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High Protein Cinnamon Apple Bake - Cozy Flavor With a Nutritious Boost

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady), peeled if you like, cored, and diced
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt for substitution)
  • 1 cup liquid egg whites (or 4 whole eggs for richer texture)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder
  • 1/3 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond/oat milk)
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Optional add-ins: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; a pinch of nutmeg
  • Optional topping: 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar for a light, crunchy finish

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan and oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment for easy removal.
  2. Dice the apples: Cut the apples into small, even pieces (about 1/2-inch). Smaller pieces soften nicely and distribute sweetness throughout the bake.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, egg whites, applesauce, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Add dry ingredients: Stir in protein powder, oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. If using flaxseed, chia, or nuts, fold them in now.
  5. Fold in apples: Gently mix in the diced apples so they’re evenly spread through the batter.
  6. Fill the pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar if you like a light crust.
  7. Bake: Place on the center rack and bake for 30–38 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just firm with a slight spring. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
  8. Cool slightly: Let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing cleaner.
  9. Serve: Enjoy warm on its own or top with a dollop of yogurt, a drizzle of almond butter, or a splash of warm milk.