CINNAMON ROLL "OATMEAL"

Oatmeal is a comforting breakfast staple, but there's no rule that says it has to be savory. Enter cinnamon roll oatmeal, the ultimate sweet and satisfying spin on classic morning porridge. This genius recipe transforms a bowl of oats into a decadent, diner-style treat by stirring in flavors just like a giant cinnamon roll. With a creamy drizzle of sweetened cream cheese frosting on top, you’ll never look at oatmeal the same way again. Keep reading for how to make this new breakfast favorite.

Start with Old-Fashioned Oats

For the best texture and flavor, use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant or quick-cooking. The larger oat flakes soften into a creamier, heartier bowl of oatmeal that can stand up to all the sweet add-ins.

Steel-cut oats are another excellent option if you prefer nuttier texture. Follow packet directions for cooking until tender and creamy.

For a single serving, start with 1/2 cup dry oats cooked in water, milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.

Make it Thick

Don't skimp on the oats to liquid ratio. A thick, rich oatmeal works best to mimic cinnamon roll texture.

The More Cinnamon, the Better

No cinnamon roll is complete without ample warming cinnamon spice. To infuse oatmeal with cinnamon flavor and fragrance, stir in a generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon once cooked.

Start with at least 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon per single serving, and add more to taste. You really can’t overdo it when you’re aiming for cinnamon roll flavor!

Use true cinnamon if possible, not the cheaper cassia cinnamon that can taste harsh in large amounts.

Cinnamon Sugar

For convenience, stir in a tablespoon or two of pre-made cinnamon sugar mixture instead of plain cinnamon.

Vanilla Extract

Along with cinnamon, classic cinnamon rolls are scented with vanilla. To nail the flavor profile in oatmeal, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract after cooking.

The rich, warm vanilla notes blend beautifully with cinnamon. You can also swap in a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste for even more flavor impact.

Brown Sugar or Sweetener

What puts cinnamon rolls over the top is their gooey, sugary filling. Recreate this sweetness in oatmeal by mixing in soft brown sugar or your favorite granulated sugar substitute, to taste.

Maple syrup is another great way to incorporate candy-like sweetness. Just watch added sugars if limiting carbs.

Sneak in Fruit

For natural sweetness, stir in fresh orange segments, berries, bananas, apples or pineapple chunks instead.

Raisins or Dried Fruit

No cinnamon roll is complete without bursts of sweet, sticky raisins throughout. Recreate that flavor and texture in oatmeal with raisins or other chopped, dried fruits.

Soak the fruit in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to soften slightly. Try dates, cherries, cranberries, apricots or apples for variety.

Toasted Nuts or Seeds

Chopped toasted nuts add great crunch and flavor to sweet oatmeal. Try walnuts, pecans, sliced almonds, hazelnuts or peanuts.

Chia, hemp, sunflower or pumpkin seeds also make tasty sprinkles. Toast lightly first to intensify the nuttiness.

Cream Cheese Drizzle

What puts cinnamon roll oatmeal over the top is an indulgent drizzle of sweetened cream cheese frosting. Simply blend together cream cheese, milk, cinnamon and powdered sugar or vanilla stevia until creamy.

Spoon generously over hot oatmeal and swirl in. The contrast of sweet and creamy with warm, spiced oats is irresistible.

Conclusion

Move over savory oats, cinnamon roll oatmeal is here to satisfy sweet cravings for breakfast. With loads of cinnamon, brown sugar, nuts and a dreamy cream cheese drizzle, you can now enjoy the decadent flavors of a gooey cinnamon roll in healthy oatmeal form. Customize with your favorite nuts, fruits and sweeteners for a morning meal that feels like dessert. This game-changing recipe will make you fall in love with oatmeal all over again.

FAQs

1. What type of oats work best?

Old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats have the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I meal prep cinnamon roll oatmeal?

Yes! Store cooked oatmeal up to 5 days. Add toppings right before eating.

3. What nut or seed butter would be good?

Try cashew, almond or sunflower seed butter drizzled on top.

4. Can I use a sugar substitute?

Yes, monk fruit or stevia are great options to cut added sugars.

5. Do I need to add ice cream?

Not required, but a scoop on top never hurts!