Save to Pinterest I started making these oats on Sunday nights after realizing my mornings were too chaotic for anything that required actual cooking. The first batch sat in a mason jar on the top shelf, and when I pulled it out Monday morning, still half asleep, the cinnamon smell hit me before I even twisted the lid off. It tasted like dessert but somehow left me full until lunch. I've been hooked ever since.
I made a double batch the week my sister visited, and she kept sneaking spoonfuls from my jar when she thought I wasn't looking. By Wednesday, I had to portion hers into a separate container and label it. She admitted later she'd never thought overnight oats could taste like anything other than cold mush, but the cinnamon and that drizzle completely changed her mind.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: They soften perfectly overnight without turning to paste, and they hold their texture better than quick oats.
- Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps it light and creamy without adding sugar, though any milk you have on hand works just as well.
- Greek yogurt: This is where most of the protein and thickness come from, so don't skip it or swap it for regular yogurt.
- Vanilla protein powder: Boosts the protein without making it taste chalky if you use a decent brand.
- Chia seeds: Optional, but they thicken everything up and add a little extra staying power.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, it's what makes this taste like a cinnamon roll instead of plain oats.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just enough sweetness to balance the tang from the yogurt.
- Pure vanilla extract: A little goes a long way in rounding out the flavor.
- Light cream cheese: Softened so it blends easily into the drizzle without lumps.
- Milk for thinning: Helps the drizzle reach that pourable consistency you want on top.
Instructions
- Mix the base:
- In a medium bowl or sealable jar, combine oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds if using, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and no dry pockets of oats remain.
- Chill overnight:
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and become thick and creamy.
- Make the drizzle:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, Greek yogurt, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk a teaspoon at a time if it's too thick to drizzle.
- Serve:
- Give the oats a good stir, then divide into two bowls or jars. Drizzle the cream cheese mixture generously over the top and sprinkle with extra cinnamon if you like.
Save to Pinterest One morning I was running late and ate mine in the car, drizzle and all, and it somehow didn't spill. That's when I realized this wasn't just convenient, it was actually foolproof. It's become my go-to on weeks when I know I'll be rushing out the door before sunrise.
Customizing Your Oats
I've tried this with diced apples stirred in before chilling, and it added a nice fruity sweetness that reminded me of apple cinnamon oatmeal. Raisins work too if you like them plump and soft. Sometimes I skip the drizzle entirely and just swirl in a spoonful of almond butter, which makes it taste more like a protein bar in a jar.
Make-Ahead Tips
I usually prep three or four jars on Sunday and line them up in the fridge. They keep well for up to four days, though the texture is best within the first two. If you're making a big batch, mix the drizzle fresh each morning instead of storing it on top, it stays smoother that way.
Toppings and Add-Ins
Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and make it feel more like an actual cinnamon roll. I've also sprinkled a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top, which sounds weird but really brings out the sweetness. A few chocolate chips won't hurt if you're in the mood for something a little more dessert-like.
- Try a spoonful of pumpkin puree and a pinch of nutmeg in the fall.
- Swap almond milk for oat milk if you want it creamier.
- Use sugar-free syrup if you're keeping the carbs lower.
Save to Pinterest These oats turned my mornings from stressful to something I actually look forward to. I hope they do the same for you.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare these oats more than one day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these overnight oats up to 3-4 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cream cheese drizzle is best made fresh or stored separately and added just before serving for optimal texture.
- → What type of protein powder works best?
Vanilla protein powder works wonderfully, but you can use unflavored or cinnamon-flavored varieties. Whey, casein, or plant-based proteins all work well. Adjust sweetness accordingly as some protein powders are sweeter than others.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or another plant-based alternative, use dairy-free cream cheese for the drizzle, and ensure your milk choice is non-dairy. The texture and protein content will vary slightly depending on your substitutions.
- → Do I need to use chia seeds?
Chia seeds are optional but recommended. They help thicken the oats and add extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. If you omit them, your oats will still be creamy but slightly less thick.
- → Can I eat these oats warm instead of cold?
Yes, you can gently warm the oats in the microwave for 30-60 seconds before serving. Add the cream cheese drizzle after warming. The texture will be softer and more porridge-like when heated.
- → How can I increase the protein content even more?
Add an extra scoop of protein powder, use higher-protein Greek yogurt (such as Icelandic skyr), mix in a tablespoon of nut butter, or top with nuts and seeds. Each of these additions will boost the protein while adding complementary flavors.