If you have a soft spot for cozy mornings and crave that sweet, comforting feeling without any guilt, the Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe is going to steal your heart. This delightful dish combines the warm, nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the wholesome goodness of oats and Greek yogurt, delivering a high-protein breakfast that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Every bite is bursting with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a superb way to start your day or even enjoy as a wholesome snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the ripe bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture, to the rolled oats providing the hearty base, and the Greek yogurt lending creaminess and protein.
- 2 ripe bananas (about 7.5 oz / 225 g): They add natural sweetness and keep the oatmeal wonderfully moist.
- 1 cup (100 g) rolled oats: The backbone of this baked oatmeal, delivering a satisfying chewy texture.
- ½ cup (50 g) protein powder or oat flour: Enhances the texture and gives a healthy protein boost.
- ⅓ cup (80 g) Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- 2 to 4 tbsp maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the bake naturally—adjust based on your preference.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings that classic cinnamon roll warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the oatmeal with a lovely aromatic sweetness.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
For the healthy vanilla glaze:
- ⅙ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt: Creates a light, creamy frosting feel with added protein.
- 1 to 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the glaze to your liking.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the glaze with those classic vanilla notes.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 7 x 7 inch (15 x 15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper. This ensures the oatmeal bakes evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the maple syrup or honey, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more if you prefer it sweeter. Mixing these ingredients first helps to blend the flavors well before adding the dry components.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, fold in the rolled oats and protein powder or oat flour. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and holds together nicely. This blend forms the hearty base that will bake into a soft, pudding-like texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped walnuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking. Place it in the hot oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center has set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with only slight moist crumbs. Let it cool to room temperature before slicing, so the texture sets up beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare the Healthy Vanilla Glaze
While the oatmeal cools, whisk together Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This glaze is like the cherry on top, giving the baked oats that signature cinnamon roll finish with a light, tangy sweetness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe has cooled slightly, drizzle the healthy vanilla glaze generously over each slice. Serve warm for the best experience—just like having a cinnamon roll for breakfast, but packed with wholesome goodness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Give your baked oatmeal a little extra flair with toppings like a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder to enhance those cozy flavors. Fresh berries or a few sliced bananas on top also brighten the presentation while adding natural sweetness and freshness.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit salad, a dollop of nut butter, or even a hard-boiled egg for extra protein. If you’re in the mood for a warm beverage, a cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee complements the cinnamon and vanilla notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun breakfast treat, cut the baked oatmeal into smaller bars, wrap them individually, and pack them as on-the-go snacks. You can also serve mini portions with a swirl of yogurt and a drizzle of honey in cute ramekins for a charming brunch presentation. No matter how you present it, this recipe is sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of the Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better as the flavors develop. Just be sure to cover the leftovers with the vanilla glaze separately to maintain its fresh texture.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe in advance, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen baked oatmeal will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, ready-to-go breakfast.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30-60 seconds until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven on low heat to maintain the baked texture. Add the vanilla glaze fresh after reheating for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use dairy-free yogurt in this recipe?
Absolutely! The Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe works beautifully with dairy-free yogurts like coconut or almond-based options, making it perfect for those avoiding dairy while keeping the texture creamy.
Is protein powder necessary?
Protein powder adds an extra nutritional boost and helps with texture, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute it with extra oat flour or finely ground oats without compromising the taste.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, raisins, or even dark chocolate chips make wonderful additions. Just fold them in with the dry ingredients before baking for added flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to sweeten the baked oatmeal?
Maple syrup and honey are both excellent natural sweeteners for this recipe. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste, and for a lower sugar version, reduce the syrup or try using mashed ripe bananas alone.
Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free protein powder or oat flour. This will keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining all the delicious flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something special about waking up to the warm, sweet aromas of the Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe filling your kitchen. It’s a comforting, nutrient-packed breakfast that never feels like a compromise between health and indulgence. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a lazy weekend, this recipe is worth making again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new favorite way to start the day.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is a high-protein, wholesome breakfast treat that tastes like dessert. Made with ripe bananas, Greek yogurt, rolled oats, and protein powder, it delivers a soft and sweet texture infused with cinnamon and vanilla. Topped with a light vanilla glaze, this baked oatmeal is perfect warm and makes a nutritious way to start your day with a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, about 7.5 oz (225 g) in total
- 1 cup (100 g) rolled oats
- ½ cup (50 g) protein powder, or oat flour
- ⅓ cup (80 g) Greek yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt
- 2 to 4 tbsp maple syrup, or honey, to taste
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Healthy Vanilla Glaze
- ⅙ cup (60 g) Greek yogurt
- 1 to 2 tbsp maple syrup, or honey, to taste
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 7 x 7 inch (15 x 15 cm) brownie pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then mix thoroughly. Sweeten the mixture by stirring in 2 to 4 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey according to your taste preference.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats and protein powder (or oat flour) to the wet mixture. Stir well until fully combined and the mixture forms a thick batter. Optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or raisins can be added at this stage if desired.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour and evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake on the middle oven rack for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the baked oatmeal has set in the center and looks slightly golden on the edges.
- Prepare the Vanilla Glaze: While the baked oatmeal cools, combine Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and adjust sweetness to your liking.
- Serve: Once the baked oatmeal is cooled to a safe temperature, slice into pieces, drizzle with the healthy vanilla glaze, and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Protein powder can be substituted with oat flour for a less protein-intensive version.
- Adjust sweetness in both batter and glaze according to personal preference.
- Ensure to line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruits can boost texture and flavor.
