These Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats taste like a cinnamon bun but are packed with protein and make the perfect grab-and-go breakfast!
Overnight oats are my number one make-ahead breakfast, so I’m always finding ways to keep them interesting. If you love cinnamon rolls, this version gives you all those cozy flavours in a healthier breakfast that honestly feels like a treat. I even love them as a snack or dessert!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Cinnamon roll flavour: Everything you love about a cinnamon bun in an easy overnight oat recipe.
- Easy make-ahead breakfast: Prep once and enjoy a healthy breakfast all week long.
- Protein-packed: A balanced breakfast with protein and fibre to keep you energized and satisfied all morning.
Ingredients and substitutions
- Rolled oats – Old-fashioned rolled oats work best. You can use quick oats but it will be softer.
- Milk – Use any dairy or non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Plain Greek yogurt – Vanilla Greek yogurt works too, or use a dairy-free yogurt if needed.
- Ground flax – Swap for chia seeds or leave it out if needed.
- Maple syrup – Honey is a good substitute for some sweetness.
- Brown sugar – Coconut sugar is a great substitute.
- Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavour.
- Cinnamon – No substitute since it’s a cinnamon focused recipe.
Topping
- Brown sugar – Coconut sugar works here too.
- Cinnamon – Feel free to adjust to taste.
Frosting
- Butter – Dairy-free butter can be substituted if needed.
- Powdered sugar – I don’t recommend substituting this, as it creates the classic frosting texture.
- Milk – Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work.
- Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract is best for flavour.
How to make cinnamon roll overnight oats
Step 1: Make the base
Mix the oats, milk, yogurt, flax, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon until well combined.
Step 2: Make the topping
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon topping.
Step 3: Make the frosting
Mix the butter, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla frosting until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble
Divide the oat mixture among 4 jars, then sprinkle with the topping and finish with a frosting swirl. Store in the fridge for at least 2 hours, then enjoy!
Tips & Variations
This recipe is super simple to make, but here are a few tips and easy swaps to help you make these overnight oats your own.
- Prep ahead – Make a batch at the start of the week and portion into jars for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
- Make them dairy-free or vegan – Use your favourite non-dairy milk and yogurt, plus plant-based butter for the frosting.
- Add fruit – Mix in fresh or frozen fruit like blueberries, strawberries, apples, or banana for extra flavour and sweetness.
- More toppings – Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for a fun twist.
- Make them higher in protein – Add vanilla protein powder or use a high-protein Greek yogurt to boost the protein even more.
Frequently asked questions
Do overnight oats have to sit overnight?
Not necessarily! These overnight oats are ready to eat after about 2 hours in the fridge, but I find they’re even creamier after sitting overnight. It’s just nice to prep them on Sunday and then know I have breakfast ready overnight.
Are cinnamon roll overnight oats healthy?
Yes! Packed with protein, fibre, and wholesome ingredients, these cinnamon roll overnight oats make a balanced breakfast or a healthier dessert or snack alternative when you’re craving something sweet.
Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats?
I prefer rolled oats and think they work best for this recipe. Quick oats become too mushy, while steel-cut oats take much longer to soften and won’t have the same creamy texture.
Can you warm up overnight oats?
These overnight oats are meant to be enjoyed cold, but you could warm them up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds if you prefer them warm.
How to store and make-ahead
Make ahead: Meal prep portions into jars and let them sit overnight in the fridge for grab-and-go breakfasts all week.
Storing: Store them in mason jars or cute overnight oats containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the base for up to 3 months then defrost overnight in the fridge, but I don’t recommend it as the texture will change.
More easy overnight oats
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups milk dairy or non-dairy
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup ground flax
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Topping
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Frosting
- 1 tbsp butter softened
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Mix together rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, ground flax, maple syrup, brown sugar vanilla extract and cinnamon together in one large bowl. Set aside.
- Meanwhile mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl, and mix melted butter, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla together in a separate bowl.
- Divide oat mixture among 4 jars evenly, then divide brown sugar/cinnamon mixture overtop of each jar.
- Finish by drizzling frosting with a spoon in a swirl pattern over each jar. Let sit at least 2 hours until enjoying. Jars will last 5 days in the fridge.
Comments & Reviews
Taylor Stinson says
One of my fave breakfasts!