When the crispness of fall arrives, there’s nothing cozier than the scent of cinnamon drifting through your kitchen. For me, this recipe Cinnamon Roll Protein Overnight Oats captures everything I love about autumn mornings: warmth, comfort, and simplicity. It reminds me of waking up at my grandma’s house, the smell of cinnamon rolls in the oven and steam rising from mugs of tea. But this version adds a modern twist protein-packed, prep-ahead oats that taste like dessert and fuel your morning.
Cinnamon Roll Protein Overnight Oats have quickly become a community favorite at Fresh Leaf Recipes. They’re creamy, subtly sweet, and rich in that unmistakable cinnamon swirl flavor we all love yet incredibly nourishing. Whether you’re chasing little ones, working from home, or simply trying to stay on track with your wellness goals, this breakfast checks every box. And the best part? You make it the night before. Let’s dive into how to make this fan-favorite!
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Cinnamon Roll Protein Overnight Oats
- Total Time: 5 minutes (+ overnight chill)
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
Cinnamon Roll Protein Overnight Oats bring all the cozy, nostalgic vibes of a cinnamon roll—plus a protein boost for lasting fuel. A fall breakfast favorite, prepped the night before.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon “Swirl” Topping:
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cream cheese (or plant-based option), softened
- Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- In a medium jar or bowl, mix oats, almond milk, yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine swirl ingredients until smooth. Spoon over oat mixture and gently swirl with a knife or spoon without overmixing.
- Seal and refrigerate overnight (at least 6 hours).
- In the morning, stir gently and top with cinnamon, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of almond butter. Enjoy cold or slightly warmed.
Notes
Use rolled oats for best texture. Mild vanilla protein powder blends best. Store up to 4 days in the fridge. Warm cream cheese slightly if needed to make swirling easier.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: High-Protein
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Protein Overnight Oats
You’ll only need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what to grab:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon “Swirl” Topping:
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cream cheese (or a plant-based option), softened
- Optional: sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans
Want to level up your breakfast meal prep? These oats pair beautifully with our Protein Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough for a double boost of flavor and fuel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the base:
In a medium jar or bowl, combine oats, almond milk, yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until fully combined.
2. Swirl in the topping:
In a small bowl, mix the swirl ingredients until smooth. Dollop spoonfuls over the oat mixture and gently swirl it in using a knife or spoon. Don’t overmix—you want those ribbons of flavor to stay distinct.
3. Chill overnight:
Seal your jar and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. By morning, the oats will be thick, creamy, and infused with cinnamon roll magic.
4. Serve:
Enjoy cold or warm it slightly in the microwave. Top with a dash of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of almond butter if you’d like something extra cozy.
For a chilly fall morning, pair these oats with a warm slice of Sweet Sourdough Pumpkin Bread and your favorite herbal tea.
Tips for Success
- Use quality oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give you the best creamy-but-not-mushy texture.
- Choose a mild protein powder: Vanilla blends beautifully with the cinnamon roll flavor. Avoid overly sweet or flavored powders that might overpower the dish.
- Double the batch: These store well for 3–4 days in the fridge. Make a few jars ahead to stay fueled all week.
- Cream cheese tip: If your cream cheese is firm, warm it slightly before mixing for an easier swirl.
Not into cream cheese? A little coconut yogurt works well for a dairy-free swirl!
Easy Variations
Gluten-Free Version:
Use certified gluten-free oats and check your protein powder for gluten-containing additives. Done!
Dairy-Free Version:
Substitute almond or oat yogurt and use a dairy-free cream cheese like cashew or coconut-based.
With Streusel Topping:
Add a simple oat-nut-cinnamon crumble before serving for a real “baked cinnamon roll” vibe. This idea is inspired by the nutty crunch from our Apple Cinnamon Bread don’t skip it if you’re a texture lover.
Fall Mix-ins:
Try folding in shredded apple or pumpkin purée for a seasonal twist. It complements the flavors perfectly just like the comforting notes found in our Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes.
Or, if you’re after something more indulgent, a spoonful of Chocolate Cottage Cheese Ice Cream on top turns this breakfast into a healthy treat.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll Protein Overnight Oats
These oats are meal prep friendly and taste even better after a day or two.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezer: Not recommended. The texture of oats can become too watery when frozen and thawed.
If you’re into strategic meal planning, consider pairing this recipe with options from our Oatzempic collection to build your high-protein breakfast routine.
Why This Recipe Works
Cinnamon Roll Protein Overnight Oats deliver the cozy feeling of weekend baking without the mess or the sugar crash. They’re rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein, helping you stay full and energized through the morning. This makes them a perfect choice for anyone following a balanced eating plan.
Looking for other fall favorites to rotate through your week? You might also love our Banana Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread or our Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars.