Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

Creamy Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal topped with a maple brown sugar glaze and nuts. A cozy, healthy breakfast that tastes like dessert in a bowl!

Oatmeal has been a breakfast staple in my life for as long as I can remember. Whether you enjoy it with fresh fruit, nut butter, or baked into oatmeal snack bars, it’s healthy, nourishing, and endlessly versatile. I especially love how oats pair with warm spices, and of course, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice top the list this time of year. Today I’m sharing a recipe that combines my standard creamy oatmeal base with the irresistible flavors of a cinnamon roll—a perfect bowl for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack when you want something warm and sweet.

This recipe is easy to make, uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and is as comforting as a freshly baked cinnamon roll—but in wholesome oatmeal form. With a swirl of creamy brown sugar-maple sauce drizzled on top and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, this bowl feels indulgent while still being nourishing. Plus, it’s a great alternative when you’re craving a cinnamon roll baked oatmeal flavor without turning on the oven.

What Makes This “Cinnamon Roll” Oatmeal?

Cinnamon roll oatmeal is simply oatmeal flavored and topped to taste like a cinnamon roll. Think of the soft, creamy oats as your warm dough base, then swirl in a sweet, creamy topping made from cream cheese, brown sugar, and maple syrup to mimic that luscious cinnamon roll glaze. Add in a sprinkle of cinnamon and chopped nuts, and suddenly you have a cozy breakfast that tastes like dessert.

What Types of Oat Is Best?

The beauty of this recipe is that you can use whatever type of oats you have on hand:

Old fashioned rolled oats: My go-to for the creamiest, most classic texture. This is what I used in this recipe.
Steel cut oats: Great for a chewier bite and nutty flavor. They take longer to cook, but the payoff is a hearty texture.
Instant oats: The fastest option if you’re in a hurry. They’ll give you a softer, creamier consistency.
Gluten free oats: If you’re looking for a gluten free option, simply swap in certified gluten free rolled oats.

Each type will give you a slightly different texture, but all will pair beautifully with the cinnamon roll sauce.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

The base of this recipe comes from my tried-and-true method for creamy oatmeal, only this time we’re leaving out the banana and topping it with a decadent sauce. We’ll cook the rolled oats until perfectly creamy, then drizzle on a luscious glaze made with cream cheese, maple syrup, brown sugar, whole milk, and chopped nuts. If you want to lighten it up, you can swap almond milk or even go dairy free with your milk choice and a plant-based cream cheese.

Ingredients

Makes 2 hearty bowls

For the oatmeal base:

1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (or steel cut oats, instant oats, or gluten free oats)
1 3/4 cups water (or almond milk, dairy milk, or your choice of milk)
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the cinnamon roll sauce:

2 Tbsp cream cheese, softened (use dairy-free cream cheese if needed)
2 Tbsp brown sugar (or swap with coconut sugar or powdered sugar if you prefer)
2 Tbsp maple syrup
2–3 Tbsp whole milk (or almond milk)
2 Tbsp chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work best)
Extra cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: Combine oat base ingredients in a pot over medium heat

In a small pot, combine the rolled oats, water (or almond milk), salt, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 2: Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes

Stir frequently as the oats cook, lowering the heat if necessary. Continue to cook until the oats are creamy and thickened, about 5–7 minutes for rolled oats (longer for steel cut, shorter for instant oats).

Step 3: Make the cinnamon roll sauce in a separate small sauce pan

While the oats are cooking, make the cinnamon roll sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the cream cheese, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth.

Step 4: Thin the sauce with milk

Add 2 tablespoons of milk to the sauce, whisking until it reaches a drizzle-friendly consistency. Stir in the chopped nuts. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add an extra splash of milk.

Step 5: Assemble bowls

Once the oatmeal is cooked, scoop into a small bowl. Drizzle generously with the cinnamon roll sauce. Sprinkle extra cinnamon or nuts on top if desired.

Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy your cozy bowl of cinnamon roll oatmeal!

Nutrition Information

This recipe is wholesome yet indulgent. Oats provide fiber and protein, while the sauce gives you a satisfying sweetness with maple syrup and cream cheese. Depending on the milk and cream cheese you use, you can make this dairy free or higher in protein. For a protein boost, you could even stir in a scoop of protein powder while the oats cook, similar to my protein oatmeal recipe.

If you want to reduce the sugar content, try swapping the brown sugar for coconut sugar or cutting the sweetener slightly. On the other hand, if you want a more classic glaze flavor, a touch of powdered sugar can be added to the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cozy cinnamon roll baked oatmeal vibes without turning on the oven
Customizable with rolled oats, instant oats, or steel cut oats
Easy step by step process with minimal ingredients
Great for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a warm dessert
Can be adapted to be dairy free or gluten free