If you’re anything like me, mornings can be a bit of a rush, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a delicious, wholesome breakfast. That’s why I’m excited to share this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe with you—it’s like having your cinnamon roll cravings satisfied without the guilt, and it’s ready for you when you wake up. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: Toss everything in a jar, refrigerate, and wake up to a ready-made breakfast.
- Comforting Flavor: All the cozy cinnamon roll vibes without the fuss or the oven.
- Nutritious Boost: The oats and quinoa team up for lasting energy and fiber.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite toppings or milk of choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that classic cinnamon roll flavor with a healthy twist. I love using non-dairy milk and yogurt here because they keep the oats creamy and light, plus it’s great for anyone avoiding dairy.
- Quick oats: These soak up the liquid perfectly overnight, softening just right without getting mushy.
- Cooked quinoa: Adds a subtle nuttiness and boosts the protein content.
- Non-dairy milk: I usually use almond or oat milk – pick your favorite to keep things dairy-free and creamy.
- Non-dairy yogurt: This adds tang and a silky texture, making it feel luxurious in every bite.
- Maple syrup: Natural sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon.
- Chia seeds: Tiny nutrition powerhouses that also thicken the oats overnight.
- Cinnamon: The star spice – fresh and fragrant, it delivers that irresistible cinnamon roll flavor.
Variations
I love how flexible this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it in so many fun ways—you should totally make it your own!
- Add a swirl of nut butter: Sometimes I sneak in a spoonful of almond or peanut butter for extra creaminess and flavor depth.
- Swap quinoa for cooked bulgur: If you want a different texture, bulgur works surprisingly well here.
- Make it vegan/gluten-free: This recipe is already dairy-free, and using certified gluten-free oats makes it totally safe for gluten sensitivity.
- Spice it up: I’ve added a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom before, which gives it a warm, complex twist.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Mix All the Good Stuff
Grab a jar or container and combine your quick oats, cooked quinoa, non-dairy milk, chia seeds, yogurt, maple syrup, and cinnamon. I like to give it a good stir until everything’s evenly mixed. Don’t hesitate to taste it here to adjust sweetness or cinnamon level before refrigeration—that little tweak makes a big difference!
Step 2: Chill Overnight
Seal the jar and pop it in your fridge for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. This lets the oats and chia seeds soak up the liquid and flavors meld together like a dream. When I first tried leaving it less than 4 hours, the oats were too chewy—so definitely give it some time!
Step 3: Add Your Finishing Touches
Before digging in, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top. For that authentic cinnamon roll look, I put some extra non-dairy yogurt in a small ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped and pipe a swirl on top—it’s a fun detail that makes breakfast feel special.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
- Choose Your Oats Wisely: Quick oats bounce back to the perfect texture overnight—steel-cut can work but needs a longer soak and sometimes pre-cooking.
- Don’t Skip Quinoa: I discovered this trick to balance creaminess with a subtle crunch and added protein, making breakfast more filling.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Maple syrup blends beautifully, but if you want it less sweet, scale back and add fresh fruit instead.
- Workfast When Adding Yogurt Swirls: I learned that piping yogurt just before eating keeps the swirl fresh and visually appealing—don’t do it hours ahead or it can blend in too much.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, and sometimes a sprinkle of golden raisins for that subtle burst of sweetness. Plus, a tiny drizzle of extra non-dairy yogurt or even some coconut flakes adds great texture and makes every spoonful feel indulgent.
Side Dishes
On busy mornings, I keep it simple—but when I’m treating myself, I pair this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe with a side of fresh fruit like sliced apples or a handful of berries. A hot cup of chai or coffee rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunches or special occasions, I serve these oats in clear glass jars layered with swirls of cinnamon and yogurt to show off the beautiful layers. A sprinkle of cinnamon sticks or a cinnamon-powdered rim on your glass adds a charming touch guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The oats tend to thicken, so just give them a good stir and maybe add a splash of milk before eating. It feels just as good the next day.
Freezing
Freezing overnight oats isn’t my favorite because the texture changes, but if you want to prep several portions, freeze them without yogurt swirls and thaw in the fridge overnight. I recommend adding fresh yogurt and cinnamon after thawing for the best experience.
Reheating
I usually enjoy this cinnamon roll oats cold, straight from the fridge, but if you prefer it warm, microwave for 30–45 seconds and stir in a little extra milk to loosen it up. It’s comforting and delicious both ways – just depends on your mood!
FAQs
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Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe without quinoa?
Absolutely! The quinoa adds a lovely texture and protein boost, but if you don’t have it on hand, just use a bit more oats or substitute with another cooked grain like bulgur or millet. The oats alone still make a great base for this recipe.
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What type of cinnamon works best for this recipe?
I always recommend using fresh ground cinnamon—it really brightens the flavor profile. Pre-ground cinnamon in a spice jar works fine too, but if you can get your hands on a cinnamon stick and grind it fresh, you’ll notice a lovely fragrant aroma that elevates the oats.
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Can I prepare this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! Using plant-based milk and yogurt makes it vegan-friendly, and choosing certified gluten-free oats ensures the recipe is safe for gluten sensitivities. It’s a great option for many dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
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How sweet is this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe?
The maple syrup adds a natural, gentle sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon. If you prefer a sweeter breakfast, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup or stir in some fresh fruit or dried raisins for extra bursts of natural sugar.
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Can I make this recipe in bulk for the week?
You can! Just keep in mind the texture changes slightly after a couple of days, so I recommend using airtight containers and adding yogurt swirls fresh each morning. Making portions in individual jars makes it super convenient to grab and go.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe turns my rushed mornings into a cozy, delicious experience that feels like a treat without any extra effort. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it satisfies my sweet tooth, fuels me well, and is so simple to prepare. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—and if you ever want to surprise yourself with a cozy breakfast, give this a try. Your future self will thank you!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus overnight refrigeration)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats recipe offers a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional overnight oats by incorporating cooked quinoa, chia seeds, and warming cinnamon flavors. Perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, this no-cook dish combines creamy non-dairy milk and yogurt with a touch of natural sweetness from maple syrup, making it a wholesome and satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup quick oats
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 2 tbsp non-dairy yogurt, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon, plus more for dusting
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a jar or two separate jars, add the quick oats, cooked quinoa, non-dairy milk, chia seeds, non-dairy yogurt, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the jar(s) and place them in the refrigerator to soak overnight or for at least 4 hours. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, creating a creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top of the oats with additional cinnamon. Place some extra non-dairy yogurt into a ziplock bag, cut off one corner, and pipe a decorative swirl over the oats. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute non-dairy milk and yogurt with dairy alternatives if preferred.
- For added texture, consider topping with nuts or seeds before serving.
- Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup depending on dietary preferences.
- This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free if gluten-free oats and quinoa are used.
- Make sure to use cooked quinoa; you can prepare it in advance to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (half the recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
