If you’re hunting for a cozy, make-ahead breakfast that’s bursting with warm spice and creamy goodness, you’re going to love this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe. I absolutely adore how these oats soak up all the cinnamon flavor, making waking up early something to look forward to. Plus, it’s super quick to throw together, so you can savor a delicious, nutritious start without the morning scramble. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail this comforting breakfast your whole family will rave about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Just mix, refrigerate, and enjoy—it’s as simple as that and perfect for busy mornings.
- Warm Cinnamon Flavor: The perfect cinnamon roll vibe without the baking or guilt.
- Nutrient-Packed: With quinoa, chia seeds, and non-dairy goodness, it’s a fiber and protein-packed powerhouse.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily tweak sweeteners, toppings, or swap ingredients to suit your taste or diet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe plays a role in layering flavors and textures. Quick oats give you that classic creaminess, while quinoa adds a satisfying bite and extra protein. I recommend choosing your favorite non-dairy milk and yogurt for personalizing the creaminess and tang. Grab good-quality cinnamon—it makes all the difference in aroma and taste.
- Quick oats: I like quick oats here because they soak up the liquid faster, giving you creamy oats in less time.
- Cooked quinoa: Adds a nutty flavor and boosts the protein, plus I love the texture contrast it provides.
- Non-dairy milk: Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work beautifully—choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
- Non-dairy yogurt: This adds tang and thickness; plain or vanilla works best and helps mimic that cinnamon roll feel.
- Maple syrup: I find it adds a warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon without overpowering.
- Chia seeds: These little guys help thicken things up and add fiber plus omega-3s.
- Cinnamon: The star player! Use good-quality cinnamon for a fragrant, cozy twist.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re craving a richer flavor, a vegan twist, or even a tropical vibe, you can tweak it with very little effort. Don’t be shy about making it your own—you’ll be surprised how versatile these oats are.
- Swap the sweetener: I’ve switched maple syrup for honey or agave nectar depending on what I have—each gives a slightly different, delicious touch.
- Add nuts or seeds: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch and depth.
- Boost with fruit: Toss in raisins or diced apples for some fruity sweetness and texture.
- Dairy-free or regular yogurt: I’ve used coconut yogurt for creaminess, but Greek yogurt works great if you want more protein and aren’t avoiding dairy.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Base Ingredients
Start by combining the quick oats, cooked quinoa, non-dairy milk, chia seeds, non-dairy yogurt, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a medium-sized jar or container (I like mason jars for portioning and easy storage). Stir everything together really well—this is key to get the cinnamon evenly spread and the chia seeds dispersed so they can thicken properly overnight. I actually use a small whisk or fork to get a good mix without clumps.
Step 2: Refrigerate and Let It Work Its Magic
Once your mixture is well combined, pop it in the fridge. I usually let it chill overnight, but if you’re short on time, 4 hours is the minimum to get a satisfying creamy texture. Trust me, patience here pays off—you’ll get those oats and quinoa soft and perfectly tender.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
When you’re ready to eat, dust the top with a little more cinnamon for an extra cozy aroma. Then take some of the non-dairy yogurt, put it in a ziplock bag, snip off a tiny corner, and pipe a swirl on top. This little garnish not only looks pretty but also adds a luscious tang that mimics the glaze on a fresh cinnamon roll. Dive in with a spoon and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
- Use fresh cinnamon: I learned that cinnamon loses its magic when old; fresh ground cinnamon really makes a difference in flavor depth.
- Check your yogurt thickness: If your yogurt is super runny, strain it in a fine mesh sieve for a few minutes to get that perfect swirl consistency.
- Quinoa shortcut: I often cook a big batch of quinoa ahead of time and freeze portions, which makes assembling this recipe lightning-fast.
- Don’t skip stirring well: Stir the oats and quinoa thoroughly before refrigerating to avoid clumps and pockets of dry oats.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
I’m loving the simple swirl of non-dairy yogurt with a dusting of cinnamon as a garnish, but sometimes I throw on a sprinkling of chopped pecans or toasted coconut flakes for texture. A few fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup on top also make a nice touch if you want a little extra sweetness or color.
Side Dishes
While this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe works beautifully as a stand-alone breakfast, I sometimes pair it with a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a warm cup of chai tea to complement the warm spices. For extra protein, a hard-boiled egg or a handful of roasted nuts on the side works perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special mornings, I like assembling these oats in pretty glass jars layered with a bit of fruit compote or jam before adding the oat mixture. It creates beautiful layers that look just as delicious as they taste. You can even top with edible flowers for a brunch wow-factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this recipe makes two servings, I usually store the extra portion covered tightly in the fridge for up to 2 days. The oats thicken a bit more as they sit, so I add a splash of milk and stir before eating the next day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t my go-to for these oats because the texture can change when thawed, especially with the quinoa and chia seeds absorbing liquid. If you want to freeze, freeze the oats without the yogurt swirl and fresh topping; then thaw overnight in the fridge and add your garnishes fresh.
Reheating
If you prefer your cinnamon roll oats warm, microwave them in a bowl (not the jar!) for 30–45 seconds, stirring halfway to heat evenly. You may need to add a splash more milk to loosen up the texture. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
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Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe without quinoa?
Absolutely! If you don’t have or don’t want to use quinoa, just use all oats. The quinoa adds texture and protein, but the oats alone will still taste amazing, creamy, and cinnamon-forward. Just increase oats to 1 cup.
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What type of non-dairy milk works best in this recipe?
Any plant-based milk you like works here. I’ve used almond, oat, and cashew milk with great results. Just pick one with a mild flavor so it complements the warm cinnamon and sweetness rather than overpowering it.
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Can I prepare these oats if I don’t have quick oats?
You can use rolled oats, but they’ll need more soaking time—ideally overnight or even a bit longer—to soften properly. Quick oats just save you time and give a creamier texture faster.
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How do I prevent the oats from getting too mushy?
Make sure not to over-soak or add too much liquid. Also, using a combination of oats and quinoa helps balance creaminess and texture. If leftovers thicken too much, just stir in a splash of milk before eating.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! I often prep several jars at once for the week. They keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days, so it’s perfect for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
Final Thoughts
I used to think overnight oats were bland and boring until I stumbled upon this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe. Now, it’s my go-to breakfast when I crave that cinnamon roll buzz without the guilt or effort of baking. It’s one of those recipes that makes weekdays feel just a bit more special and mornings far less stressful. Give it a shot—you might just find yourself making it a daily ritual like I do!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus refrigeration time)
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delight in a healthy and flavorful breakfast with these Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats. Combining quick oats, cooked quinoa, and warm cinnamon spice, this creamy, no-cook recipe is sweetened naturally with maple syrup and enhanced with chia seeds for added nutrition. Topped with a swirl of non-dairy yogurt and a dusting of cinnamon, it perfectly mimics the taste of your favorite cinnamon roll in a wholesome, ready-to-eat jar.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup quick oats
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
Flavor and Texture Enhancers
- 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 well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Seal the jar(s) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, creating a creamy, pudding-like consistency.
- Finish with Toppings: Before serving, dust the top of the mixture with a little more cinnamon. Place some non-dairy yogurt in a ziplock bag and cut a small corner off. Pipe a swirl of yogurt on top for a decorative finish, then enjoy your cinnamon roll-inspired breakfast treat!
Notes
- For best texture, use quick oats as they soften faster than old-fashioned rolled oats.
- Cooked quinoa adds protein and a slight nutty flavor, making the dish more filling.
- Non-dairy options like almond, soy, or oat milk and yogurt work well to keep it vegan.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup depending on your preference.
- Chia seeds not only thicken the oats but also add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Make ahead breakfast perfect for busy mornings; oats can be stored refrigerated up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 jar)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
