This Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal is a perfect recipe to meal-prep for the week. Turn your boring oatmeal into something that tastes like dessert but is still nourishing! It’s such an easy, healthy, and delicious breakfast that will leave you feeling happy and full for hours.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: MEAL-PREP = SELF-CARE. One of my favorite things to do on a Sunday is meal prep breakfast and snacks for the week ahead. My meal-prep recipes always have to tick a few boxes: quick and easy to make; well-balanced proteins, fats, and carbs, and it has to be delicious! I get bonus points if it also tastes like dessert – which these cinnamon roll baked oats do.
I love oats in any shape and form – they’re just so versatile – whether it’s Healthy Chocolate Cake, Oat Flour Cookies, or Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats: the possibilities feel endless. Baked Oatmeal has taken the internet by storm over the past few years and I’m ashamed to say that this is the first Baked Oatmeal recipe I’ve shared! Better late than never I guess…
This baked cinnamon roll oatmeal is incredibly easy to put together; it’s essentially the ingredients you would use to make porridge with but baked. The baked oatmeal is infused with cinnamon and topped off with a healthy yogurt, cream cheese frosting to add to the cinnamon roll effect. It’s then finished off with a dusting of cinnamon to add a cinnamon-punch.
I hope you love this recipe and that it becomes a new meal-prep staple for you! Let’s get into it.
Why you’ll love this Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
- It’s made with simple, nourishing ingredients.
- It tastes like cinnamon rolls!
- It’s very easy to make.
- A fantastic meal-prep breakfast option.
- It’s gluten-free (be sure to use gluten-free oats if necessary), nut-free, refined sugar-free, and egg-free.
- Can easily be made dairy-free and vegan.
- This baked oatmeal is made without banana.
- It’s high in protein – over 20g per portion.
- It’s good for your soul and your body!
Ingredients needed
I’ve listed the eight ingredients below, as well as some substitutions just below this section. To see the measurements and the full recipe, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page!
Rolled Oats: I recommend using either old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats. The oats will provide you with a good dose of fiber and protein to keep you full and satisfied for hours.
Protein Powder: For extra sweetness, flavor, and of course an extra dose of protein.
Baking Powder: Helps add a slight fluffiness to the baked oatmeal.
Salt: To bring out the flavors and sweetness of the cinnamon roll baked oatmeal.
Milk: This helps to bring the oatmeal to the correct consistency without needing to use bananas or any other funny ingredients. Of course, it also adds extra protein too!
Cream Cheese: Forms part of the healthy cream cheese frosting on top of the baked oatmeal. It also provides some healthy fats and protein. I like to use cream cheese that is made with 100% milk and no added preservatives, flavors, or gums. You can use Full-fat cream cheese or low-fat, depending on your macro goals.
Yogurt: I love adding yogurt to my cream cheese frosting as it adds volume, creaminess, and goodness. You will need to use a thick yogurt like Greek yogurt or a thick plain yogurt. Try to use one that is made with just milk and no extra additives, gums, or sweeteners. My favorite is Greek yogurt because it’s high in protein and probiotics.
Liquid Sweetener: Instead of powdered sugar, which is typically used in cream cheese frosting, this recipe calls for a liquid sweetener like maple syrup, agave, or honey. These are refined sugar-free and better for you than processed sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and helps to cut through the protein powder flavor.
Cinnamon: Not only does cinnamon add a deliciously comforting flavor reminiscent of cinnamon rolls cinnamon is also fantastic for inflammation and it’s a wonderful antioxidant.
Substitutions
Protein Powder: I use Vanilla Whey Protein, but you can use plant-based protein to make vegan cinnamon roll baked oatmeal. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to skip the protein powder altogether, you can use blended oats (or oat flour) or some all-purpose flour.
Milk: You can use cow’s milk or a dairy-free milk alternative to make this dairy-free or vegan.
Cream Cheese: You can use smooth cottage cheese instead or a dairy-free alternative to make vegan baked oats.
Yogurt: I use double cream plain yogurt or Greek yogurt; essentially, you want to use the thickest yogurt you can find so that your frosting is thick and creamy. You can use a dairy-free alternative like coconut, soya, or almond yogurt for a dairy-free or vegan version.
Equipment needed
8-inch Square Baking Dish
Digital Food Scale (for accurate measurements)
Mixing Bowl (to make the crust mixture and the filling)
Spatula and Fork
How to make cinnamon roll oatmeal bake
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this cinnamon roll baked oatmeal; I’ve also included some photos, and you can watch the recipe video here. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Preheat the oven and prepare your baking dish by either greasing it with butter or lining it with some parchment paper.
Add all the baked oatmeal ingredients to a bowl and mix with a spatula until combined.
Transfer the oatmeal mixture into the baking dish, flatten the top, and then bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden.
Make the healthy cream cheese frosting by combining the cream cheese, yogurt, and liquid sweetener.
Spread the cream cheese frosting onto the slightly cooled baked oatmeal.
Dust with a generous layer of cinnamon.
tips for making the best baked cinnamon roll oatmeal
- Choose the right Oats: Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats or quick oats for the best texture. They’ll give your baked oatmeal that perfect consistency we’re aiming for.
- Measure Accurately: Get your hands on a digital food scale for precise measurements. It ensures the ingredients are balanced just right, giving you the tastiest outcome.
- Thick Yogurt is Key: When it comes to the cream cheese frosting, thick yogurt is the key. Think Greek yogurt or a thick plain yogurt for that creamy, dreamy frosting.
- Spice Things Up: While cinnamon is the star, don’t hesitate to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cloves for a flavor adventure.
- Grease the Dish: Prevent any sticking mishaps by greasing your baking dish with butter or lining it with parchment paper beforehand.
- Cool First, Frost Later: Let your baked oatmeal cool a bit before adding the frosting. This helps the frosting stay put and gives it that smooth finish.
- Make it Yours: Don’t be afraid to put your spin on things! Adjust sweetness levels to your liking or swap out ingredients to fit your dietary needs and taste buds.
How to properly store baked oatmeal
Refrigeration: Store any leftover baked oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from drying out. These Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats will last 5-7 days when stored properly.
Cool Before Storing: Allow the baked oatmeal to cool completely before transferring it to the refrigerator. Placing warm food in the fridge can create condensation, which can make the oatmeal soggy.
Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze portions of the baked oatmeal. Place in a freezer-safe container in a single layer and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To thaw frozen baked oatmeal, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal throughout the week with ease and maintain its deliciousness for as long as possible!
FAQ
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan-friendly?
To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or coconut milk, and opt for a plant-based protein powder instead of whey protein. Replace Greek yogurt with non-dairy yogurt alternatives like coconut yogurt or almond yogurt, and use a vegan cream cheese alternative for the frosting. These swaps ensure that the Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal is entirely plant-based while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
Can I heat this baked oatmeal before serving?
Yes you can, however, I would recommend not adding the frosting on top and instead storing it separately. Then you can reheat individual portions of the baked oatmeal and add some cold frosting on top. Yum.
Is this Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal gluten-free?
Technically yes, however if making this recipe for a person with coeliac disease I would recommend making sure that you use gluten-free certified oats. Also check the labeling of the rest of the ingredients like the protein powder and cream cheese etc.
more easy and healthy meal-prep breakfast recipes
- Easy and Healthy Plum and Honey Breakfast Cake
- Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats
- 3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Muffins (easy & healthy recipe)
- Healthy Chocolate Cake
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
Equipment
- Fork or Whisk
Ingredients
- 240 g Oats (2 ½ cups)
- 80 g Vanilla Protein Powder or blended oats (½ cup)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
- 500 ml Milk (2 cups)
- 40 g Maple Syrup (2 tbsp)
For the frosting (optional)
- 120 g Cream Cheese (½ cup)
- 120 g Thick Yogurt (½ cup)
- 20 g Maple Syrup 1 tbsp
- 2 tbsp Ground Cinnamon for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180℃/350℉/160℃ fan and grease a 7" square baking dish.
- Add all the oatmeal ingredients to a bowl and mix with a spatula to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine the frosting ingredients with a fork.
- Once baked, leave to cool slightly then spread the frosting on top.
- Dust a generous layer of cinnamon on top.
Let me know if you make this Baked Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal!
This was great! Easy to put together and everybody liked it. Cake for breakfast – so fun.