Easy Healthy Cinnamon Roll Baked Protein Oatmeal

If you love the comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls but don’t exactly have the time to make traditional homemade buns, this cinnamon roll baked oatmeal brings all the cozy cinnamon swirl flavors to your breakfast table with ease. It’s warm, protein-packed, and topped with a sweet glaze that makes it taste like a cinnamon roll in oatmeal form. Plus, it bakes up golden brown and stays perfect in the fridge all week long. Perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd for brunch!

Cinnamon rolls have always been one of my “treat myself” breakfasts, but realistically…I’m only making homemade cinnamon buns once or twice a year. So having an easy baked oatmeal version that gives me all the flavors of a cinnamon roll without the effort has been game-changing.

If you’re also an oatmeal lover, this baked cinnamon roll oatmeal might become your new favorite. It hits that perfect balance of cozy, high-protein, and actually satisfying the kind of delicious breakfast you look forward to every morning.

I love that this recipe fits right into my “make once, enjoy all week” routine; it’s the same reason I’m obsessed with these cottage cheese egg bites, make ahead breakfast casserole, everything bagel casserole, pumpkin baked oatmeal cookies, breakfast sliders and these easy overnight oat jars. All of them live rent-free in our fridge during busy weeks.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• All the flavors of a cinnamon roll in a wholesome, high-protein baked oatmeal. Truly the best thing for a delicious breakfast for meal prep or a crowd!
• It uses simple ingredients you already have in your pantry: old fashioned oats, spices, almond milk, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and protein powder.
• Meal prep perfection! Bake once, enjoy all week; leftover baked oatmeal reheats beautifully.
• A healthier option compared to traditional cinnamon rolls with more balanced macros, higher protein and healthy fats.

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Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

• Protein oatmeal or old-fashioned rolled oats: My preference is to use protein oatmeal for a higher protein option. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but rolled oats give the best texture. Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
• Protein powder: I love a cinnamon roll flavored protein here, but vanilla protein powder works. Skip whey if you’re dairy-free; pea or brown rice plant based protein powder blends work great in an oats recipe like this.
• Coconut sugar or brown sugar: Either works! Both add richness and help mimic the flavors of cinnamon rolls. I prefer using coconut sugar because it has a lower glycemic index.
• Milk of choice: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, cow’s milk, or any plant-based milk you love.
• Eggs: Help bind the base recipe together. You can swap for a flax egg to make vegan cinnamon rolls style baked oats.
• Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds that warm cinnamon bakery flavor. Almond butter or another nut butter works too for healthier fats and more of a binder.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: The stars of the classic cinnamon roll flavor!
• Vanilla extract: Always the favorite way to bring sweetness and add richness without extra sugar.
• Powdered sugar glaze: Just powdered sugar and milk for a sweet cinnamon drizzle. I use powdered monk fruit for less refined sugars. You could also make a cream cheese frosting or cream cheese glaze if you prefer or mix in a bit of greek yogurt with the powdered sugar and milk for extra protein.

Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep your pan. Start with a preheated oven at 350° Farenheit (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease with butter.

2. Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, or directly in the baking dish, stir together the oats, protein powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Whisk wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. 

4. Combine. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until a thick oat mixture forms. If it looks too crumbly, add a splash of milk.

5. Bake. Transfer to your prepared baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top of the baked oatmeal is lightly golden brown.

6. Make the Glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk of choice until smooth. If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. For a thinner drizzle, add an extra splash of milk.

7. Cool and glaze. Let the baked cinnamon roll oatmeal cool completely before adding your sweet glaze if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Drizzle with a quick cream cheese glaze by mixing softened cream cheese, a splash of almond milk & powdered sugar.
• Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.
• For a little chew, sprinkle chia seeds over the top of the oats before baking.
• For gooey-er oats, use almond butter or cashew butter instead of butter.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days or cover with plastic wrap.
• Reheat with a splash of milk to bring it back to life if desired.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!