in a little Parisian café. The only problem? I don’t exactly have a French bakery around the corner, and croissants are exactly my go-to for busy mornings. That’s where these baked oats come in.

That’s why I had to recreate the flavors in a way that works for everyday life. They’ve got everything I love about an almond croissant—nutty almond flavor, a little sweetness, a touch of crunch—but in a hearty, nourishing breakfast that happens to pack about 17 grams of protein per serving. The apples on top soften, the almonds turn golden and toasty, and the whole thing bakes into something that feels slightly indulgent.

I love reaching for a square of this straight from the fridge in the mornings, sometimes warming it up, sometimes not. Either way, it feels like such a treat, but it’s secretly packed with protein and wholesome ingredients that actually keep me full. Honestly, it might just be my favorite baked oats variation yet.

A variety of baking ingredients on a light orange surface, including oats, sliced apples, cottage cheese, almond flour, sliced almonds, milk, honey, ground cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla, and small measuring spoons. — To make these baked oats, you’ll need rolled oats, almond flour, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, baking powder, almond milk, almond extract, maple syrup, cottage cheese, honeycrisp apples, sliced almonds, and powdered sugar.

A glass bowl contains rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Surrounding it are bowls with sliced almonds, flour, oats, maple syrup, milk, and a wooden spoon on an orange surface. — To make these baked oats, you’ll need rolled oats, almond flour, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, baking powder, almond milk, almond extract, maple syrup, cottage cheese, honeycrisp apples, sliced almonds, and powdered sugar.

What You Need to Make These Protein Apple Almond Croissant Baked Oats

Rolled Oats: The base of this recipe! Rolled oats give structure and that classic baked oats texture. If you’re gluten-free, just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and light, tender crumb, mimicking the richness of a real almond croissant.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Boosts the protein to about 17g per serving while keeping the oats satisfying. Choose your favorite vanilla protein powder—plant-based works great here too.
Cinnamon: Just a touch of cinnamon adds warmth and coziness, complementing the apples perfectly.
Baking Powder: Helps the baked oats rise and stay fluffy, rather than dense.
Almond Milk: The liquid base that ties everything together. Any non-dairy milk will work, but almond milk adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Almond Extract: A little goes a long way! Almond extract gives that signature almond croissant taste.
Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetness the oats and adds depth of flavor. It’s a refined sugar-free option that balances the nuttiness perfectly.
Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and a big boost of protein without affecting the flavor. I used Good Culture brand for a smooth, rich result.
Honeycrisp Apples: Thinly sliced and layered on top; they bake into tender, juicy bites that pair great with the almond flavors.
Sliced Almonds: Sprinkled generously on top for crunch, flavor, and that croissant-like finish.
Powdered Sugar (optional): A light dusting after baking gives these oats that bakery-style touch.

A bowl of dry oats being mixed with milk using a wooden spoon, surrounded by sliced apples, cottage cheese, a small glass of honey, and other ingredients on a table. — *Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully incorporated.*

How To Make This High-Protein Breakfast

To make these baked oats, start by preheating your oven to 350F. Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish with avocado oil or cooking spray.

Next, prepare the dry mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, and baking powder. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Then, make the wet mixture. In another bowl, whisk together the almond milk, almond extract, maple syrup, and cottage cheese until smooth.

A square baking dish filled with oats and topped with neatly arranged slices of red and yellow apples. A small bowl of sliced almonds, a bowl of oats, and a knife are nearby on a golden-colored surface. — Now bring it all together. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully incorporated. Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

A square baking pan filled with neatly arranged apple slices, topped with slivered almonds, sits on a wooden surface with plates and a bowl of extra almonds nearby. — Now bring it all together. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully incorporated. Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Now bring it all together. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is fully incorporated. Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Top the mixture with thinly sliced apples, then sprinkle with sliced almonds over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until set and golden. For an extra toasty finish, broil for 1-2 minutes so the almonds brown slightly. Remove from the oven, then dust with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy warm!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i make these baked oats ahead of time?

Yes! this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Bake it, let it cool completely, then store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

what protein powder works best?

Any vanilla protein powder will work here—whey or plant-based.

what kind of apples should i use?

I used honeycrisp because they’re sweet, crisp, and juicy. but you could also use fuji, gala, or pink lady. Just aim for a sweet, firm apple.

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.