High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a treat but power-packs your morning with nutrition, look no further than High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. This recipe captures everything you crave about cinnamon rolls—the sweet spice, the hearty comfort, and of course, that signature cream cheese drizzle—but with a better-for-you twist. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, landing perfectly between cozy and energizing, and will leave you smiling whether you’re grabbing a quick weekday bite or sitting down for a leisurely brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few everyday ingredients can come together to create such a delicious and wholesome breakfast! Each component of this High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal has a purpose—bringing out the flavor, texture, or nutrient boost you’ll love in every bite.

• Rolled Oats: The heart of this dish and what gives it that hearty, comforting bite.
• Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk: Adds creamy moisture and a subtle vanilla note with fewer calories.
• Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt: The secret to extra protein and a super fluffy bake.
• Liquid Egg Whites: Lean protein that helps bind everything together without extra fat.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: For that irresistible sweetness, minus the extra sugar and calories; you can sub in your favorite zero-calorie sweetener.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the bakery-style flavor—don’t skip this!
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice, giving this oatmeal its classic cinnamon roll soul.
• Baking Powder: Helps the oatmeal puff up and get that soft, cake-like texture.
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and deepen the other flavors.
• Fat-Free Cream Cheese (for the frosting): Delivers creaminess and that iconic cinnamon roll finish.
• Additional Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (for the frosting): Adjusts the frosting to the perfect drizzle consistency.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener (for the frosting): Makes the creamy topping perfectly sweet and guilt-free.

How to Make High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—this will ensure plenty of room for stirring everything together. Whisk the almond milk, Greek yogurt, egg whites, vanilla extract, and monk fruit sweetener until smooth. This creates a creamy, protein-rich base that’s not only delicious but also gives the oatmeal its satisfying texture. Once combined, fold in your rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until there are no dry patches left. Cover, and pop the bowl in the fridge to let the oats soak up that flavorful mixture for at least several hours or overnight for the best tenderness and taste. Trust me—this step is worth the little bit of planning ahead!

Step 2: Bake the Oatmeal

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a light mist of nonstick spray, so serving is easy later. Pour the thick, soaked oat mixture in, spreading it out evenly to the corners. This ensures every bite bakes up perfectly. Slide your dish into the oven and let it bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The aroma of cinnamon will fill your kitchen, signaling something wonderful is coming! The oatmeal is done when the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

While your High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal cools a bit (patience is hard here!), whisk together the fat-free cream cheese, monk fruit sweetener, and just enough almond milk to make a smooth, pourable consistency. This frosting is like the cherry on top, tying the whole “cinnamon roll” vibe together but keeping things light and fresh.

Step 4: Serve

Drizzle the luscious cream cheese frosting all over the warm oatmeal, letting it sink into the golden top. Slice into 9 squares and serve while still warm for ultimate comfort. Each square gives you the classic flavors you crave, plus major fueling power to start your day right.

How to Serve High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dusting of chopped toasted pecans can make every serving feel special. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny swirl of extra cream cheese frosting on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

This oatmeal pairs beautifully with a cold glass of almond milk, a mug of strong coffee, or a bright fruit salad. If you’re making a brunch spread, try serving it alongside scrambled eggs or plain Greek yogurt for extra variety and protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the baked oatmeal into rounds using a cookie cutter to mimic cinnamon rolls, or layer cubes in glass jars with extra yogurt and berries for an eye-catching parfait. For a special occasion, you can serve it in mini ramekins for individual portions—so fun and elegant!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is fantastic for meal prep. Once completely cool, store extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors keep deepening, making leftovers even tastier as the week goes on.

Freezing

Want to enjoy your baked oatmeal even longer? Slice into squares, wrap each piece individually, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to three months—just be sure to add the frosting after reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Warm up individual squares in the microwave (about 30-45 seconds) or in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes. If you froze the oatmeal, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add fresh frosting for that just-baked magic.

FAQs

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

Rolled oats truly give the best texture for High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal, but you can swap for quick oats in a pinch (reduce baking time slightly). Steel-cut oats don’t absorb the liquid as evenly, so they won’t yield the same soft, cake-like bite.

Is it possible to use a different milk or yogurt?

Absolutely! You can sub in any unsweetened non-dairy milk, or even regular dairy milk. For the yogurt, any plain (dairy or non-dairy) high-protein variety will work, but Greek yogurt keeps things especially rich and fluffy.

Can I make this recipe fully dairy free?

Yes, you can! Use a non-dairy Greek-style yogurt and swap in a vegan cream cheese for the frosting. Just be sure to check that your substitutions don’t add extra sugar if you want to keep things light.

How can I add even more protein?

If you want an even higher protein boost, try stirring in a scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the batter. Just add a splash more almond milk if things look too thick before baking.

Does High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal taste good cold?

It’s surprisingly delicious cold—almost like a hearty, sweet breakfast bar. It’s perfect for grab-and-go mornings, but if you want that ultra-cozy cinnamon roll vibe, a quick reheat does wonders.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new breakfast obsession! High-Protein Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal is a warm, indulgent start to any day, but with the kind of nutrition that’s easy to feel great about. Each bite is proof that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of pure comfort!

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