If you’re dreaming of a cozy breakfast that feels like a treat but fuels your day, look no further than High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. This nourishing dish captures the warm, spiced richness of a classic cinnamon roll, but with the staying power of protein-packed ingredients. The creamy drizzle of light frosting on top transforms humble oats into a decadent breakfast you’ll actually look forward to getting out of bed for. Whether you meal prep for the week or enjoy a special morning with the family, this recipe is a game-changer for healthier routines!

High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is how it comes together from simple, wholesome ingredients that work together perfectly. Each item isn’t just filling a slot—a little cinnamon, a swirl of Greek yogurt, and a touch of sweetener all make each bite inviting and satisfying. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Rolled oats: The heart of the dish; they add chewy texture and whole-grain goodness.
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Keeps things creamy while adding a hint of vanilla without extra sugar or calories.
Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: Amp up the protein and creaminess—it’s what makes this breakfast extra satisfying.
Liquid egg whites: These blend right in for a subtle, fluffy lift and extra protein.
Monk fruit sweetener (or preferred zero-calorie sweetener): All the sweetness, none of the regret! You can use any zero-calorie sweetener you like.
Vanilla extract: That classic, comforting aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell like a bakery.
Ground cinnamon: The main player for that signature cinnamon roll warmth.
Baking powder: Gives your baked oatmeal just the right amount of lift.
Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors.
Fat-free cream cheese: For luscious, tangy frosting without the heaviness.
More almond milk (for frosting): Adjust for the perfect drizzle-able consistency.
More monk fruit sweetener (for frosting): Pumps up the sweetness right where you want it most.

How to Make High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by bringing all your wet and creamy ingredients together—whisk almond milk, Greek yogurt, egg whites, sweetener, and vanilla in a big bowl. You’ll end up with a silky base that’s way more exciting than just plain oats. Next, stir in your dry ingredients: oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Mix it up until everything looks evenly moistened. Now, cover the bowl and let this mixture rest in the refrigerator for several hours, or (the secret to extra creaminess) overnight. This lets the oats absorb all the flavorful liquids and helps the spices bloom.

Step 2: Bake the Oatmeal

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 8×8-inch baking dish—either lightly grease it or line it with parchment for easy clean-up. Pour your soaked oat batter into the pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. When it’s done, the oatmeal will be set in the center, and a toothpick will come out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes so it finishes setting (and your kitchen fills up with the epic smell of cinnamon rolls!).

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

While your oatmeal cools, make the frosting. In a small bowl, whisk together the fat-free cream cheese, a splash of almond milk, and a touch of sweetener. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy, thinning with more almond milk if needed. You want a frosting that’s easy to drizzle, but not runny—so adjust until it’s just right.

Step 4: Serve

Cut your High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal into nine perfect squares. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the top of each slice for that classic cinnamon roll look. Serve warm, and get ready for a breakfast that really feels like a treat (but keeps you going strong all morning long)!

How to Serve High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or a few chopped pecans on top to add crunch and extra bakery-style flair. For an added pop of color, try thinly sliced apples or a few fresh berries—both brighten up the plate and pair perfectly with cinnamon.

Side Dishes

This oatmeal is delightfully filling on its own, thanks to its high-protein content, but it also plays well with friends. Round it out with a bowl of Greek yogurt and a big plate of mixed fruit, or pair with a hot mug of your favorite coffee or chai for the ultimate cozy combo. If you’re serving a crowd, consider a savory egg bake or turkey sausage links for even more variety on the breakfast table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, slice the baked oatmeal into mini squares and arrange on a platter with extra drizzle for dipping. Layer a square into a mason jar with Greek yogurt and berries for a breakfast parfait that looks as good as it tastes. Or serve it warm in a bowl, swimming in steamed almond milk, for a spoonable twist with even more comfort factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One thing I love about High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is how easily it keeps. After cooling, pop the squares into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to five days. The texture stays tender, and the flavors actually deepen a bit as they sit.

Freezing

Want to make breakfast ahead for even longer? Once baked and cooled completely, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container. Just make sure to hold off on frosting until you’re ready to eat for best texture. Frozen, the oatmeal will keep its goodness for up to two months!

Reheating

To enjoy again, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or reheat a batch in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add the cream cheese drizzle after warming, and you’ll recapture that fresh-baked, cinnamon roll aroma and experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use steel-cut or quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Rolled oats really are the best for this recipe because they soften nicely during the soak and in the oven, yielding that dreamy, tender texture. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but the result will be less chewy, while steel-cut oats require more liquid and cooking time—so stick to rolled oats for classic High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal perfection.

Are there dairy-free options for the Greek yogurt and cream cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute a thick, non-dairy yogurt (like coconut or almond-based Greek-style) and your favorite dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The flavors and protein content may shift slightly, but you’ll still get lush texture and a delicious result.

What’s the best way to adjust sweetness?

This recipe is very flexible—taste the batter before baking, and add more monk fruit sweetener or your zero-calorie alternative if you love your breakfast a little sweeter. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a natural sugar swap, just know it will affect the calorie count and flavor slightly.

Can I add protein powder to boost the content even further?

Yes, you can stir in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder with the dry ingredients. You might need to add an extra splash of almond milk to keep the mixture moist, depending on the thickness of your powder. It’s a great tweak for those picking High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal for a fitness-focused breakfast.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It’s fantastic for meal prep! Bake a batch at the start of the week, slice, and refrigerate. You can even portion out the frosting in small containers, so you can grab-and-go on busy mornings and add your drizzle right before eating. The texture and flavor both hold up beautifully, making your mornings stress free and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you love cinnamon rolls but crave healthier options, High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is about to become your favorite breakfast. It’s warm, just sweet enough, and filling in the best way—plus it’s a breeze to make ahead. Try it once, and you might just find yourself adding it to your weekly rotation!