Imagine waking up to the decadent taste of a warm, gooey cinnamon roll, but in a healthy, grab-and-go breakfast form. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats recipe. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings, combining the comforting flavors of your favorite sweet treat with the wholesome goodness of oats. This recipe is designed to be incredibly easy, saving you time and effort without sacrificing a single drop of flavor.
We’re talking thick, creamy oats infused with cinnamon and a hint of maple, swirled with a luscious, tangy cream cheese topping. It’s a breakfast that feels like a dessert but is packed with fiber and protein to keep you full and energized all morning long. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
This isn’t just another overnight oats recipe; it’s a game-changer for your morning meal prep. Here’s why it will become your new go-to breakfast.
- Tastes Like a Treat: It genuinely captures the essence of a cinnamon roll, from the sweet cinnamon spice to the tangy cream cheese frosting flavor.
- Incredibly Easy Meal Prep: Spend just 10 minutes prepping a few jars at night and wake up to a delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast for days.
- Healthy & Filling: Packed with fiber from oats and chia seeds, plus a protein boost from Greek yogurt, this breakfast will keep you satisfied until lunch.
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: We use a specific combination of ingredients to ensure the creamiest, most luscious texture imaginable—no more watery oats!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. The magic is in how they come together to replicate that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
For the Oats
- Rolled Oats: For the best texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats. They absorb the liquid perfectly without turning mushy.
- Milk: Any milk works! Dairy or plant-based options like almond, soy, or oat milk are all great choices.
- Greek Yogurt: This is our secret weapon for an ultra-creamy texture and a boost of protein. Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Chia Seeds: These little powerhouses help thicken the oats and add healthy fats and fiber.
- Maple Syrup: For a natural, warm sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show! Don’t be shy with it; it’s essential for that authentic flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing. You can use full-fat for extra richness or a lighter version if you prefer.
- Maple Syrup: Just a touch to sweeten the swirl.
- Milk: To thin the cream cheese into a perfect, swirl-able consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats (Step-by-Step)
Making these overnight oats is as simple as mix, chill, and enjoy. Follow these simple steps for a perfect jar every time.
- Combine Oat Ingredients: In a medium bowl or a large jar, add the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
- Chill the Oats: Cover the bowl or seal the jar and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid and soften into a creamy pudding-like consistency.
- Prepare the Swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, maple syrup, and a splash of milk. Continue adding milk, a little at a time, until you reach a smooth, slightly runny consistency that’s easy to drizzle.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the oats have set, give them a good stir. Spoon the oats into your serving jar or bowl. Top with a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture and gently swirl it in with a spoon. For a final touch, sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon.
The Secret to the Creamiest Texture
The key to avoiding runny or overly dense overnight oats is the ratio of liquid to oats and the inclusion of two key ingredients: Greek yogurt and chia seeds. The yogurt provides a thick, creamy base right from the start, while the chia seeds absorb excess liquid and transform it into a gel, creating that perfect, spoonable texture. For those who love breakfast, you might also enjoy this Healthy Yogurt Granola Bowl recipe.
Meal Prep and Storage
These Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats are a meal prepper’s dream. You can easily prepare a batch for the entire week.
- To Store: Portion the oat mixture into individual airtight containers or jars. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serving Tip: For the best results, store the cream cheese swirl separately in a small container. Add it to the oats just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor. If you’re a fan of make-ahead breakfasts, check out these Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches (coming soon).
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat), a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt, and a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Add a Crunch: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts before serving for a delightful textural contrast.
- Increase the Protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or cinnamon-flavored protein powder with the dry ingredients. You may need to add an extra splash of milk.
- Different Sweeteners: You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit. If you enjoy the classic dessert, why not try making our from-scratch Cinnamon Rolls Recipe on the weekend?
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to use old-fashioned rolled oats for the ideal creamy texture. Steel-cut oats won’t soften enough overnight, and quick oats can become too mushy.
Absolutely. While they are delicious cold, you can warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer a hot breakfast. It’s best to warm them before adding the cream cheese swirl.
Easily! Simply substitute the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt, and choose a vegan cream cheese.
When stored in an airtight container, your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for weekly meal prep.
Yes, if you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt, though the texture might be slightly less thick. For a dairy-free option, mashed banana or dairy-free yogurt also works well to add creaminess.
Your New Favorite Healthy Breakfast Awaits
This Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats recipe is the perfect blend of convenience, health, and pure indulgence. It’s a breakfast you’ll look forward to eating and feel great about all day. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats (The Best Easy Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl or jar, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, 1 tbsp maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well-mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the oats are soft and have absorbed the liquid.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp of milk. Add more milk as needed to reach a smooth, drizzly consistency.
- Stir the chilled oats, then top with the cream cheese mixture. Swirl it in gently with a spoon and add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Notes
Oats will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
