These cinnamon roll overnight oats taste like dessert for breakfast, yet they’re simple, creamy, and high in protein. They capture the warm cinnamon-sugar flavors of a cinnamon roll without any baking or rising—perfect for meal prep and busy mornings.
If you enjoy variety, other tasty options include tiramisu overnight oats, brownie batter overnight oats, and strawberry overnight oats with extra protein.
Quick Look: Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
✅ Recipe Name: Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
🕒 Ready In: 5 minutes prep + overnight chill
👪 Serves: 2
🥣 Main Ingredients: rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, cinnamon, maple syrup
👌 Difficulty: Very easy. Stir everything together, chill overnight, then finish with a creamy cinnamon-sugar swirl. No baking required.
What are Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are simply oats soaked in a liquid—milk, yogurt, or a milk alternative—and refrigerated so they soften without cooking. Left to sit overnight, the oats become creamy and ready to eat in the morning. They absorb flavors well, which makes them ideal for spice-forward, layered, or dessert-inspired breakfasts such as these cinnamon roll overnight oats. In this recipe the oats are briefly blended to create an ultra-smooth, indulgent texture that mimics the creaminess of a cinnamon roll.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats, gather the following:
- Blended rolled oats + milk — old-fashioned rolled oats pulsed briefly for a creamier texture; milk or a milk alternative to hydrate the oats.
- Sweeteners & flavorings — maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to create the classic cinnamon roll profile.
- “Frosting” mix — Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, sour cream, vanilla, and optional protein powder for a tangy, creamy topping that resembles cinnamon roll icing.
- Cinnamon swirl — melted butter combined with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a gooey ribbon that mimics the cinnamon filling.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
- Mix blended oats, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl or jar until combined.
- Prepare the frosting by whisking Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, sour cream, and protein powder until smooth.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: melt butter and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon; transfer the mixture to a small bag for piping or drizzle.
- Layer half the oat mixture in a jar, add a generous spoonful of frosting, then top with the remaining oats and more frosting.
- Pipe or drizzle the cinnamon swirl over the top and dust lightly with cinnamon.
- Refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours or overnight, then enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Oats
Don’t skip the swirl: The cinnamon-brown sugar ribbon adds both visual appeal and the classic cinnamon roll sweetness.
Blend the oats: Pulsing rolled oats briefly makes the texture extra creamy while still keeping pleasant body.
Adjust sweetness: Taste before chilling and adjust maple syrup or brown sugar to your preference.
Chill time matters: Overnight oats need at least 6–8 hours to fully soften; longer chilling deepens the flavor.
Layer the frosting: Adding frosting between layers gives an indulgent cinnamon roll vibe in every spoonful.
FAQ
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for best texture. Steel-cut oats need cooking or a much longer soak, and instant oats can become mushy.
Stored in airtight jars, they keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes. Protein powder is optional; leave it out or substitute a different protein. Honey, agave, or coconut sugar can replace maple syrup—adjust sweetness to taste.
That usually means they didn’t soak long enough or there wasn’t enough liquid. Stir well before refrigerating and allow at least 6–8 hours.
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- 1.5 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, blended
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
“Frosting”
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/8 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 scoop vanilla ice cream protein powder (optional)
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Garnish
- Light dusting of cinnamon powder on top
Instructions
- Mix the oats: Combine blended oats, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until fully combined.
- Prepare the frosting: Mix Greek yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, sour cream, and protein powder until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: Melt butter, stir in brown sugar and cinnamon, then transfer to a small bag for piping or use a spoon to drizzle.
- Assemble: Layer half the oat mixture into jars, add a spoonful of frosting, then repeat with remaining oats and frosting.
- Add the swirl: Pipe or drizzle the cinnamon mixture over the top and lightly dust with cinnamon.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours or overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
If the mixture thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
To reheat, microwave 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway to maintain texture.
For a dairy-free option, use plant-based yogurt and milk; replace condensed milk with coconut cream mixed with maple syrup.
Omit or swap the protein powder if desired.
If the swirl is too thick to pipe, warm it slightly or thin with a drop of milk.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.