Wake up to a bowl of delicious Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats! This easy recipe blends rolled oats with milk, yogurt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to recreate that warm cinnamon roll flavor.
What I love most is that it takes just minutes to prepare the night before. You can grab it in the morning and feel fancy without any fuss! Pair it with some fresh fruit, and you’re all set! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are essential for the texture. If you have quick oats, it’s okay to use those, but they may become a bit mushy. Steel-cut oats require longer soaking times, so stick to rolled for best results.
Milk: Any type of milk works here! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk are great dairy-free options. Choose unsweetened if you prefer to control the sweetness.
Greek Yogurt: I love using vanilla to add more flavor without extra sweeteners. If you’re avoiding dairy, coconut yogurt can be a tasty substitute. You can skip the yogurt and add an extra splash of milk if needed.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup has a lovely flavor that complements the cinnamon. If you prefer a vegan recipe, stick with maple syrup. Agave nectar is another good sweetener.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon gives that signature flavor. You could swap in pumpkin spice for a twist, especially in the fall.
How Do I Perfectly Make the Cream Cheese Swirl?
Creating that beautiful cinnamon roll swirl on top is all about mixing and layering! Here’s how:
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing; beat in the powdered sugar and cinnamon until smooth.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or yogurt to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- For a fancy presentation, use a piping bag or a simple zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to create spirals on top of your oats.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect the first time; your oats will still taste amazing!
Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind: dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese or additional yogurt (for swirl/topping)
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (optional, for mixing into cream cheese topping)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 6 hours (or overnight) to chill in the fridge. So, plan to whip it up the night before for a scrumptious breakfast treat in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Oats:
In a mixing jar or bowl, combine the rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and there are no dry oats left.
2. Refrigerate Overnight:
Cover the jar or bowl with a tight lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and let the mixture soak overnight or for at least 6 hours. This will allow the oats to absorb the liquid and become soft and creamy.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
Before you’re ready to serve, make the cream cheese topping. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar (if using), and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or yogurt to achieve a swirl-able consistency.
4. Serve the Overnight Oats:
After the oats have soaked, gently stir them to combine again. Spoon the creamy oats into serve bowls or glasses, creating a lovely base for your topping.
5. Add the Swirl and Garnish:
Using a spoon or piping bag, apply a swirl of the cream cheese mixture on top of the oats, creating a spiral effect. Then sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
6. Final Touch:
If desired, dust a little extra cinnamon on top for that extra cinnamon roll flair. Voila! Your Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats are ready to be enjoyed!
7. Enjoy!
Serve it cold and dive into this delightful breakfast that tastes just like a cinnamon roll. Enjoy your morning treat!
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but be aware that they will absorb liquid faster and may result in a softer texture. Rolled oats are generally preferred for a creamier yet chewy consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you’re looking for a substitute, regular yogurt (plain or vanilla) works well, or you could use a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt to keep it vegan.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Just substitute the Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey. Also, confirm that the cream cheese is vegan-friendly or simply skip it!
How Long Do Leftovers Last?
Leftover overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before enjoying again!