Easy Baked Cinnamon Swirl Protein Cake is a delicious and nutritious dessert that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon with a protein-rich base. This cake is perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert option that satisfies your sweet cravings!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Timing

Making Easy Baked Cinnamon Swirl Protein Cake takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

1. Mix Swirl Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
2. Add Swirl: Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the batter.
3. Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon swirl layer and spread it evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon swirl mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy warm or at room temperature. It can be served plain or with a drizzle of yogurt or additional honey.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Easy Baked Cinnamon Swirl Protein Cake (per serving, based on 9 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Protein	10g
Fat	3g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g

Tips for Customization

• Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Flavor Variations: Substitute the cinnamon with other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats and protein powder to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Cinnamon Swirl Protein Cake is a delightful and healthy treat that’s perfect for any time of day. With its warm cinnamon flavor and protein boost, it’s a satisfying option for breakfast or a snack that you can feel good about!