Save to Pinterest My roommate used to bring home bakery cinnamon rolls every Sunday, and I'd watch her devour one while I ate my plain oatmeal. One morning I got tired of the envy and decided to combine the two worlds. I stirred cinnamon and vanilla into my oats, dolloped some cream cheese on top, and suddenly breakfast felt like dessert. Now I make a batch every week and skip the bakery line entirely.
I started bringing these to work in mason jars, and my coworker asked if I was eating frosting for breakfast. When I told her the nutrition stats, she didn't believe me until I showed her the recipe. Now she texts me every Monday asking if I made a batch she can steal.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They soften perfectly overnight and hold their texture better than quick oats, which turn mushy.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the base light and creamy without adding extra calories, but any milk works if you prefer dairy.
- Plain Greek yogurt: This is where most of the protein comes from, and it adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla protein powder: Boosts the protein even more and makes the oats taste like cake batter if you use a good brand.
- Chia seeds: They thicken the oats as they soak and add a little extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just enough sweetness to mimic a cinnamon roll without going overboard.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, warm and cozy and unmistakably cinnamon roll.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and makes everything smell like a bakery.
- Pinch of salt: Brings out all the flavors and keeps the oats from tasting flat.
- Light cream cheese, softened: The base of the drizzle, creamy and tangy just like real frosting.
- Greek yogurt (for drizzle): Thins out the cream cheese and adds a little more protein.
- Maple syrup or honey (for drizzle): Sweetens the drizzle just enough to feel like icing.
- Vanilla extract (for drizzle): A few drops make the drizzle taste bakery-level good.
- Milk (for drizzle consistency): Add a teaspoon at a time until it's pourable but not runny.
Instructions
- Mix the oat base:
- In a medium bowl, stir together oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is evenly combined. The mixture will look thick at first, but it will loosen as the oats soak.
- Divide and chill:
- Spoon the mixture evenly into two jars or airtight containers, then cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. The oats will soften and the chia seeds will work their magic to thicken everything.
- Make the cream cheese drizzle:
- In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk one teaspoon at a time until the drizzle is smooth and pourable, like icing.
- Serve and top:
- Give the oats a good stir before serving, then drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon if you want it to look as good as it tastes.
Save to Pinterest The first time I brought these to a brunch potluck, someone asked for the recipe before they even finished their jar. I realized then that this wasn't just meal prep, it was the kind of breakfast people get excited about.
How to Make It Vegan
Swap the Greek yogurt for a thick coconut or almond yogurt and use dairy-free cream cheese in the drizzle. I've done this for my vegan friends and they couldn't tell the difference, especially with the cinnamon and vanilla doing most of the flavor work.
Storage and Meal Prep
These oats keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, so I usually double the batch on Sunday and have breakfast sorted through Thursday. Keep the drizzle in a separate container and add it right before eating so it stays fresh and doesn't water down the oats.
Topping Ideas
I love adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, and sometimes I toss in a few raisins to make it taste even more like a cinnamon roll. If you want it extra indulgent, a tiny sprinkle of brown sugar on top makes it feel like a real treat.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy sweetness.
- A pinch of brown sugar or extra cinnamon for bakery vibes.
Save to Pinterest This recipe turned my mornings from rushed to something I actually look forward to. I hope it does the same for you.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare these oats more than one night in advance?
Yes, these overnight oats stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Prepare the drizzle separately and add it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → What type of protein powder works best?
Vanilla protein powder complements the cinnamon roll flavors perfectly, but unflavored or cinnamon-flavored varieties also work well. Both whey and plant-based proteins are suitable options.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the drizzle. Ensure your protein powder is also plant-based for a completely vegan version.
- → Why are my overnight oats too thick or too thin?
Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or an extra tablespoon of oats or chia seeds if too thin. The texture will also depend on your protein powder brand and oat type.
- → Can I heat these oats instead of eating them cold?
Absolutely! Microwave for 60-90 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add the cream cheese drizzle after heating. You may need to thin the mixture slightly with additional milk after warming.
- → What toppings pair well with these oats?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch, while raisins provide classic cinnamon roll authenticity. Fresh apple chunks, a sprinkle of brown sugar, or additional cinnamon also enhance the flavor profile beautifully.