Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Waking up to a breakfast that tastes like dessert but fuels you like a balanced meal? Yes, please. These cinnamon roll overnight oats are everything you want in a morning treat—cozy, creamy, spiced just right, and packed with good-for-you ingredients that’ll keep you full for hours. If you’re a fan of that sweet cinnamon swirl and gooey icing on top of traditional cinnamon rolls, this recipe is going to be your new breakfast obsession—but without the sugar crash or lengthy baking time.

I love recipes that feel indulgent but are secretly wholesome, and this one totally delivers. Rolled oats soak up almond milk (or whatever milk you like), cinnamon, a touch of maple syrup, and Greek yogurt to create a rich, pudding-like texture. Then we swirl in a quick “frosting” made with cream cheese and yogurt that gives serious cinnamon roll vibes with a lighter twist. You make everything the night before, stash it in the fridge, and then it’s ready to grab and go in the morning. No stress, no mess.

What’s even better is how customizable this recipe is. You can make it dairy-free, amp up the protein with chia seeds or protein powder, or go all out with toppings like chopped pecans, banana slices, or a drizzle of almond butter. It’s also kid-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and budget-friendly—just a cozy little win all around.

Whether you’re trying to eat more intentionally, have zero time in the mornings, or just want something delicious to look forward to, these cinnamon roll overnight oats tick all the boxes. They give you the nostalgic flavor of a cinnamon roll without the need for an oven or mixer. Just stir, chill, and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love It

• Tastes like dessert for breakfast – It’s rich, creamy, and spiced just like a classic cinnamon roll, but in a nourishing, spoonable form.
• No cooking required – Just mix everything up the night before and let the fridge do the work. Mornings instantly become easier.
• Customizable to your needs – Dairy-free? Gluten-free? Extra protein? You can tweak it to fit your preferences without losing that cinnamon roll magic.
• Meal prep friendly – Make a few jars at once and have breakfast sorted for the week. Perfect for busy mornings or grab-and-go situations.
• Naturally sweetened – Using maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon, it hits the sweet spot without processed sugar overload.

Ingredient List

For the Oats Base:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added thickness and fiber)

For the “Frosting” Swirl:

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
• 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or powdered sugar
• Splash of milk (just enough to make it swirlable)

Optional Toppings:

• Pinch of cinnamon
• Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
• Banana slices or apple chunks
• Extra maple drizzle

Ingredient Notes

• Rolled oats: Go for old-fashioned rolled oats—they soften perfectly overnight without getting mushy. Avoid quick oats for this recipe.
• Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to, but use whatever you have on hand or prefer. Oat milk adds a lovely creaminess.
• Greek yogurt: Adds protein and makes the oats extra creamy. A plant-based yogurt works great too if you’re dairy-free.
• Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a warm, caramel-like sweetness that really complements the cinnamon.
• Cinnamon: Don’t be shy—this is what gives the oats their cinnamon roll flavor. You can even add a tiny pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy.
• Cream cheese: A little goes a long way in giving that “frosting” vibe. Soften it well for easy mixing.
• Chia seeds: Totally optional but highly recommended—they thicken the oats and add fiber and healthy fats.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mason jars or airtight containers – For storing individual servings overnight. I love using 8 oz mason jars for easy grab-and-go mornings.
• Mixing bowl – To combine all your base ingredients smoothly before portioning them out.
• Spoon or small whisk – For stirring the oats and blending the cream cheese swirl.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To keep your ratios just right, especially for the cinnamon and maple syrup.
• Microwave-safe bowl (optional) – If you like your oats slightly warm in the morning, this makes reheating easy.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Oats Base

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1–2 tsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp chia seeds (if using).
• Stir everything together until fully combined and the oats are evenly coated.

Pro Tip: Use a spoon or small whisk to make sure the cinnamon doesn’t clump—sprinkle it in slowly while stirring.

Step 2: Prepare the “Frosting” Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp cream cheese, 1 tbsp Greek yogurt, and 1–2 tsp maple syrup or powdered sugar.
• Add a tiny splash of milk (start with 1 tsp) and stir until it becomes smooth and just pourable. The texture should be creamy, not watery.

Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature—cold cream cheese will make it hard to blend smoothly.

Step 3: Layer the Oats and Frosting

• Spoon the oat mixture into your jar or container, filling it about halfway.
• Add a teaspoon or so of the cream cheese swirl and lightly spread it over the oats.
• Repeat with the remaining oats, then top with another swirl of the frosting.

Pro Tip: Use a butter knife or toothpick to gently swirl the frosting into the oats for that cinnamon roll “swirled” effect.

Step 4: Chill Overnight

• Seal the jar or cover your container with a lid or wrap.
• Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to let the oats soak and thicken.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve

• The next morning, give your oats a quick stir if needed.
• Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped pecans, banana slices, or a drizzle of maple syrup—whatever you’re craving.

Pro Tip: If you prefer warm oats, microwave the jar (if microwave-safe) for 30–60 seconds before adding toppings. Just stir well and watch the frosting melt into the oats.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use rolled oats, not quick oats – Quick oats get too mushy. Rolled oats hold their texture perfectly after soaking.
• Adjust sweetness to taste – Start with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup and add more if needed in the morning.
• Chill for at least 4 hours – Overnight is ideal, but 4 hours will give you a thick enough texture if you’re short on time.
• Layer the swirl for the full effect – Don’t just mix it in—swirling some in the middle and on top makes it look and taste more like a cinnamon roll.
• Make a batch for the week – Multiply the ingredients and prep 3–5 jars at once to save serious time during busy mornings.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-free option: Use coconut or almond yogurt and a vegan cream cheese to keep it plant-based.
• No maple syrup?: Swap with honey, agave, or a dash of brown sugar.
• Add-ins for extra texture: Stir in chopped nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut before chilling.
• Protein boost: Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or use high-protein Greek yogurt.
• Dessert version: Top with a few white chocolate chips or a dusting of crushed graham crackers for an indulgent twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon – It brings out that warm, comforting cinnamon roll flavor even more.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts – For a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast to the creamy oats.
• Drizzle with extra maple syrup or nut butter – Almond butter or cashew butter makes it feel extra indulgent and adds healthy fats.
• Serve slightly warm with a dollop of yogurt on top – I love doing this on chilly mornings—it tastes like a freshly baked treat.
• Pair with a hot latte or iced coffee – My personal favorite combo when I want something filling but fuss-free in the morning.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate in an airtight container – Store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Great for meal prep!
• Keep toppings separate until serving – Add fresh fruit or nuts just before eating to keep them from getting soggy.
• To serve cold – Just give it a good stir and enjoy straight from the fridge.
• To serve warm – Microwave for 30–60 seconds (remove lid if using a mason jar). Stir halfway through for even heating.
• Don’t freeze – The texture doesn’t hold up well after thawing. Stick to refrigerating only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cinnamon roll overnight oats last in the fridge?

They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Just give them a stir before eating, especially if they’ve been sitting for a few days.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based yogurt and vegan cream cheese. Almond or coconut milk works great too—it’s just as creamy and delicious.

What if I don’t have chia seeds?

No worries—just leave them out. The oats might be slightly looser in texture, but still totally tasty. You can reduce the milk a little if you want a thicker consistency.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?

Not for this one—steel-cut oats don’t soften the same way overnight and will be too chewy. Stick to old-fashioned rolled oats for best results.

Is this recipe good for kids?

Yes! It’s naturally sweetened and fun to eat. You can even let them add their own toppings in the morning—makes breakfast more exciting.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients and prep in a larger bowl before portioning into jars. It’s perfect for weekly meal prep.

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Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

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