Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
If you’ve been dreaming of cinnamon rolls for breakfast but want something that fits into your healthy routine, Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is about to become your new favorite morning treat. Imagine all the cozy, gooey flavors of a classic cinnamon roll—sweet swirls, comforting spice, and a creamy drizzle—transformed into a nourishing, filling baked oatmeal you can prep in advance. Each forkful is soft, sticky, and naturally sweetened, bringing irresistible bakery vibes to your kitchen while making you feel good about digging in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is in its simplicity. Each ingredient shines—oats for hearty texture, cinnamon for warmth, a touch of maple for sweetness, and coconut oil for that irresistible bakery richness. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The backbone of your bake, these oats give it a chewy and hearty foundation.
- Ground cinnamon: Provides that unmistakable cinnamon roll aroma and cozy depth.
- Baking powder: Fluffs things up so your oatmeal is tender, not dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it elevates every other flavor in the pan.
- Unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice): Ensures creaminess without overpowering the spices.
- Large egg: Binds everything together, giving your bake structure. (Substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option!)
- Pure maple syrup: Offers gentle, natural sweetness and hints of caramel flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, classic bakery note to every bite.
- Melted coconut oil or butter: Adds richness for that sticky, indulgent cinnamon roll texture.
- For the cinnamon swirl: More coconut oil, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon create luscious pockets of sticky sweetness.
- For the glaze (optional): A mix of Greek yogurt, maple, and vanilla mimics icing—but with a creamy, tangy twist.
How to Make Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so everything is ready to go when your mixture is. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with coconut oil or nonstick spray to make serving (and cleanup) a breeze. Setting the stage like this helps your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal bake evenly and release beautifully after it’s done.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Give them a quick toss with a spoon or spatula—the goal is for every oat to be evenly coated in spicy, fragrant cinnamon and to ensure the baking powder distributes evenly for the perfect rise.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
Crack the egg into another bowl and whisk it with the unsweetened almond milk, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and your melted coconut oil (or butter). Mixing these together first makes sure everything binds well before introducing it to the dry ingredients and gives your baked oatmeal that dreamy, custardy base.
Step 4: Combine and Pour
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry oatmeal mixture. Gently stir until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! Then, transfer this aromatic blend to your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer to get the perfect bake.
Step 5: Swirl in Cinnamon Goodness
In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon swirl mix: melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Drizzle this over the top of your oatmeal in fun ribbons and use a butter knife to make gentle swirls. It’s not just for looks—the swirled topping creates gooey, sticky pockets that mimic a true cinnamon roll.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top turns golden and the oatmeal is set but still moist. As your kitchen fills with cinnamon roll aroma, keep an eye to make sure you don’t overbake; that sticky tender center is heavenly!
Step 7: Make the Optional Glaze
While your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal bakes, whisk together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract for a sweet, creamy glaze. This step is optional but highly recommended for a true cinnamon roll experience.
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle
Once baked, let your oatmeal cool for 5 to 10 minutes—this helps the squares set up for slicing. When ready, cut, serve, and finish with a generous drizzle of your tangy-sweet glaze. Now, savor every sticky, spiced bite!
How to Serve Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
Sprinkle with a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or add a dusting of cinnamon to amp up the warmth. A few fresh berries or even a scant dash of powdered sugar on top will make your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal look positively bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair your oatmeal with a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt, or serve alongside a simple fruit salad to balance out the indulgent flavors. A cup of coffee or chai latte is the perfect companion—coffeehouse mornings, here you come!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the oatmeal into rounds with a biscuit cutter for a “cinnamon roll” appearance, or layer it parfait-style with vanilla yogurt in individual cups. For brunch gatherings, serve in a baking dish with the glaze drizzled in a beautiful crosshatch pattern—guests won’t believe it’s wholesome, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal tightly and keep it in the fridge. It stays moist and delicious for up to 5 days—just enough time to power you through a busy week of breakfasts!
Freezing
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this! Cut into squares, wrap individually, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Simply grab-and-go whenever a cinnamon roll craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop a serving in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until warmed through. For a crispier texture, reheat gently in the oven or toaster oven. Add a fresh swirl of glaze or a splash of milk for just-baked softness every time.
FAQs
Can I make this Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal vegan?
Yes! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and left to gel). Use dairy-free milk and plant-based yogurt in the glaze for a truly vegan treat.
Will quick oats work instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats give the best texture, but in a pinch, you can use quick oats. Expect a softer, less chewy bite—still tasty, just a little different!
Is there a way to make this gluten free?
Absolutely. Just choose certified gluten-free rolled oats to make your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal safe for gluten-sensitive family and friends.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking time; check for doneness around 40 minutes but it may need a few extra minutes to set fully.
What’s the best way to keep the glaze creamy for leftovers?
Store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge, and stir before drizzling on reheated oatmeal. If it thickens, add a tiny splash of milk and mix well for instant creaminess!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about digging into a pan of Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal: it’s comforting, guilt-free, and irresistibly sticky-sweet. Whether it’s for weekend brunch or busy weekday meal prep, you’ll fall in love with how easy and heartwarming this recipe is. Give it a try—you might just look forward to mornings a little more!
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Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll with this Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, this recipe is gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
Oatmeal:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or butter
Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze (optional):
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the oatmeal: In a large bowl, mix oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk almond milk, egg, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted coconut oil. Combine wet and dry ingredients and pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon swirl ingredients. Drizzle over the oatmeal and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden and set.
- Make the glaze: Mix Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract for the optional glaze.
- Serve: Let the oatmeal cool for 5 to 10 minutes, then drizzle with the glaze before serving.
Notes
- This baked oatmeal can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast.
- Substitute egg with a flax egg for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
