This Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is a cozy breakfast that tastes just like dessert! It’s filled with warm spices, sweet cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup, making mornings feel special.
Who knew oatmeal could be so fun? I love digging in and getting a mix of chewy oats and gooey cinnamon swirls. It’s the perfect way to start the day with a smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape and create a chewy texture. If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use quick oats, but keep in mind they will result in a softer texture.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness and flavor, but if you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, try using mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce instead. Both add sweetness with added nutrition!
Milk: You can use any milk you prefer, such as almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Full-fat coconut milk also works well for a richer taste.
Ground Cinnamon: This is key for giving that cinnamon roll flavor. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of pumpkin spice for a twist!
How Do You Get the Best Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl is what makes this oatmeal taste like a cinnamon roll. To get it just right, blend your brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl until smooth. Make sure to spread it evenly over the first layer of oats before topping it with the remaining mixture. Don’t be shy with swirling it through the oatmeal!
- Use the back of a spoon to create swirls gently without mixing too much.
- Don’t be afraid to make generous swirls—this is where all the delicious cinnamon flavor lives!
What’s the Best Way to Drizzle Icing?
To achieve a beautiful drizzle with your icing, start with a thicker consistency then adjust with a little milk until it’s pourable. Using a spoon or a small bag with a corner snipped off makes it easy to create decorative patterns across your baked oatmeal.
- Drizzle in a spiral pattern for that classic cinnamon roll look.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of icing based on how sweet you want it!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Oatmeal:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
For The Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For The Icing/Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal will take about 15 minutes for prep and around 35-40 minutes for baking. So overall, you can enjoy this delightful dish in about 1 hour or less. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your baked oatmeal will cook evenly and come out deliciously golden!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed—this will be the base of your oatmeal.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and melted butter (or coconut oil). This mixture adds moisture and flavor to your oatmeal.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until just combined—be careful not to over-mix!
5. Layer the Oat Mixture:
Spread half of the oat mixture evenly in your greased baking dish. This forms the first layer of deliciousness.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. This will create a sweet swirl. Sprinkle it evenly over the first layer of oats.
7. Add Remaining Oats:
Gently layer the rest of the oat mixture over the cinnamon swirl, making sure to cover it completely.
8. Create the Swirl Effect:
Using the back of a spoon, gently create a spiral pattern on the surface of the oatmeal to mix some of the cinnamon filling into the oats below. Think of this as creating the swirls on a cinnamon roll!
9. Bake:
Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the top to be golden and the center to be firm.
10. Prepare the Icing:
While the oatmeal is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until you have a smooth glaze. Set aside until ready to use.
11. Drizzle Icing:
Once your oatmeal is baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top in a beautiful spiral pattern.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice into squares or scoop out portions and serve warm. Enjoy the delightful flavors of cinnamon rolls in this cozy baked oatmeal dish!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
While you can use instant oats, the texture will be softer and more mushy. Old-fashioned rolled oats are recommended as they provide a nice chewy texture that holds up during baking!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can easily make this Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and using plant-based milk. Coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a warm oven until heated through.
How Can I Customize the Flavor?
Feel free to add mix-ins like chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the oat mixture before baking. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a different twist on the cinnamon flavor!
