I've been super pressed for time lately. Like scheduled to the point that my calendar looks like a lost game of Tetris. That kind of busy. That kind of pressed. Much of it has to do with the fact that I've been technically fulfilling two roles at my day job for the last few months. I will officially emerge from this ordeal developmental period beginning Monday and have been smiling nonstop. Things are still busy but fI eel like I can breathe more easily, ya know? What does any of this have to do with maple cranberry oatmeal muffins? Keep reading, boo.
It's never more obvious than when I'm scheduled to the max just how much convenience tends to trump all. Ordering food to the office has seemed way more attractive than meal prepping and packing my breakfast, snacks, and lunch lately. So meal ideas that are not only quick and easy to execute but also convenient to heat and eat are like my nutritional lifelines. And maple cranberry oatmeal muffins definitely fit that bill. And they don't just work for a grab-and-go weekday breakfast option. They're also good sources of energy and protein before a workout. I first added protein powder to a batch of vegan banana nut oatmeal muffins a few weeks ago and the result was too good not to share...then replicate with other flavors.
Different Ways to Make Oatmeal Muffins
Most of my baked oatmeal recipes incorporate nut butter (aka solid protein source) of some kind. Adding protein powder to the mix makes them an even more fitting pre-workout snack choice. You can do this with any of the flavor variations currently on the blog. After you try these, I recommend moving on to almond butter blueberry then the pumpkin walnut then the piña colada. Yes, piña colada for breakfast is a thing. 🙂 The full maple cranberry oatmeal muffins recipe is below and be sure to pin this one on Pinterest--thanks for reading!
P.S. More protein-packed options:
How to Make Maple Cranberry Oatmeal Muffins

Convenient grab-and-go breakfast option that doubles as a pre-workout snack with protein
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup maple almond butter
- 4 cups oats
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ⅔ cup warm almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup walnut pieces
- ½ cup protein powder or about 2 servings according to your package instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine oats, walnut pieces, dried cranberries, sea salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl and stir until well mixed. Set aside.
In a smaller bowl, mix together almond milk, protein powder, banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
Add wet mixture to dry mixture and stir until there are no dry "pockets" left.
Scoop about ½ cup of oatmeal mixture into each cavity of a non-stick (or greased) 12-count muffin pan. Lightly press mixture into each cavity so that the top of each muffin is smooth.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until tops of muffins are firm when pressed. Allow muffins to cool completely in pan before removing.
Marta says
I'm SO glad this has a "Breakfast" OR "Pre-Workout" option because the latter is definitely not happening in my camp. I can't wait to try these out for BREAKFAST, lol!!!
Jazz says
Haha! I started out just having these for breakfast but now that I workout regularly, need them more often.
Tamara J. says
These would be perfect for a “grab and go” breakfast. Our mornings can be super hectic sometimes!
Katrina Adams says
Perfect for working out or breakfast!! Thank you for sharing!!
LaKita says
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You always have the best oatmeal muffin recipe combinations.
Jazz says
Thanks, LaKita! I'm pretty much addicted to the convenience of them.
SHANIKA says
These Oatmeal Muffins look great! I love that they only require simple ingredients! YUM!
Jazz says
Simplicity has become so key for me. Not a lot of fuss.
Tisha says
You always have the best breakfast recipes!! Now I have something to look forward to this week!
Kenya Rae says
I need to start making more grab and go stuff and back away from ordering out. Definitely need to try these.