This Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is a warm, cozy dish that combines sweet cinnamon and oat goodness. It’s like having dessert for breakfast, and it smells amazing while baking!
I love making this on chilly mornings—it feels like a big hug on my plate! Serve it with a drizzle of icing, and watch everyone come running for a taste. Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats are key for the perfect texture. Quick oats work too, but they’ll soften faster, so keep an eye on baking time. I prefer old-fashioned for that chewy bite!
Ground Cinnamon: This gives the dish its signature cinnamon roll flavor. If you find yourself low on cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice can be a fun alternative, giving it a warm, autumn twist.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or maple syrup can work as great substitutes, just adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Milk: You can use any milk type, including almond, soy, or oat milk. I often use almond milk for a nutty flavor that pairs well with cinnamon. Just pick your favorite!
How Do You Create a Great Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl is where the magic happens! It’s what transforms ordinary oatmeal into a delightful cinnamon roll experience. Follow these tips to get that perfect swirl.
- Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until combined.
- Layer half of your oatmeal mixture in the baking dish, sprinkle half the swirl mixture, and then add the remaining oatmeal on top. It helps to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Gently use a knife or spoon to swirl the cinnamon mixture through the oatmeal layer. Be careful not to completely mix it in; you want to see that lovely swirl!
Remember, a little extra swirl goes a long way in flavor. Enjoy!
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Oatmeal Base:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 banana, sliced (optional, for natural sweetness)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
For the Icing Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes of baking. In total, you’ll spend around an hour getting this delicious dish ready and enjoying the warm cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or an oven-safe casserole dish with a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Oatmeal Base Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and 1/3 cup brown sugar until everything is well combined.
3. Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to your baked oatmeal.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well to combine. If you’re using banana slices, gently fold them into the mixture at this stage for a sweet surprise!
5. Layer the Oatmeal Mixture:
Pour half of the oatmeal mixture into the greased dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom.
6. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon melted butter to create a cinnamon swirl mixture.
7. Add the Cinnamon Swirl:
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the oatmeal layer in the baking dish.
8. Complete the Layers:
Next, pour the remaining oatmeal mixture over the cinnamon layer and then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl on top. This will create delightful, flavorful pockets throughout the dish.
9. Swirl It Up:
Using a spoon or a knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the oatmeal to create a beautiful marbled effect. You don’t want to mix it completely—just a swirl!
10. Bake the Oatmeal:
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the oatmeal is set. Enjoy the wonderful smell as it bakes!
11. Prepare the Icing Drizzle:
While the oatmeal is baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency for your icing.
12. Finish Up and Serve:
Once baked, remove the oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the icing over the top for that classic cinnamon roll touch before serving.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat! 🍽️
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
You can use quick oats, but keep in mind they will cook faster and may produce a softer texture. If you prefer that chewy bite, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the oatmeal mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the baking dish and bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven. You might consider adding a splash of milk to keep it moist while reheating!
Can I Substitute the Brown Sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners like maple syrup may require reducing the amount of milk slightly to maintain the right consistency.
