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Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
Start your day with a bowl of Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal that tastes just like your favorite sweet treat—without the guilt!
This cozy, satisfying breakfast is made with hearty steel cut oats, warm cinnamon, and a creamy, indulgent swirl of cream cheese topping.
It’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition to fuel your morning.
Simple to make, but full of flavors that’ll have you hooked from the first spoonful!
Why I Love This Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
There are some breakfasts that are just breakfast.
And then there are breakfasts that make you feel like you’re getting away with something.
THIS is the second kind.
Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal is basically what happens when your favorite warm, gooey cinnamon roll decides to become breakfast. You get those cozy cinnamon-and-brown-sugar flavors, creamy oatmeal, and a sweet cream cheese topping that makes the whole thing feel a little bit indulgent.
Discover more reader-favorite sweet treats that are just as irresistible.
For Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
- Steel Cut Oats with Flax and Chia – These provide a hearty and nutritious base for your oatmeal. You’ll need 1/2 cup (which will yield about 1 cup cooked).
- Water – 1 1/2 cups, to cook the oats and create a creamy texture.
- Brown Sugar – 2 tbsp, to add a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Butter (or Butter Substitute) – 3 tsp, for a creamy, rich flavor that brings everything together.
- Ground Cinnamon – 2 tsp, to give that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- Cream Cheese (or Dairy-Free Cream Cheese) – 2 tbsp, adds a creamy and tangy richness to the topping.
- Powdered Sugar – 1/8 cup, to create the sweet glaze that mimics the icing on a cinnamon roll.
- Milk (Any Kind) – A splash, to loosen up the cream cheese mixture and give it a smooth consistency.
How To Make Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
1. Cook the oats.
Start with your steel cut oats and cook them according to the package directions.
Nothing fancy here. Just get those oats simmering and let them do their thing while you make the good stuff.
2. Make the cinnamon mixture.
While the oats are cooking, grab a small microwave-safe bowl and mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
Give it a quick warm-up in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each one, until everything is melted and warm.
This is the part where your kitchen starts smelling like a cinnamon roll.
Always a good sign.
3. Make the cream cheese topping.
Now for the icing situation.
Warm the cream cheese for just a few seconds, then stir in the powdered sugar and a splash of milk.
Keep stirring until it’s smooth and creamy. You want it loose enough to spoon over the oatmeal, but still nice and rich.
Basically: cinnamon roll icing, but breakfast-friendly.
4. Put it all together.
Once your oats are ready, divide them between two bowls.
Then comes the fun part.
Spoon half of the warm cinnamon mixture over each bowl, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture.
Look at you. Making oatmeal exciting.
5. Stir and eat!
Give everything a little stir so those cinnamon-y, buttery, creamy bits get mixed into the oats.
And then? Eat it while it’s warm.
Because this is oatmeal that deserves to be enjoyed immediately.
Expert Tips
Keep an eye on the oats. Steel cut oats can vary a little from one brand to another, so follow the package directions for cooking them and check the texture as they cook.
Don’t rush the cinnamon mixture. The 20-second microwave bursts make it easy to warm the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon without overheating them.
Be gentle with the cream cheese. It only needs a quick warm-up. You’re just trying to soften it enough to make a smooth topping.
Add the milk a little at a time. You only need a splash to loosen the cream cheese mixture. It’s much easier to add more than to fix a topping that has become too thin.
Serve it warm. This is one of those recipes where everything just works better when the oatmeal is hot and the cinnamon mixture and cream cheese topping are freshly made.
Want more cinnamon-roll vibes? Make sure you get a little of both toppings in every bite. That creamy-sweet swirl is the whole point!
Variations and Add-Ins To Try
Obviously, this oatmeal is pretty fantastic exactly as written.
But if you’re looking to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and your favorite non-dairy milk. You can also use a butter substitute as listed in the recipe.
Use quick oats: Yes, you can swap the steel cut oats for quick oats. They cook much faster and absorb the liquid more quickly, so keep an eye on them and reduce the cooking time as needed.
Add some fruit: Sliced bananas, fresh berries, or your favorite fruit would be delicious here. The fresh fruit adds a nice little contrast to all those warm cinnamon flavors.
Make it nutty: Chopped walnuts or pecans would be SO good sprinkled over the top. You get that buttery crunch that works perfectly with the cinnamon-roll flavors.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer your breakfast a little less sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar or use a sweetener that works for you.
What To Serve With Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
Honestly, this bowl can absolutely stand on its own.
But if you’re putting together a bigger breakfast, a little fresh fruit on the side is always a good idea.
Try it with:
- Fresh berries
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- A cup of coffee
- Hot tea
- A splash of milk
And if you’re having this on a slow weekend morning?
Take your time with it. Make the coffee. Grab a cozy mug. Sit down and actually enjoy breakfast.
You deserve that.
How To Store Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal
If you have leftovers, let the oatmeal cool and transfer it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within a few days.
For the best results, keep the cooked oatmeal separate from the cinnamon mixture and cream cheese topping when you can. Then you can warm the oatmeal up and add the toppings fresh.
Which, honestly, makes your next breakfast feel pretty effortless.
How To Reheat
When you’re ready for breakfast again, warm the oatmeal gently in the microwave.
The oats will naturally thicken a little after sitting in the fridge, so if they need loosening up, add a small splash of milk and give them a stir.
Then add the cinnamon mixture and cream cheese topping and you’re back in business.
Warm, cozy, cinnamon-roll-inspired oatmeal in just a few minutes.
Not bad for a leftover breakfast.
Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup steel cut oats with flax and chia (yields 1 cup cooked)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tsp butter (or butter substitute)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (or dairy-free cream cheese)
- 1/8 cup powdered sugar
- A splash of milk (any kind: cow's, soy, rice, almond, etc.)
Instructions
- Cook the oats according to the package directions. Typically, bring water to a boil, add oats, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is melted and warm.
- In another small microwave-safe bowl, warm up the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds. Add powdered sugar and a splash of milk, then stir until smooth and well combined.
- Once the oats are done, divide them into two bowls. Top each bowl with half of the cinnamon mixture and half of the cream cheese mixture.
- Stir and enjoy your sweet, comforting breakfast!
Nutrition
Calories: 431 kcal | Total Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0g | Unsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 149mg | Carbohydrates: 51g | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 18g | Protein: 8g
- Can I swap out steel cut oats for quick oats?
Yes, you can! Quick oats will cook much faster than steel cut oats. Just keep an eye on them as they’ll absorb the liquid more quickly. You’ll also want to cut the cooking time in half to prevent them from turning too mushy. - How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s super easy to make this recipe dairy-free! Simply swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. You’ll still get all the creamy goodness without the dairy. - Can I make the oatmeal ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the oatmeal the night before. Just cook the oats, let them cool, and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, simply reheat and top with the cinnamon mixture and cream cheese glaze. Quick and easy! - How can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
If you want to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the brown sugar or swap it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You’ll still get that sweet, cinnamon roll flavor but with fewer carbs! - Can I add fruits or nuts to this oatmeal?
Yes, absolutely! Feel free to toss in some fresh fruits like bananas or berries, or even some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. It’ll add extra flavor and crunch to your cinnamon roll oatmeal.
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