Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Start your day with warm, cozy Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal that’s easy to make and packed with delicious cinnamon flavor. This wholesome breakfast combines the comforting spice of cinnamon with hearty oats baked to perfection, creating a dish that feels indulgent without the guilt. Whether you’re craving a quick morning meal or a satisfying brunch, this Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal delivers an irresistible blend of sweet, soft, and slightly crunchy textures that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a dish: The Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal warms you from the inside out, just like your favorite bakery treat but healthier.
- Easy preparation: With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, it’s perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
- Nutritious ingredients: Packed with oatmeal, eggs, and a touch of natural sweeteners, it fuels your day with fiber and protein.
- Customizable flavors: You can easily add nuts, fruits, or dairy-free options to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Great for meal prep: It stores well, making leftovers just as delicious for days to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal plays an important role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From creamy milk to warm spices, these basics come together effortlessly for a hearty breakfast treat.
- Rolled oats: The foundation for a chewy, wholesome texture that holds up well in baking.
- Baking powder: Gives a slight rise to keep the oatmeal light, not dense.
- Cinnamon: The star spice providing that unmistakable warm and sweet aroma.
- Nutmeg: A pinch adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory ingredients perfectly.
- Brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of molasses that complements cinnamon.
- Milk (or dairy-free alternative): Creates creaminess that blends everything smoothly.
- Eggs: Bind the oatmeal and make it pleasantly firm when baked.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the sweetness and warmth of the dish without overpowering.
- Butter (or coconut oil): Adds richness and helps bake a golden crust.
- Cinnamon sugar swirl: Made from cinnamon and sugar mixed with butter, this swirl offers the signature cinnamon roll finish.
Variations for Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
One of the best parts about this Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is how versatile it can be. Feel free to play around with ingredients or swap items to fit your taste, dietary requirements, or what you have on hand.
- Add fruits: Mix in fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped apples, or sliced bananas for extra sweetness and nutrients.
- Go dairy-free: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and substitute butter with coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version.
- Include nuts: Toss in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for crunchy texture and healthy fats.
- Spice it up: Increase cinnamon or add cardamom to intensify the warm spice flavor.
- Make it protein-packed: Stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or Greek yogurt before baking.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Preheat and prepare your pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish so the oatmeal doesn’t stick and bakes evenly with a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar. This dry base distributes the flavors evenly through the bake.
Step 3: Whisk wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your choice of milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. This wet mix ensures everything holds together and adds creamy richness.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The oats will soak up the liquid, making a thick batter ready for baking.
Step 5: Add the cinnamon sugar swirl
Mix cinnamon and sugar with a bit of softened butter to create the cinnamon swirl. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the oatmeal batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it in for that authentic cinnamon roll look and taste.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats: They hold their shape better than instant oats in baking.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar swirl: It’s what truly mimics the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: Brown sugar adds depth but try maple syrup or honey for a natural twist.
- Rest before baking: Let the batter sit for 10 minutes to allow oats to soak for a softer texture.
- Serve warm: The flavors intensify when the dish is freshly baked and slightly cooled.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
Top warm Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate its beauty and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair this oatmeal with fresh fruit slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast spread that satisfies sweet and savory cravings.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal in individual ramekins for a charming brunch or portion it into mason jars to grab on-the-go with added layers of fruit or nut butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to enjoy throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this baked oatmeal in airtight containers for up to 2 months, making it easy to thaw and enjoy quick breakfasts anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 325°F until heated through, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats tend to become mushy when baked, so rolled oats are preferred for better texture in Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats, as regular oats may contain traces of gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil to enjoy a vegan version of Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal.
How sweet is this baked oatmeal?
This recipe offers a moderate sweetness from brown sugar and the cinnamon swirl, but you can adjust the sugar amount to your preferred level.
Can I add toppings before baking?
It’s best to add fresh toppings like nuts or fruit after baking to maintain their texture, though some mix-ins like berries can be folded into the batter before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the delicious aroma and taste of Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. It’s a comforting, wholesome breakfast that feels like a treat yet fuels your day with goodness. Give this cozy recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite morning pick-me-up!
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Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Start your day with warm, cozy Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal that combines the comforting spice of cinnamon with hearty oats baked to perfection. This wholesome breakfast delivers an irresistible blend of sweet, soft, and slightly crunchy textures, offering a healthier alternative to classic cinnamon rolls while being easy to prepare and customizable to your taste and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups milk (or dairy-free alternative such as almond, oat, or coconut milk)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil)
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl
- 2 tablespoons softened butter (or coconut oil)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare your pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish so the oatmeal doesn’t stick and bakes evenly with a golden crust.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and brown sugar. This dry base distributes the flavors evenly through the bake.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your choice of milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. This wet mix ensures everything holds together and adds creamy richness.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The oats will soak up the liquid, making a thick batter ready for baking.
- Add the cinnamon sugar swirl: Mix cinnamon and sugar with a bit of softened butter to create the cinnamon swirl. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the oatmeal batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it in for that authentic cinnamon roll look and taste.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats as they hold their shape better than instant oats when baked.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar swirl—it mimics the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste: brown sugar adds depth but maple syrup or honey can be substituted.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking to allow oats to soak and create a softer texture.
- Serve warm as flavors intensify when freshly baked and slightly cooled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll baked oatmeal, baked oatmeal, cinnamon breakfast, healthy breakfast, gluten free, easy breakfast, baked oats, cozy breakfast
