1. Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Ensure the sweetener is fully dissolved.

3. Gradually add the protein powder to the wet mixture, whisking continuously until smooth. It’s important to mix well here to avoid any lumps.

4. Gently fold in the cooked white rice and fresh or frozen blueberries. Stir until the rice and berries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of sliced almonds evenly over the top of the mixture.

6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

7. Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a bit more and makes it easier to scoop.