Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love cinnamon rolls but want something that’s quicker to make and healthier, this baked oatmeal is for you! It combines all the comforting, warm flavors of cinnamon rolls—sweet cinnamon, a touch of brown sugar, and creamy oats—into a baked breakfast that’s full of fiber and protein. It’s easy to prep ahead of time and makes for a delicious breakfast that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
For the oatmeal:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter (or coconut oil) until everything is mixed into a paste-like consistency. Set aside.
- Prepare the oatmeal mixture: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Add the milk, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Assemble the oatmeal: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add the cinnamon swirl: Spoon the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the oatmeal in several spots. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the oatmeal, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal has set. You can test the center with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Make the glaze (optional): While the oatmeal is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the baked oatmeal once it’s done baking and has cooled slightly.
- Serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. Serve warm, optionally with fresh fruit, extra syrup, or more nuts on top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Total time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of the eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace the yogurt with coconut yogurt or another dairy-free alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Extra Sweet: Add chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries to the oatmeal for a sweet burst of flavor.
- Nuttier: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the oatmeal for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Banana Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal: Add sliced banana to the oatmeal mixture before baking for a delicious banana-cinnamon combination.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cinnamon roll baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked oatmeal for up to 3 months. After it cools, slice it into individual servings and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, microwave for 30-60 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds or bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply bake it. The cinnamon swirl can also be added ahead of time.
2. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats give the best texture for baked oatmeal, but if you only have quick oats, you can use them. Just be aware the texture may be a little softer.
3. Can I make this oatmeal without eggs?
Yes! To make it egg-free, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or chia eggs.
4. How do I prevent the oatmeal from being too dry?
Be sure to use enough liquid and let the oatmeal bake until it is just set, not dry. You can always add a little extra milk if needed for a creamier consistency.
5. Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra maple syrup will complement the cinnamon roll flavor perfectly.
6. Can I make this oatmeal without the glaze?
Yes, the glaze is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness and a classic cinnamon roll touch. You can skip it if you prefer a lighter version.
7. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey, agave, or coconut sugar in place of maple syrup. Just adjust the quantity to your preference.
8. Can I freeze the cinnamon roll baked oatmeal?
Yes! This baked oatmeal freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to slice it and wrap each serving individually for easy reheating.
9. Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or another sugar-free sweetener in place of the maple syrup and brown sugar.
10. How do I know when the oatmeal is done baking?
The oatmeal is done when the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check; it should come out clean when fully baked.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a healthier, more filling form. With a comforting cinnamon swirl and a light, baked oatmeal base, it’s the ultimate breakfast treat. This recipe is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping ahead of time. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or as a quick breakfast on a busy morning, this cinnamon roll oatmeal will surely become a family favorite!
PrintCinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with hearty oats in a nutritious, easy-to-make breakfast. With a cinnamon swirl and optional glaze, it’s a satisfying and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of a cinnamon roll in oatmeal form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
- For the glaze (optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter (or coconut oil) until everything is mixed into a paste-like consistency. Set aside.
- Prepare the oatmeal mixture: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir to combine. Add the milk, eggs, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Assemble the oatmeal: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Add the cinnamon swirl: Spoon the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the oatmeal in several spots. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the oatmeal, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal has set. You can test the center with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Make the glaze (optional): While the oatmeal is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the baked oatmeal once it’s done baking and has cooled slightly.
- Serve: Let the baked oatmeal cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. Serve warm, optionally with fresh fruit, extra syrup, or more nuts on top.
Notes
- Perfect for meal prep! You can make this oatmeal ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast all week.
- Customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips, raisins, or even a banana for extra flavor.
- The glaze is optional but adds an extra touch of sweetness to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
