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Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Cinnamon roll baked oatmeal is a simple breakfast that tastes like dessert and is so easy to make! Perfect for holiday meals, brunch or simple weekday breakfast, this delicious healthy baked cinnamon roll oatmeal is a cross between a cinnamon roll and oatmeal and so much easier to make!

Cinnamon roll baked oats in a casserole dish with yellow napkin on the side.
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Why you will love this recipe

  • So easy to make – All you need is one bowl and a spoon to make the cinnamon roll baked oatmeal. The ingredients come together in just 5 minutes then the rest of the time is spent in the oven. Even the cinnamon sugar swirl is easy to make and distribute onto the top of the baked oatmeal.
  • Simple, healthy ingredients – you likely have everything you need to make this cinnamon roll baked oats recipe in your pantry right now. These simple ingredients can all be found at a regular grocery store and are all pretty budget friendly. Check out the substitutions below if you are missing an ingredient or need a suggestion for something different.
  • Versatile – you can serve this baked cinnamon roll oatmeal for breakfast, as a snack or even as part of a brunch or holiday breakfast spread. Once cooled, you can slice the cinnamon baked oatmeal into squares, and you can take them as breakfast on the go.
  • Great for holidays or potlucks – this recipe can be made in advance and served warm, at room temperature or even cold (although it’s best warmed up). This recipe is great for almost any style of eating, it’s gluten free, dairy free, vegan and egg free.
Ingredients to make cinnamon bun baked oatmeal in white ramekins.

Ingredients

  • Dairy free milk – dairy free milk is the base of the baked oats and helps to give it a creamy texture. You can use your favorite dairy free milk – almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk (in the carton, not the can), cashew milk, flax milk. You could even use regular milk if you are not dairy free or vegan.
  • Ground flax – ground flax helps to give the baked oats structure. This baked oatmeal is egg free, so the ground flax is used to replace the eggs. The ground flax also gives the baked oats added fiber and healthy fats.
  • Maple syrup – maple syrup naturally sweetens the cinnamon roll baked oats and really gives it the perfect amount of sweetness. You could also use date syrup, honey or brown rice syrup in place of maple syrup.
  • Rolled oats (also called old fashioned oats) – rolled oats are traditionally what you think of when someone says “oatmeal”. These are oats that are steamed then pressed flat. You could also use quick oats (the texture will be slightly different) but they will work in a pinch. Be sure to use gluten free oats if you need this to be gluten free.
  • Cinnamon – cinnamon is the star of the recipe since it’s a cinnamon roll baked oatmeal. If you really love cinnamon, you could even increase the amount to 1.5 tablespoons.
  • Baking powder – baking powder helps the oats to rise slightly when baking. This isn’t 100% necessary, so if you don’t have any on hand, you can just omit it from the recipe.

Cinnamon swirl

  • Avocado oil -avocado oil is a very neutral tasting oil. You could also use melted coconut oil, melted ghee or butter.
  • Almond butter – almond butter helps give the cinnamon swirl some texture so it’s easier to pipe out into the oatmeal. You could use sunbutter or tahini to make this nut free.
  • Coconut sugar – coconut sugar is just like light brown sugar and gives the cinnamon swirl sweetness and a slight caramel flavor. You could easily use light brown sugar in place of coconut sugar.
  • Cinnamon – cinnamon gives the swirl an extra punch of cinnamon flavor.

How to make cinnamon roll baked oatmeal

Start by preheating the oven to 350F.

In a large bowl combine the dairy free milk, maple syrup and ground flax. Stir well.

White bowl filled with ground flax, dairy free milk and maple syrup.

Add the oats, cinnamon and baking powder. Stir well.

Oats, cinnamon and baking powder added to white bowl.

Spray a large casserole dish with avocado oil (or olive oil spray). Add the baked oatmeal ingredients.

Cinnamon baked oatmeal in a white casserole dish.

In the same bowl combine the cinnamon swirl ingredients: avocado oil, almond butter, coconut sugar and cinnamon. Stir well until thick.

Before and after mixing the cinnamon swirl.

Swirl this on top of the oatmeal ingredients. You can use a ziplock bag with the corner cut out, a pastry bag or just a spoon.

Cinnamon swirl added to cinnamon baked oatmeal.

Put the baked cinnamon roll oatmeal into a preheated 350F oven for 45 minutes.

Cinnamon roll baked oatmeal after baking before frosting.

Once done baking, allow the baked cinnamon roll oatmeal to cool at least 20 minutes before adding any frosting (optional).

Coconut butter drizzled on top of cinnamon roll baked oatmeal.

Top tips

  • If you need this to be gluten free, be sure to use certified gluten free oats
  • Wait to add the frosting until the oatmeal has cooled or it will melt. If you find that it was too warm when you added the frosting, you can quickly transfer the baked oatmeal to the fridge to let the frosting set.
  • To double the recipe, transfer this to a 9X13 casserole dish and add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
  • If you want a creamier consistency, serve the oats warm from the oven. As the baked cinnamon roll oatmeal cools, it sets up and is less creamy and more structured.
  • Make this into cinnamon roll oatmeal bars that travel well. Allow the cinnamon roll baked oats to cool completely then cut into equal size bars. Store in the fridge. Reheat in microwave or toaster oven.
Pouch of coconut butter on marble countertop.

Frosting cinnamon roll baked oats

Cinnamon rolls are iconic because of the creamy frosting on top. It’s a fun, special addition that really takes this cinnamon roll baked oatmeal to the next level. Here are some great frosting ideas:

  • Coconut butter (be sure it’s warm – you can leave it by the oven while the cinnamon roll baked oatmeal is baking. Coconut butter doesn’t have any added sugar or sweetness but naturally has a slight sweet flavor and it’s so creamy and soft. The perfect natural frosting.
  • Maple cashew frostingmaple cashew frosting will be more like the cream cheese frosting you are used to seeing on cinnamon buns. You can make the cashew frosting while the oatmeal is baking.
  • Maple yogurt drizzle – combine 1 tablespoons maple syrup with 1/4 cup greek style yogurt
  • Nut butter – almond butter, sunflower seed butter, cashew butter. This won’t be sweet but will add a creamy element to the cinnamon bun baked oats.
Bite removed from a slice of cinnamon roll baked oatmeal on white plate.

Other additions

  • Dried fruit: Raisins, cranberries, dates (pitted and chopped), figs (chopped)
  • Chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
  • Chopped nuts: Pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
  • Protein: hemp hearts, collagen peptides (not vegan or vegetarian), vegan protein powder (add an additional 1/3 cup of dairy free milk per serving of vegan protein powder).

How to serve baked cinnamon roll oatmeal

  • Right out of the oven with coconut butter drizzled on top
  • As a bar: Cool completely and cut into squares. Easy on the go breakfast or snack!
  • Reheated on a plate, topped with coconut butter frosting, some raisins and chopped pecans.

Common questions

What do you use to distribute the cinnamon swirl?

  • Pastry bag
  • Plastic ziplock bag with the corner cut off
  • Spoon

What size baking dish do you need to make baked oatmeal

For this recipe, you will want the equivalent of an 8X8 baking dish. If you decide you want to double the recipe, use a 9X13 baking dish and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s cooked through.

What are the best oats to use for baked oatmeal?

This baked oatmeal recipe uses whole oats, they are not blended in the blender before baking (making more of a cake type consistency). When cooled, this cinnamon roll baked oatmeal can be cut into bars and served on the go!

  • For the best consistency, I recommend using rolled oats (or old fashioned oats).
  • If you only have quick oats, you can use those as well, just note that the oats won’t have quite the same consistency.
  • I do not recommend steel cut oats. The liquid and cooking time would result in a crunchy texture and they wouldn’t set up.

Note that you will want to ensure the oats you are baking with are certified gluten free if you need this to be 100% gluten free. Many oats get cross-contaminated when processed so it’s important the bag indicates they are gluten free.

Cinnamon bun baked oatmeal cut into 8 slices.

How to tell if egg free baked oats are done baking?

Because this recipe is egg free, the cinnamon roll baked oats may look undercooked right out of the oven. The center may still look soft, but the top should be slightly browned.

The oats will continue to cook as they are cooling, and the dish will set up as it cools. If you allow the baked oats to cool completely, you can easily cut this into bars that travel well. If you serve it within the first 20-30 minutes, the consistency will be more like oats you cooked on the stove.

Can you double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles easily. Simply use a larger baking dish (9X13) and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s cooked through.

Can you make cinnamon baked oats in advance?

Yes, you can bake this cinnamon baked oatmeal in advance and reheat it right before serving. You can cut it into individual portions or reheat the entire casserole dish at once. Note: wait to add the frosting until after reheating.

  • Entire pan: Cover the pan and bake in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until fully heated through.
  • Single serving: Reheat in the microwave 1-1:30 or in the toaster oven or air fryer 350F for 3-5 minutes.

Can you freeze baked oatmeal?

Yes, baked oatmeal freezes well. You can freeze single servings or the entire pan of cooked cinnamon bun baked oatmeal.

  • Single serving: Place parchment paper between slices of baked oatmeal then store in a freezer safe bag or container. Freeze for 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight or in the microwave.
  • Entire casserole dish: Cover with plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight then reheat in the oven 350F for 15-20 minutes covered with foil or a lid.
Two slices of cinnamon roll baked oatmeal on a white plate.

Storing leftovers

  • Fridge: Store leftover cinnamon roll baked oatmeal in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge or in the microwave.

Substitutions

  • Dairy free milk – you can use any dairy free milk you have on hand. If you don’t have dairy free milk, you can blend 2.25 cups of water with 1-2 tablespoons of nut butter. This makes a quick dairy free nut milk. You can also use regular milk if you are not dairy free.
  • Ground flax – ground flax is the egg replacer in this recipe. You can also use chia seeds (I prefer to grind them up for texture). You can also use 1 egg in place of the flax if you are not vegan.
  • Maple syrup – maple syrup naturally sweetens the baked cinnamon roll oatmeal. It also adds to the liquid in this recipe so you cannot use sugar to replace it. You can use honey, date syrup, or brown rice syrup in place of maple syrup.
  • Rolled oats – you can also use quick cooking oats in place of rolled oats. I don’t recommend steel cut oats.
  • Cinnamon – this recipe is cinnamon roll baked oatmeal, so the cinnamon is an important ingredient. You could also use pumpkin pie spice to change things up.
  • Baking powder – if you do not have baking powder on hand, you can simply omit it from the recipe. 
  • Avocado oil – this neutral tasting oil helps to create the cinnamon swirl. You could also use melted coconut oil, melted ghee or melted butter.
  • Almond butter – this helps make the cinnamon swirl creamy. You can also use cashew butter, sunbutter or tahini in place of the almond butter.
  • Coconut sugar – coconut sugar makes the cinnamon swirl sweet and adds an underlying caramel flavor. You can also use maple sugar or light brown sugar.

If you love baked oatmeal, you should try

Chocolate Baked Oatmeal

Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

Zucchini Bread Baked Oatmeal

Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal

Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

Single Serve Baked Oats

Air Fryer Baked Oats

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Baked cinnamon roll oatmeal with coconut butter drizzle.

Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Cinnamon roll baked oatmeal is easy to make and so flavorful. The perfect mix of cinnamon rolls and oatmeal. This healthy cinnamon bun baked oatmeal is gluten free, dairy free, egg free and vegan. Great for parties, holiday meals or weekday breakfasts.
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked cinnamon roll oatmeal, cinnamon bun baked oatmeal, cinnamon roll baked oatmeal, cinnamon roll baked oats
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Guided Recipe Video

Ingredients

Cinnamon Swirl

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the dairy free milk, ground flax and maple syrup. Stir well.
  • Add oats, cinnamon and baking powder to the bowl with the milk mixture. Stir well.
  • Add the cinnamon oat mixture to the casserole dish sprayed with avocado oil.
  • In the bowl, combine the avocado oil, almond butter, coconut sugar and cinnamon. Stir well.
  • Put cinnamon swirl mixture into a ziplock bag and cut the corner off. Swirl over the oatmeal mixture.
  • Bake in the oven for 350F for 45 minutes.
  • Allow the cinnamon bun baked oatmeal to cool at least 20 minutes before frosting.

Notes

Top tips
  • If you need this to be gluten free, be sure to use certified gluten free oats
  • Wait to add the frosting until the oatmeal has cooled or it will melt. If you find that it was too warm when you added the frosting, you can quickly transfer the baked oatmeal to the fridge to let the frosting set.
  • To double the recipe, transfer this to a 9X13 casserole dish and add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
  • If you want a creamier consistency, serve the oats warm from the oven. As the baked cinnamon roll oatmeal cools, it sets up and is less creamy and more structured.
  • Make this into cinnamon roll oatmeal bars that travel well. Allow the cinnamon roll baked oats to cool completely then cut into equal size bars. Store in the fridge. Reheat in microwave or toaster oven.
Add frosting to cinnamon roll baked oats
  • Coconut butter (be sure it’s warm – you can leave it by the oven while the cinnamon roll baked oatmeal is baking. Coconut butter doesn’t have any added sugar or sweetness but naturally has a slight sweet flavor and it’s so creamy and soft. The perfect natural frosting.
  • Maple cashew frosting – this will be more like the cream cheese frosting you are used to seeing on cinnamon buns. You can make the cashew frosting while the oatmeal is baking.
  • Maple yogurt drizzle – combine 1 tablespoons maple syrup with 1/4 cup greek style yogurt
  • Nut butter – almond butter, sunflower seed butter, cashew butter. This won’t be sweet but will add a creamy element to the cinnamon bun baked oats.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
247
Fat
 
9
g
Carbohydrates
 
35
g
Fiber
 
4
g
Sugar
 
13
g
Protein
 
7
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
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