If you’re anything like me and love waking up to something both nourishing and indulgently cozy, this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple, creamy, and hits that cinnamon roll craving without the sugar rush—and the best part? You prep it the night before and wake up to a breakfast that practically makes itself. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your morning routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Mix everything the night before and let the fridge do the work for a grab-and-go morning.
- Balanced Flavor: The warming cinnamon and sweet maple syrup create a perfect harmony—like breakfast dessert.
- Nutritious Boost: Quinoa adds a protein kick, while chia seeds contribute fiber and texture, keeping you full longer.
- Customizable & Vegan-Friendly: Made with non-dairy ingredients, you can easily tailor this to your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients all blend seamlessly to mimic the cozy flavors of a cinnamon roll without the fuss of baking. Plus, they’re pretty easy to find at any grocery store or health food aisle.
- Quick oats: Great for soaking up all the flavors overnight and softening perfectly without becoming mushy.
- Cooked quinoa: Adds a subtle nuttiness and protein punch that balances the oats.
- Non-dairy milk: I use almond or oat milk—both add creaminess without overpowering the cinnamon goodness.
- Non-dairy yogurt: Gives the oats that luscious, creamy texture reminiscent of the gooey center of a cinnamon roll.
- Maple syrup: Not only sweetens but lends that caramel warmth that pairs so well with cinnamon.
- Chia seeds: These little guys thicken the oats and add a boost of omega-3s and fiber.
- Cinnamon: The star of the show—don’t be shy with this; the more the merrier for that authentic cinnamon roll flavor.
Variations
I love how flexible this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe is; you can easily make it your own by swapping or adding ingredients that suit your mood or pantry. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might discover a favorite twist!
- Nut Butter Swirl: Stir in a spoonful of almond or peanut butter for extra richness—I do this when I want a protein-packed morning treat.
- Fruit Mix-Ins: Add diced apples or raisins before refrigerating for a cinnamon apple combo that’s been a hit with my family.
- Sweetener Swap: Use agave or honey instead of maple syrup if that’s what you have on hand or prefer a different sweetness profile.
- Dairy Variation: Use Greek yogurt instead of non-dairy for a tangier, higher-protein version if dairy suits your diet.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Base Ingredients
Grab a jar or bowl and toss in your quick oats, cooked quinoa, chia seeds, cinnamon, yogurt, maple syrup, and non-dairy milk. Stir it all up until everything is evenly combined—this step is key because you want the cinnamon and maple syrup to really saturate the oats and quinoa. I like using a wide-mouth jar so I can stir easily and store overnight.
Step 2: Refrigerate Overnight or at Least 4 Hours
Cover your jar or bowl and pop it into the fridge. Overnight is ideal because it gives the oats and quinoa time to soak up all that creaminess and spice. But if you’re in a hurry, 4 hours works too. When I’m really pressed for time, I even prep a few batches ahead and keep them ready for busy mornings.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches
The next morning, dust a bit more cinnamon on top to amp up the aroma and flavor. For the yogurt swirl, I squeeze some extra non-dairy yogurt into a small ziplock bag, snip off the corner, and pipe a fun swirl onto the oats—it just feels fun and looks fancy without the fuss. Then you’re ready to dig in and savor every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
- Use Quick Oats Over Rolled Oats: Quick oats absorb liquid faster for that soft, creamy texture you want.
- Pre-Cook Your Quinoa: Having the quinoa ready in advance saves time and ensures it’s perfectly tender.
- Don’t Skip the Chia Seeds: They give the oats a pudding-like consistency that’s incredibly satisfying in the morning.
- Mind the Sweetness: Start with less maple syrup—you can always add more after tasting if you want.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my oats with a little extra cinnamon for the smell and a drizzle of non-dairy yogurt swirl for that creamy finish. Sometimes I sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, which makes the bite extra satisfying and reminds me even more of a cinnamon roll with nuts.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands well on its own, but I often pair it with fresh berries or a banana for a fruity contrast. If I’m feeling indulgent, a small cup of warm chai or black coffee complements all those cinnamon notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch or when I want to impress guests, I serve the oats layered in clear glass jars with a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top—it turns breakfast into a mini dessert party. Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves adds a pop of color that makes these oats really shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion them into small jars or airtight containers to keep everything fresh and easy to grab during busy mornings.
Freezing
While I haven’t tried freezing these overnight oats myself, I’ve heard you can freeze them in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly after freezing, so I’d recommend eating them fresh when possible.
Reheating
Personally, I enjoy my cinnamon roll overnight oats cold, but if you prefer them warm, microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on your portion size. You might need to stir in a splash of non-dairy milk to loosen things up after heating.
FAQs
-
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats in this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe?
Yes, you can! But keep in mind rolled oats have a thicker texture and take longer to absorb liquid, so you might want to soak them a bit longer—overnight works well, just expect a slightly chewier bite compared to quick oats.
-
What’s the purpose of adding cooked quinoa to the oats?
Adding cooked quinoa not only ups the protein content but also brings a nice nutty flavor and a bit of texture contrast to the creamy oats. It helps keep you fuller longer and makes the breakfast more balanced nutritionally.
-
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose gluten-free certified oats and quinoa. Most non-dairy milks and yogurts are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels if you’re sensitive.
-
Is this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The overnight oats keep well refrigerated and portion nicely for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. I often prep several jars on Sunday for a hassle-free weekday morning.
-
How can I make the cinnamon flavor more intense?
Try using a good quality ground cinnamon and don’t hesitate to add a bit more than usual when mixing. You can also sprinkle extra cinnamon on top before serving to amplify that warm, spicy aroma.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe manages to feel indulgent while being wholesome and quick—it’s a total morning game-changer for me. I used to struggle with finding breakfasts that satisfy my cinnamon roll cravings but also fuel my day, and this little jar of yum really delivers. I hope you enjoy making and tweaking it as much as I do—once you try it, you’ll be hooked too!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and nutritious Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats recipe that combines the warmth of cinnamon with the creamy texture of oats and quinoa soaked overnight in non-dairy milk and yogurt. Perfect for a quick, plant-based breakfast that’s ready to enjoy in the morning with a swirl of extra yogurt and cinnamon dusting.
Ingredients
Base
- ½ cup quick oats
- ½ cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
Add-ins
- 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 jars, mix together the quick oats, cooked quinoa, non-dairy milk, chia seeds, non-dairy yogurt, maple syrup, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight or for at least 4 hours to allow the oats and chia seeds to soak and soften.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top with additional cinnamon. Place extra non-dairy yogurt into a ziplock bag, cut a small corner off, and pipe a swirl of yogurt on top of the oats. Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
- Use quick oats for the best texture and quickest soaking time.
- Cook quinoa in advance or use leftovers to save time.
- Use your favorite type of non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk.
- Maple syrup can be adjusted for sweetness according to personal preference.
- Chia seeds add thickness and nutritional value but can be omitted if desired.
- This recipe is vegan and gluten free if certified gluten-free oats are used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
