Preheat the oven to 350* F.
Add the milk, eggs, maple syrup, peanut butter and vanilla to a large bowl and whisk until the peanut butter is well combined and the eggs are fully whisked.
Add the oats, cocoa powder, protein powder, baking powder and salt to the bowl and whisk to combine well.
Fold the cottage cheese into the batter.
Let the baked oat mixture sit for about 5 minutes to lightly absorb some of the liquid and give it a final stir.
Lightly grease a 11x9-inch baking dish. Pour the oat mixture into the dish. Using a spatula spread the oats evenly into the dish. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the baked oatmeal is cooked through. Let cool.