Brew your coffee. Make a small cup of coffee using your preferred method.
Let it cool for a couple of minutes so it doesn’t scorch the oats or curdle the milk.
Combine liquids and oats. In a small saucepan, add the oats, coffee, and milk. Stir in a pinch of salt. Turn heat to medium.
Simmer gently. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the oats are creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed.
If you like thinner oats, add a splash more milk or water.
Remove from heat before adding protein. Take the pan off the burner. Whisk in the protein powder until smooth. This prevents clumping and keeps the texture silky.
Flavor and sweeten. Stir in vanilla, maple syrup or honey, and any optional mix-ins like cocoa powder, cinnamon, or chia seeds.
Adjust sweetness to taste.
Serve and top. Spoon into a bowl and finish with your favorite toppings—banana slices, berries, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.