High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy breakfast that tastes just like a cinnamon roll but packs a serious punch of protein, you’ll adore this High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. Every bite is warm, gooey, and swirled with cinnamon goodness, all while delivering enough protein to keep you satisfied long after breakfast. It’s a meal prep dream, a family favorite, and a recipe that will make you leap out of bed in the morning!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple, using wholesome ingredients that each play a special role in creating that iconic cinnamon roll flavor and texture. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to make this High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal both delicious and nutritious.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base for structure and classic oatmeal texture.
- Vanilla protein powder: Boosts the protein content and adds a creamy vanilla note.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings the signature cinnamon roll warmth.
- Baking powder: Gives the oatmeal a bit of lift and fluffiness.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Unsweetened almond milk (or any milk): Adds moisture without extra sugar or heaviness.
- Maple syrup or honey: Naturally sweetens the bake and gives a subtle caramel flavor.
- Large eggs: Bind the mixture and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses each bite with that cozy, bakery-style aroma.
- Greek yogurt: Makes the oatmeal tender and ups the protein count.
- Melted butter or coconut oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps lock in moisture.
- For the swirl – Almond butter or melted butter: Creates those irresistible cinnamon roll ribbons.
- For the swirl – Maple syrup: Sweetens and makes the swirl gooey and decadent.
- For the swirl – Cinnamon: Doubles down on that cinnamon roll flavor.
- For the icing (optional) – Greek yogurt: Makes a tangy, creamy drizzle without the heaviness of cream cheese.
- For the icing (optional) – Maple syrup: Sweetens the icing naturally.
- For the icing (optional) – Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of classic cinnamon roll aroma to the icing.
How to Make High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. This ensures your High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal comes out cleanly and bakes evenly, with those perfectly golden edges we all love.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together so the flavors will be well distributed throughout the oatmeal bake.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and melted butter or coconut oil. This step adds all the moisture and richness the oats need to turn into a fluffy, cake-like bake.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Pour
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Step 5: Swirl in the Cinnamon Goodness
Mix together the almond butter or melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Drizzle this sweet, spiced swirl over the top of the oatmeal mixture, then use a knife to gently swirl it in, creating those gorgeous cinnamon roll ribbons.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are beautifully golden. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to settle and make slicing a breeze.
Step 7: Optional Icing Drizzle
If you’re feeling extra fancy, stir together Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract for an easy “cream cheese” style icing. Drizzle it over the warm oatmeal and get ready for the ultimate cinnamon roll experience in every bite.
How to Serve High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
For an eye-catching (and mouthwatering) finish, top your High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal with a generous drizzle of the optional yogurt icing, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Fresh berries on top add a pop of color and a bright, tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal bake is plenty satisfying on its own, but you can serve it alongside a fruit salad, a green smoothie, or a dollop of extra Greek yogurt for a breakfast spread that feels like a weekend treat any day of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the oatmeal in individual ramekins for single-serve portions, or cut it into squares and stack them for a brunch buffet. You can even pack cooled slices into lunchboxes for an on-the-go snack that tastes like dessert but is secretly healthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Simply let the bake cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It’s meal prep magic for busy mornings!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? This baked oatmeal freezes beautifully. Slice it into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and are perfect for quick, wholesome breakfasts.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about a minute or warm a larger batch in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep things extra moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just use a plant-based protein powder, swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative, and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. It’s easy to keep this recipe both high-protein and totally dairy-free.
What type Breakfast
Vanilla whey or plant-based protein powders both work well here. Just make sure you enjoy the flavor, as it will shine through in the final bake. If your powder is unsweetened, you may want to add a touch more maple syrup or honey.
Can I prepare this oatmeal bake the night before?
Yes! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, you can swirl in the cinnamon mixture and bake fresh, making your kitchen smell amazing as you start your day.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is a meal prep superstar. Bake, cool, and portion into containers for grab-and-go breakfasts all week long. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good on day five as it does fresh from the oven.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or fruit?
Go for it! Chopped nuts, raisins, or diced apples would be fantastic stirred into the batter before baking. Just be careful not to overcrowd the pan so the oatmeal bakes evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with breakfast again, give this High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal a try. It’s a warm, nourishing, and downright delicious way to start the day—and I can’t wait for you to taste just how incredible healthy comfort food can be!
Print
High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious breakfast that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the wholesome goodness of oats and protein powder. Perfect for meal prep, this baked oatmeal is easy to make, packed with protein, and offers a sweet swirl and optional icing to satisfy your morning cravings while keeping it healthy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
For the Swirl
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Icing (optional)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure the oatmeal doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt, and melted butter or coconut oil until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined into a thick batter.
- Pour and Swirl: Transfer the oatmeal mixture to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon for the swirl. Drizzle this mixture over the oatmeal and use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter for that cinnamon roll effect.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to firm up before serving.
- Prepare and Add Icing (Optional): For the optional icing, stir together Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a small bowl, then drizzle it over the warm baked oatmeal just before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat in the microwave or oven.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, use a plant-based protein powder and substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep, providing a high-protein, filling breakfast that’s easy to grab and go.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/6 of the 8×8-inch dish)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
