It’s no secret that overnight oats are one of my favorite breakfast options. I mean, how can you go wrong with a grab and go option that’s good for you and tastes great? These cinnamon roll overnight oats offer all the flavors of the bakery classic pastry in a sippable or spoonable format!
Overnight oats are one of my favorite breakfast recipes during the week, because they’re so easy to make ahead and then grab and go. Just mix your ingredients together and pop them in the fridge overnight (hence the name) and breakfast is covered!
You can enjoy your oats a lot of different ways, depending how much time you have and your preferences. They can be eaten with a spoon, or add a little extra liquid and drink them through a straw on the go!
If you miss that warm bowl of oatmeal feeling, don’t worry! Just microwave your oats for 45-60 seconds and enjoy them hot! After all, the warm brown sugar and cinnamon flavors in this recipe are perfect for fall, but you don’t always want cold oatmeal on a chilly morning.
Ingredients List
½ cup rolled or old fashioned oats
½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 Tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon (or more to taste)
Pinch of salt
½ tsp chia seeds (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use any type of oats other than quick. Note that steel cut do take longer to soak and retain a chewier texture overall, but they work if you like that!
Any type of unsweetened non-dairy milk (coconut, macadamia, oat, etc) is fine if you don’t have almond. If you use a non-vanilla flavored variety, add ½ tsp of vanilla extract to compensate
You can substitute maple syrup in place of the brown sugar if needed (but it does lose some of that classic cinnamon roll flavor that way)
For a creamier option, add 1-2T of yogurt, preferably vanilla flavored (Greek style is my usual choice)
If you plan to drink your overnight oats, double the liquid, and feel free to blend quickly to make it easier to get it through the straw!
In a mason jar, Tupperware, or similar container, combine all ingredients and stir or shake to mix well
Place the container in the refrigerator, and allow it to sit for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight
Serve cold (or microwave for 1 minute to serve hot) with a spoon, or add more liquid if needed to thin for drinking consistency. Blending is optional, but it helps it pass through the straw easier
What Is the Best Type of Oats to Use for This Recipe?
For the best results in your cinnamon roll overnight oats, it’s recommended to use rolled or old fashioned oats. They have a hearty texture and absorb the liquid well, creating a creamy consistency while still retaining some chewiness.
Avoid using instant oats, as their textures and liquid-absorbing properties are different.
How Long Can I Store Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats in the Fridge?
You can store cinnamon roll overnight oats in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container or a sealed jar to maintain their freshness.
These oats are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to prepare several servings in advance and enjoy a quick and delicious breakfast throughout the week.
Can I Prepare a Large Batch in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare a large batch of cinnamon roll overnight oats in advance. In fact, it’s one of the advantages of this recipe. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly, ensuring that the oats are fully covered by the liquid mixture.
Mixing a bigger batch is efficient for busy mornings or when serving multiple people. Just remember to store the excess in individual portions in the fridge.
Are Overnight Oats Suitable for a Quick On-the-Go Breakfast?
Absolutely! Overnight oats are a fantastic choice for a quick on-the-go breakfast. Since you prepare them the night before, all you need to do in the morning is grab your container and head out.
They’re perfect for busy individuals, students, or anyone who wants a delicious and nutritious breakfast without the hassle of morning cooking.
Can I Make Them the Same Day Instead of Overnight?
While they are called overnight oats for a reason, yes, you can also make cinnamon roll overnight oats during the day if you have at least 4-6 hours to let them chill in the fridge.
They might not reach the same level of flavor infusion as overnight, but they’ll still be tasty and satisfying.
Are There Healthy Sweetener Alternatives I Can Use?
Certainly! You can opt for healthier sweetener alternatives in your cinnamon roll overnight oats. Instead of brown sugar, try using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. However, this will alter the taste to be less like a classic cinnamon roll.
These alternatives add a delightful sweetness with a touch of natural goodness. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preference, and feel good about making your oats a bit healthier.
Recipe Pro Tips
Make sure to adjust your liquid amount for the desired consistency. Typically, between a 1:1 and 2:1 ratio of liquid to oats is standard
If you are drinking your overnight oats, add enough additional milk just before serving to make it easier to drink. Feel free to blend them first for a smoother consistency (and in this case, blend first, then adjust the liquid after)
Storage and Heating Tips
Since these oats don’t have fresh fruit, you can safely store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. This allows you to make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them for days!
If you would like to enjoy your overnight oats like more traditional warm oatmeal, just microwave for 45-60 seconds and stir before serving!
These cinnamon roll overnight oats are all the flavors of the bakery classic pastry, but in a much healthier and less time-consuming version!
While you need to soak them overnight for best results, you’d have to do the same to proof your dough anyway if you were making the real thing. But, instead of baking, you get to grab and go with this version!
With just a few simple ingredients and little time to throw together, this is a delicious and convenient breakfast option even for the busiest lifestyles.
Plus, it’s vegetarian and gluten free naturally (as long as you use certified gluten free ingredients) so it fits a lot of different dietary needs as well.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats (Without Yogurt)
These cinnamon roll overnight oats are all the tastes of your bakery favorite, and creamy even without yogurt. Just 5 required ingredients and a few minutes to throw together is all it takes!
In a mason jar, Tupperware, or similar container, combine all ingredients and stir or shake to mix well
½ Cup rolled or old fashioned oats, ½ Cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, ½ Tsp cinnamon, Pinch of salt, ½ Tsp chia seeds
Place the container in the refrigerator, and allow it to sit for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight
Serve cold (or microwave for 1 minute to serve hot) with a spoon, or add more liquid if needed to thin for drinking consistency. Blending is optional, but it helps it pass through the straw easier
Notes
You can use any type of oats other than quick. Note that steel cut do take longer to soak and retain a chewier texture overall, but they work if you like that!
Any type of unsweetened non-dairy milk (coconut, macadamia, oat, etc) is fine if you don’t have almond. If you use a non-vanilla flavored variety, add ½ tsp of vanilla extract to compensate
You can substitute maple syrup in place of the brown sugar if needed (but it does lose some of that classic cinnamon roll flavor that way)
For a creamier option, add 1-2T of vanilla yogurt or cream cheese
If you plan to drink your overnight oats, double the liquid, and feel free to blend quickly to make it easier to get it through the straw! Adjust with more milk after blending to desired consistency
Since these oats don’t have fresh fruit, you can safely store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. This allows you to make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy them for days!
If you would like to enjoy your overnight oats like more traditional warm oatmeal, just microwave for 45-60 seconds and stir before serving!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Keyword breakfast for busy mornings, cinnamon roll overnight oats, cinnamon roll overnight oats without yogurt, make ahead breakfasts, overnight oats variations, time saving breakfast recipes
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
