Is there any better smell than cinnamon rolls baking in the morning? That warm, sweet, and spicy aroma is pure comfort. But let’s be honest, traditional cinnamon rolls are a project involving yeast, waiting, and a not-so-healthy dose of butter and sugar. What if you could capture all that cozy flavor in a wholesome, make-ahead breakfast that comes together in minutes?
Enter Vegan Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal. This recipe is a game-changer. Imagine the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and creamy icing of a classic cinnamon roll, but baked into a hearty, satisfying dish made from simple oats. It’s naturally vegan, easily customizable, and perfect for busy mornings. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a weekend brunch crowd, this dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Let’s create a breakfast that will make everyone jump out of bed!
Everything You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create magic. Here’s your shopping list:
For the Oatmeal Base:
- 2 cups (200g) rolled oats (old-fashioned oats, not quick oats for best texture)
- 1 ¾ cups (430ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy work perfectly)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) pure maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for a fluffy lift)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, let sit for 5 mins)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup (55g) soft brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil or vegan butter
For the Creamy Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1-2 tablespoons plant-based milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
*A quick note on oats: Rolled oats are essential. They provide the perfect chewy, substantial texture. Steel-cut oats won’t soften enough, and quick oats can become too mushy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect baked oatmeal every single time.
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot when your dish is ready to go in. Lightly grease a standard 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking dish with a little oil or vegan butter.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
In a small bowl, combine the soft brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix them well with a fork to break up any lumps. Then, pour in the melted coconut oil or vegan butter. Stir until it forms a wet, sandy, fragrant paste. This is your “cinnamon roll” heart! Set it aside.
Step 3: Mix the Oatmeal Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick stir. Now, add in the plant-based milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and your prepared flax egg. Stir everything together until it’s just combined and no dry patches of oats remain. Let the batter sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the oats to start absorbing the liquid, which leads to a creamier final texture.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour the oatmeal batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Now, take dollops of your cinnamon-sugar paste and distribute them evenly over the top of the oat batter. Take a knife or a chopstick and gently swirl it through the batter. Don’t over-mix! You want beautiful ribbons of cinnamon, not a uniformly brown batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set, golden brown around the edges, and the center springs back slightly when touched. The smell in your kitchen will be incredible!
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze & Serve
While the oatmeal is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of plant milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
Once the baked oatmeal is out of the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set. Then, drizzle that luscious glaze all over the top.
Serve it warm, straight from the dish!
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Oatmeal
Want to master this recipe? Here are some key tips:
- Texture is King: For a more cake-like, unified texture, blend half of the oats into a flour before mixing. For a heartier, chewy bite, use all whole rolled oats as directed.
- Prevent Burning: If the top is browning too quickly before the center is set, simply lay a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the dish for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch, or a handful of raisins or diced apple to the cinnamon swirl.
- Meal Prep Champion: This is a perfect make-ahead breakfast. Let it cool completely, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 60-90 seconds.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze baked oatmeal! Cut it into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in the microwave (covered).
Your New Favorite Breakfast Awaits
And there you have it the cozy, decadent flavor of a cinnamon roll, transformed into a nutritious, easy-to-make breakfast that powers your day. This Vegan Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal proves that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It’s forgiving, versatile, and guaranteed to become a staple in your home.
So, the next time that cinnamon roll craving hits, skip the complicated bake and whip up this simple dish instead. Your future self enjoying a warm, delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast on a busy Tuesday morning will thank you.
Don’t just dream about it preheat that oven and bake it! Share your creation with us by tagging your photos. What variations will you try?
