High-Calorie Oatmeal for Weight Gain
If you’re on a mission to bulk up, gain weight, or simply incorporate more calories into your diet in a nutritious way, this high-calorie oatmeal is your go-to breakfast!
This hearty bowl boasts over 1000 calories, and unlike other calorically dense foods, it doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Every spoonful is a blend of the nutty richness of almond butter, the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, and the wholesome goodness of oats. Plus, with a kick of protein powder, it’s an ideal way to start your weight gain diet.
Ingredients and Substitutes
This recipe is perfect for when you need a high-calorie breakfast in the morning. It’s over 1000 calories and there are a lot of flexible ingredients you can use and mix up to change the flavors.
- Oats: You can use rolled oats for a chewer texture or quick oats for a softer texture.
- Full-Fat Milk: Whole milk ensures a rich creaminess and adds extra caloric content to the oatmeal. If you have a lactose intolerance, you can substitute whole milk for almond milk.
- Almond Butter or Peanut Butter: Both provide a rich, nutty flavor and enhance the oatmeal’s calorie count. Sunflower seed butter is a suitable alternative if you’re working around nut allergies.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a delicious natural sweetness and antioxidants to your oatmeal. If you prefer, you can also swap it for honey.
- Protein Powder: I used chocolate-flavored protein powder, but feel free to use vanilla or strawberry, depending on your preference. You can also use non-flavored protein powder and a tablespoon of cocoa powder if you have non-flavored protein powder.
- Banana: This is an excellent topping to add more calories, vitamins and minerals to your breakfast. If preferred, swap the banana for a handful of fresh berries.
Expert Tips
Consistency Mastery: If you prefer oatmeal with a looser texture, you can always add more milk while cooking. Similarly, reduce the milk slightly or extend the cooking time a bit for a thicker consistency.
Natural Sweetness: Although all the sweetness comes from whole foods. If you’re trying to limit sugars but still crave sweetness, omit the maple syrup and add 1 tablespoon of erythritol sweetener. Keep in mind that this will slightly reduce the overall calories.
Boost with Seeds: For an added nutrient and caloric punch, experiment by mixing chia seeds in a tablespoon before heating the oatmeal.
FAQs
Do I need to use protein powder?
No, although the protein powder will greatly increase the protein content of the oatmeal. If you prefer not to use it, simply omit it from the recipe. However, you may need to reduce the added liquid slightly or reduce the oatmeal further to achieve your desired consistency.
What’s the best type of protein powder to use?
The ideal protein powder depends on your goals and texture preference. Casein will give your oatmeal a creamier texture and offers a slower-releasing protein, which can benefit sustained energy throughout the day or provide protein absorption overnight. On the other hand, whey protein is quickly absorbed, making it great for immediate post-workout recovery and as your first meal of the day.
Can I use water instead of milk
Yes, you can. Using milk, especially full-fat milk, provides a creamier texture and adds more calories, which is the intention of this recipe. However if you prefer, you can swap the milk with an equal ratio of water.
Do you recommend batch cooking or storing this recipe?
While you can batch cook and store this oatmeal for convenience, it’s definitely best when enjoyed fresh. The texture and flavors are at their peak right after cooking. If you choose to store, reheat in the microwave or stovetop, and add a milk splash to regain the desired consistency.
Recipes You May Like:
If you liked this recipe, try our other 1000 calorie breakfast. It’s high in calories and protein while being incredibly delicious!
High Calorie Oatmeal for Weight Gain
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats or quick oats
- 1 ⅓ cup full-fat milk
- 2 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
- ½ tbsp maple syrup
- 1 oz chocolate protein powder you can also use other flavors or non-flavored, check the recipe notes
Topping
- 1 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 small banana
Instructions
Microwave Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the oats, milk, almond butter, maple syrup, and protein powder.
- Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring at the halfway point.
- Continue heating in 30-second increments until oatmeal thickens to your desired consistency.
Stovetop Instructions
- In a saucepan, mix the oats, milk, almond butter, and maple syrup.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 4 minutes.
- Off the heat, whisk in the protein powder. If the mixture is too thick, you can mix in a little more milk.
Assembly
- Allow the oatmeal to rest for a few minutes.
- Add toppings and serve warm.
Notes
- How to make the oatmeal thicker: Cook the oatmeal for longer until you have your desired consistency.
- How to make the oatmeal thinner: Mix in more milk into you have your desired consistency.
- Types of Protein Powder: Use casein for slower protein absorption, which is great when you won’t have your next meal for a while. Then, use whey or pea for a quicker protein absorption rate, which is excellent post-workout.
- Protein Powder Flavor: I used chocolate protein powder, but you can switch it up with vanilla, strawberry, or other flavors. Alternatively, for a chocolaty oatmeal without the added flavor from the protein, use unflavored protein powder and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder.