Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal

My cinnamon roll oatmeal recipe is one of my family’s favorites. Featuring layers of warming cinnamon flavor and a dollop of cream cheese frosting, it tastes just like the real deal. 

If you’re craving more decadent oatmeal recipes, try my overnight steel-cut oats, blueberry oatmeal, or Snickers overnight oats next.

Table of Contents

1. Why I love this recipe
2. Key ingredients
3. How to make cinnamon roll oatmeal
4. Arman’s recipe tips
5. Frequently asked questions
6. Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal (Recipe Card)
7. More dessert for breakfast recipes

I grew up eating oatmeal with cinnamon and cream cheese…and while I now realize that’s kind of an odd combination, I’ve officially got my family hooked on it as well. 

Inspired by my cinnamon roll baked oatmeal, I wanted a slightly more convenient bake-free recipe. The results are everything you love about cinnamon buns but in a chewy, hearty, and healthy package. 

Why I love this recipe

• Chewy, creamy, and decadent. Like tiramisu overnight oats, this oatmeal recipe has the taste and texture of the real deal.
• Healthy but satisfying. As much as I would love to have no yeast cinnamon rolls every morning, my waistline would beg to differ. So I make these oats, and it doesn’t feel like a compromise. 
• Quick. Just simmer everything in a pan and fold in the cream cheese. It’s that easy. 

Key ingredients

• Rolled oats. I prefer the texture of old fashioned oats over instant oats, though you can use instant oats if you prefer smoother oatmeal. Be sure to use certified gluten free oats if necessary. 
• Salt. Brings out the flavor of the other ingredients.
• Cinnamon. If possible, I love to use Saigon cinnamon as it has a smooth, authentic flavor. Measure with your heart and add as much cinnamon as you desire. 
• Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works. 
• Sugar. I used brown sugar, but you could use white sugar, coconut sugar, or a sugar-free sweetener (like keto brown sugar).
• Protein powder. Optional but recommended if you like protein oatmeal. I used cinnamon roll protein powder, but vanilla could also work. 
• Cream cheese. For the ‘frosting’ flavor. I used full-fat cream cheese, but you could use a reduced-fat or fat-free version instead. 

How to make cinnamon roll oatmeal

I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1- Simmer. Combine all ingredients (except cream cheese) in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Heat until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add protein powder if using. 

Step 2- Add cream cheese. Remove the oats from the heat and stir in the cream cheese. Serve with extra cinnamon. 

Arman’s recipe tips

• Add more protein. Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt and add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar (or powdered sugar substitute).
• Adjust the liquid. Depending on the type of oats I’m using, sometimes I need to adjust the liquid. I like to start with ½ cup of milk, then add 1-2 tablespoons until the oats are thick and creamy. 
• Increase the ratios. My recipe calls for a ratio of ½ cup of oats to 1 cup of milk. For every additional ½ cup of oats, you want to increase the milk by ¾ cup. If you prefer thicker oatmeal, only increase the liquid by ½ cup.

Frequently asked questions

More dessert for breakfast recipes

• Oatmeal brownies
• Blueberry breakfast cake
• Banana bars
• Raspberry cinnamon rolls
• Or any of these dessert for breakfast recipes