Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is made with pantry staples, topped with a slightly crunchy cinnamon swirl and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. It has all the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll in an easy baked oatmeal that’s perfect for weekend brunch or weekday meal prep.
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Almost Like Cake For Breakfast
This Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is inspired by the flavors of a cinnamon roll, complete with a crunchy cinnamon topping and sweet vanilla glaze.
While it’s more indulgent than our everyday baked oatmeal, it’s perfect for a special breakfast, weekend brunch, or even a lighter dessert.
If you’re looking for something more wholesome, try my Blueberry Baked Oats or Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal instead.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes like a cinnamon roll: The slightly crunchy cinnamon topping and sweet vanilla glaze make it feel like a special breakfast.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you most likely already have on hand.
- Great for meal prep: Store individually wrapped servings for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- The Baked Oats: The oatmeal is made with quick oats, milk, eggs, applesauce, brown sugar, vanilla, and baking powder. I like using quick oats because they create a softer, more cake-like texture, but old-fashioned oats work well too.
- The Cinnamon Topping: Made with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, this topping bakes into a slightly crunchy layer just like a cinnamon roll filling.
- The Vanilla Glaze: A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla is drizzled over the baked oatmeal for the perfect cinnamon roll finish.
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
What Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Looks Like at Each Step
Here’s a quick overview of the process. For complete instructions, scroll to (or jump to) the recipe card.
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The blended oat mixture spread evenly in the baking dish.
Drizzle the cinnamon topping over the oat mixture before baking.
The baked oatmeal with its lightly crunchy cinnamon topping.
Let cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle with the vanilla glaze.
Tips for Making the Best Baked Oatmeal
- Don’t overbake. The center should be set but still soft. Bake until the edges begin to turn light golden brown.
- Quick oats create the softest, most cake-like texture, though old-fashioned oats work well too.
- Let the baked oatmeal cool for about 10 minutes before adding the vanilla glaze.
- If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, add a little more milk until it reaches a drizzle consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These baked oats are delicious served warm just as they are, or alongside fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries.
Top each serving with chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.
If you prefer a creamier bowl of oatmeal, pour a splash of your favorite milk over the top before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat straight from frozen.
- Reheat: Microwave individual servings in 30-second intervals until heated through.
More Baked Oatmeal Recipes
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Cinnamon Roll Baked Oats Recipe
Ingredients
For the baked oat base:
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- nonstick cooking spray
For the cinnamon topping:
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
For the vanilla glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 2 teaspoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Set the oven to 350°F and spray an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.nonstick cooking spray
- Make the oat base: In a large bowl, combine the oats, milk, eggs, sugar, applesauce, baking powder, and vanilla.3 cups quick oats, 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.¼ cup softened butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- Top: Transfer the cinnamon mixture to a zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and pipe it over the oat mixture (see the photos above for reference).
- Bake: Spread evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 33-37 minutes or until the middle is set and the edges begin to brown.
- Cool: Let sit for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla.1 tablespoon softened butter, 2 teaspoons milk, ¼ teaspoon vanilla, ¾ cup powdered sugar
- Glaze: Transfer the vanilla glaze to a zip-top bag, snip off one corner, and drizzle it over the slightly cooled baked oatmeal. You can also drizzle it with a spoon.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.