This warm and cozy cinnamon roll baked oatmeal is a true breakfast treat! It’s packed with oats, sweet cinnamon, and a touch of icing to make your mornings feel special.
Honestly, who doesn’t love the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen? I like to top it with extra icing for a little extra sweetness. It’s like having dessert for breakfast! 🍩
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture! Quick oats can work but make sure to adjust cooking time. I love the hearty chew of rolled oats in this dish.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. If you’re out, try coconut sugar or a sugar substitute compatible with baking. Dark brown sugar will give a richer flavor.
Cinnamon: This is the star spice! If you want to mix it up a bit, you could try pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice for a different twist.
Milk: Any type works, so feel free to use almond, oat, or coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free option! Full-fat milk gives a creamier texture, which I really enjoy.
Greek Yogurt/Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and protein. If you prefer, you can swap it for applesauce for a lighter version or omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
How Do You Get a Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The key to a nice swirl lies in the layering! Here’s how to achieve that lovely cinnamon swirl:
- Make sure your cinnamon mixture is thick—this helps it stay in place when layered.
- Spread half of the oatmeal mixture in your baking dish first, then drizzle half of the cinnamon mix on top. Use a knife to gently swirl, but don’t overdo it! You want distinct swirls.
- Repeat with the remaining mixtures, layering the rest of the oatmeal and then topping with the remaining cinnamon mixture. Gently swirl again.
These steps will create beautiful layers throughout the oatmeal and give you that fantastic taste of cinnamon rolls with each bite! Enjoy your delightful breakfast!
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal:
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups milk (any kind, dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Maple syrup, for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cinnamon roll baked oatmeal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll have about 55-60 minutes in total before you can enjoy this warm, comforting breakfast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round baking dish or any similar oven-safe dish and grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract. If you’re using Greek yogurt or sour cream, add that in too and mix until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until fully combined. It should be a really nice, thick mixture!
5. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon swirl mixture. Make sure it’s well blended for a sweet, gooey addition!
6. Layer the Oatmeal:
Pour half of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Then, drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl this together—don’t overdo it, just a lovely swirl will do!
7. Finish the Layers:
Add the remaining oatmeal mixture on top, then drizzle with the rest of the cinnamon mixture. Again, swirl it gently for that delicious cinnamon roll effect!
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While the oatmeal bakes, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then drizzle the glaze over the top. If you want, add a splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
11. Dig In!
Enjoy this warm cinnamon roll baked oatmeal as a fantastic breakfast or brunch that tastes just like a treat!
This delightful recipe brings together all the flavors of a cinnamon roll with the heartiness of oats. Perfect for an early morning or a cozy brunch with loved ones!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind that they may result in a softer texture. If you prefer the chewiness of old-fashioned rolled oats, stick with those for the best outcome!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the oatmeal and assemble it, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Oatmeal?
This baked oatmeal is delicious on its own, but I highly recommend drizzling it with maple syrup and some extra glaze to kick it up a notch! Fresh berries or sliced bananas make great toppings too.
