Imagine all the magic of a gooey cinnamon roll, but in a nourishing, naturally sweetened breakfast you can make ahead for the whole week—this is Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal in all its glory. Think chewy oats laced with cinnamon, a drizzle of sticky cinnamon maple swirl, and a creamy, tangy yogurt glaze that tastes utterly decadent yet leaves you feeling amazing. Whether you’re rushing out the door or sitting down to a leisurely brunch, this cozy bake captures the comfort of a fresh cinnamon roll, only lighter, more wholesome, and truly satisfying from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is how each pantry staple pulls its weight: oats give hearty chew, cinnamon brings warmth, applesauce keeps things moist, and that luscious cinnamon swirl crowns every bite. Here’s the essential cast of characters you’ll need to whip up this breakfast treat—simple, familiar, and each one playing a delicious part.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These form the perfect base, giving soft, chewy texture and earthy flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice, infusing both the baked oats and the sticky swirl with irresistible warmth.
- Baking powder: Adds a little lift, creating tender, cake-like oat squares.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all those cozy flavors.
- Unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice): Brings richness and just the right amount of moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, making each slice easy to serve and enjoy.
- Pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness with that subtle caramel note—used in both the oatmeal and the swirl.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out each bite with classic bakery aroma.
- Melted coconut oil (or butter): Adds richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- Unsweetened applesauce: For subtle sweetness and ultra-moist texture, plus a boost of fruitiness.
- Chopped pecans (optional): Lovely crunch in your warm, soft oatmeal squares—skip or sub walnuts if you like.
- For the sticky cinnamon swirl: Imagine ribbons of melted coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon—this makes every bite sticky and special.
- Optional glaze: Whisk up plain Greek yogurt with maple syrup and a hint of vanilla for that iconic drizzle that completes the experience.
How to Make Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Preheat
First up, set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. This helps the oatmeal bake cook evenly and release easily, keeping every portion picture-perfect—no sticking, just a smooth square ready to be enjoyed.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the oats, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Give this a good stir to distribute the cinnamon and baking powder evenly—this guarantees flavorful oats with that tender, slightly airy texture in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, whisk together the almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, melted coconut oil, and applesauce in a separate bowl. This wet mixture brings richness and sweetness, and that applesauce keeps everything extra moist. Take a moment to savor that cozy cinnamon-vanilla aroma!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry. With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold until combined—don’t overmix. If you love a little crunch, fold in the pecans now; if not, keep it classic and leave them out.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl
Scrape that glorious batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly so every corner gets its fair share. In a small bowl, stir together the sticky cinnamon swirl ingredients: melted coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle the swirl in dramatic ribbons over the top, then use a butter knife to create little swirls—this step creates pockets of gooey, sticky goodness you’ll love.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown. The smell will let you know it’s almost ready—think warm cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. Let the oatmeal cool slightly so it sets up just right for slicing.
Step 7: Finishing Touch—Optional Glaze
If you love a frosted cinnamon roll, whisk together the Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over the warm oatmeal bake just before serving for a tangy, creamy finale. Your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal now looks and tastes truly bakery-worthy!
How to Serve Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way—try a dusting of cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a few delicate lines of extra glaze on top. For an even prettier finish, add a couple of fresh apple slices or a handful of berries for a pop of color and freshness on top of your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal bake is beautifully filling on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a simple bowl of fresh fruit or a green smoothie for a breakfast spread. If you’re hosting brunch, serve it with scrambled eggs or cottage cheese on the side for a delightful mix of flavors and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal into squares and wrap them individually for grab-and-go breakfasts, or use a biscuit cutter to make fun circular portions for a café-style effect. Turn leftovers into parfaits with a layer of yogurt and berries, or warm a square and top with almond butter for an afternoon snack that feels like a treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your remaining Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Each square stays moist, chewy, and full of flavor, making it the ultimate meal prep breakfast that’s always ready when you are.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze individual slices by wrapping them well and popping them into a freezer-safe container. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen when you’re craving that cinnamon roll fix without the fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, just warm a slice in the microwave (30–60 seconds does the trick) or place it in a toaster oven or regular oven until heated through. This way, your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal will taste as fresh and comforting as the day you baked it.
FAQs
Can I make this oatmeal bake vegan?
Absolutely! Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs, your favorite plant-based milk, and coconut oil. Skip the Greek yogurt glaze or substitute with a vegan yogurt for the drizzle. Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal adapts perfectly for a vegan-friendly treat.
Can I use quick oats or steel-cut oats instead?
Stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture, as quick oats will make the bake mushier and steel-cut oats require different cook times and extra liquid. Rolled oats ensure your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is chewy, moist, and perfectly sliceable every time.
How sweet is this baked oatmeal?
This recipe is subtly sweet from the maple syrup and applesauce, with bursts of gooey caramelized swirl. If you love things extra sweet, feel free to up the drizzle or serve with a touch more maple syrup or glaze on top.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, try using mashed ripe banana or canned pumpkin. These swaps will give a slightly different flavor but keep that lovely moist texture in your Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your oats are certified gluten-free, this recipe is a delicious, safe option for anyone avoiding gluten. Enjoy the classic taste of cinnamon rolls without the gluten—or the sugar overload!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving all the best parts of a warm cinnamon roll—sticky, spiced, and comforting—without the sugar crash, this Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is calling your name! It’s easy to prep, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to brighten up any morning. Give it a try and let the scent of cinnamon and maple make your kitchen the coziest place to be.
Print
Healthy Sticky Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of a cinnamon roll with this healthy twist on baked oatmeal. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or meal prep, this sticky cinnamon roll oatmeal is gluten-free and refined sugar-free.
Ingredients
Main Oatmeal:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or butter)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Sticky Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together almond milk, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, melted coconut oil, and applesauce. Combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in pecans if using.
- Prepare cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, stir together coconut oil, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle or swirl over oatmeal mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top.
Notes
- This oatmeal can be made ahead and reheated.
- Use flax eggs for a vegan version.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or omit them entirely.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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