Irresistibly Delicious Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal: Your New Go-To Breakfast
Ah, the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house on a Sunday morning, conjuring memories of cozy family brunches and laughter-filled kitchens. I’ll never forget the first time I made Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. My daughter frolicked in the living room, and each whiff of cinnamon seemed to pull her closer to the kitchen. That first bite was pure heaven—it had all the comforts of a cinnamon roll but was hearty enough to keep us fueled for hours.
What makes this particular Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal so special is not just the delightful blend of oats and spices. It’s the warm, gooey center drizzled with cream cheese icing that transforms a humble breakfast into a hug on a plate. Unlike the pre-packaged options or even the fancy brunch spots, this recipe is simple, wholesome, and incredibly adaptable to your family’s preferences.
You’ll learn how to whip up this delectable dish, bringing comfort and joy to your morning routine—even on the busiest of weekdays. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this homestyle favorite!
What Are Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal?
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is a delightful twist on classic oats that provides the warm, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of rolling out dough. Originating from the trend of baking oatmeal in a casserole dish, this recipe combines rolled oats with all the familiar ingredients that make a cinnamon roll so irresistible.
The taste? Imagine soft, creamy oats flavored with cinnamon and brown sugar, baked until golden, with a texture that’s both chewy and satisfying. Each bite offers a cozy warmth, complemented by the velvety drizzle of cream cheese icing.
This delicious dish is perfect for lazy Sunday mornings, holiday breakfasts, or even as meal prep for the week. Whether you serve it on your family’s cherished brunch table or during a festive gathering, this Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls packed with butter and sugar, this baked oatmeal is made with wholesome ingredients, making it a more nutritious option for breakfast.
Economical: You’ll find that making this dish is far more cost-effective than buying gourmet cinnamon rolls from a bakery. With simple pantry staples, you can whip up a delicious meal that feeds a crowd!
Customizable: One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is! You can easily swap out nuts for chocolate chips, add in dried fruits, or even make it dairy-free with almond milk and flax eggs. The possibilities are endless!
Easy Prep: With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready in under an hour. Perfect for breakfast during the busy weekdays!
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about this dish. Picture this: your family huddled around the table, smiles on their faces, anticipating that first delightful bite—pure magic!
Whether it’s an easy Sunday breakfast or a special occasion, this Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal recipe makes sure you never have to compromise on flavor, comfort, or time.
Ingredients
To create this scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats: Use large-flake oats for a chewier texture. Quick oats can be used, but the texture will be softer.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Light or dark works; dark will yield a richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh for a good rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Opt for Ceylon cinnamon if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups milk: Any kind will do—dairy or non-dairy alternatives work well.
- 2 large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature before mixing, for the best rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla is always worth the investment!
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds a wonderful crunch.
- Cream cheese icing (for drizzling): Store-bought works, but homemade is the cherry on top!
Prep Note: Allow your eggs and milk to come to room temperature for that perfectly mixed batter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 9×9 inches works perfectly) to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar!
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined and frothy.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Gently fold in the nuts if using.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This is crucial, as it helps set the texture! Drizzle with cream cheese icing before serving.
Chef’s Tip: If you’re a fan of crispy edges, consider using a cast-iron skillet for baking!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Quality: Always use fresh spices for the best flavor. If your cinnamon has been sitting around for ages, it might be time to replace it!
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk for a quick breakfast fix!
Make-Ahead Instructions: Feel free to prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in a sealed bag; just mix them with the wet ingredients on the day you plan to bake.
Troubleshooting: If you find your oatmeal is too dry, it may need an extra splash of milk. Always check the moisture before baking!
Customization: Experiment with healthy add-ins like flax seeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal with fresh fruits like blueberries, bananas, or strawberries for a pop of color and nutrients. A dollop of Greek yogurt on the side not only boosts protein but also adds a tangy contrast to the sweet dish. For occasions like brunch or holidays, serve it up with mimosas or a warm cup of coffee to elevate the experience!
Variations & Substitutions
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace some oats with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips for a dessert-like experience!
- Apple Cinnamon: Fold in diced apples and extra cinnamon for a taste reminiscent of apple pie.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: About 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 people
- Estimated calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 (depending on added ingredients)
Storage instructions: Keep leftovers at room temperature for a couple of hours, and then move them to the fridge. In the fridge, they’ll last for about 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in portioned containers for up to 3 months!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Absolutely! Substitute regular milk with almond milk or oat milk.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
- Use flax eggs instead of eggs (1 tablespoon flax meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and a dairy-free milk option.
Can I prepare this Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal in advance?
- Yes, you can! Prepare the mixture the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup can work nicely as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Definitely! You can portion it out and store it in the fridge for quick breakfasts.
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
- The edges should be lightly golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean from the center.
Can I double the recipe?
- Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I add other fruits?
- Yes! Add in berries, banana chunks, or even mashed bananas for natural sweetness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes! Portion and freeze leftovers in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Microwave with a splash of milk for a minute or two or reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is not just a breakfast; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly morning, a nostalgic nod to simpler times shared with family, and the promise of a delicious day ahead. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own! Please share your thoughts or any tweaks you made in the comments below; I love hearing your feedback! And if you’re itching for more scrumptious recipes, don’t forget to check out my blog for other comforting gems like Banana Bread Pancakes and Berry Nut Overnight Oats. Happy baking!
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats Use large-flake oats for a chewier texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Light or dark works; dark will yield a richer flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Make sure it’s fresh for a good rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Opt for Ceylon cinnamon if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups milk Any kind will do—dairy or non-dairy alternatives work well.
- 2 large eggs Make sure they’re at room temperature before mixing for the best rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure vanilla is always worth the investment!
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Optional; adds a wonderful crunch.
- as needed Cream cheese icing For drizzling—store-bought or homemade works!
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 9x9 inches works perfectly) to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar!
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined and frothy.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Gently fold in the nuts if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This is crucial, as it helps set the texture! Drizzle with cream cheese icing before serving.