Overnight oats are packed with fiber and protein, but let’s be real – most versions taste like cardboard disguised as breakfast. This cinnamon roll overnight oatmeal changed everything for me.

After years of bland overnight oat recipes that left me reaching for sugary alternatives by 10 AM, I finally found a way to make them absolutely irresistible.

Brown suger Apple Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Oats (chia seed)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Foolproof technique means perfect results every time: The overnight soaking method prevents mushy texture and ensures creamy consistency. You’ll never end up with watery, disappointing oats that need extra work in the morning.
Bakery quality with wholesome ingredients: Simple plant-based ingredients create a breakfast that tastes like it came from an upscale café. The cinnamon and brown sugar combination is pure comfort food magic.
Lightning-fast preparation saves your sanity: Five minutes the night before creates grab-and-go breakfast that’s ready when your alarm goes off. Perfect for busy mornings when you need something nutritious on the table instantly.

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Easy Amish Cinnamon Bread

Easy Banana French Toast Muffins with Cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oatmeal

Ingredients

1 cup old fashioned oats: Look for oats that aren’t pre-processed or instant varieties. Steel cut oats work too but need at least 4 hours of soaking because of their tougher exterior.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: This creates that caramelized molasses flavor that makes it taste like real cinnamon rolls. Maple syrup works as a substitute if you prefer liquid sweeteners.
1 tablespoon chia seeds: These tiny powerhouses add protein, omega-3s, and help create that perfect creamy texture as they absorb liquid overnight.
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed: Ground flaxseed provides fiber and healthy fats while contributing to the overall nutritional profile without affecting taste.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: This is what makes the magic happen. Ground cinnamon provides that warm, comforting flavor that transforms ordinary oats into something special.
Pinch of salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
1 cup milk: Any milk works best here – oat, almond, or coconut milk all create slightly different flavor profiles. The liquid should completely cover the dry ingredients.
2 cup yogurt: The creaminess of coconut yogurt creates rich texture, but Greek yogurt, almond, or soy varieties work equally well.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Optional: Healthy Protein Icing
1 tbsp coconut yogurt or another plant-based yogurt (such as almond) : Sweetened varieties work perfectly, or you can use plain and adjust sweetness with maple syrup.
1/2 tsp maple syrup: Natural sweetness that balances the slight tang from yogurt and lemon juice.
1/2 tsp lemon juice: The acid balances sweetness and prevents the icing from being cloying.
1 tsp oat milk or another plant-based milk such as soy or almond: This thins the yogurt to drizzling consistency. Use the same milk type as your base recipe for flavor consistency.

Equipment Needed

Large bowl for mixing overnight oats (optional – mason jar works fine) Small bowl for mixing icing
Mason jars (2) or glass containers with tight-fitting lids
Measuring cups and spoons

Directions

Use a large bowl or mason jar for mixing. Combine all dry ingredients first: oats, brown sugar, chia seeds, flaxseed, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
Add the wet ingredients: milk, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and there are no dry spots.
Divide the mixture into two mason jars or glass containers for easy, grab-and-go portions.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight refrigeration gives the best results as the oats absorb the liquid and flavors blend.
For the icing, use a small bowl to whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, maple syrup, and milk until smooth but pourable.
Drizzle the icing over the oats in a swirl pattern for a fun, cinnamon-roll-inspired presentation.

Important Insights That Make a Difference

Oat variety affects final texture more than people realize: Old fashioned oats create the ideal consistency – steel cut oats need longer soaking while quick oats can become mushy. I’ve tested this with everything from budget store brands to premium organic varieties, and the oat type matters more than the brand.
Liquid ratios determine success or failure: Too much liquid creates soupy oats while too little leaves them dry and unappetizing. The 3/4 cup measurement provides perfect consistency, but different plant milks absorb differently so minor adjustments might be needed.
Soaking time is crucial for optimal results: The minimum 4-hour requirement isn’t arbitrary – chia seeds and oats need adequate time to fully hydrate. Overnight soaking allows flavors to develop complexity that shorter times simply can’t achieve.

Variations to Try

Apple cinnamon twist – Diced apples mixed into the base recipe add natural sweetness and satisfying texture contrast.
Chocolate indulgence – Dairy-free mini chocolate chips or melted dark chocolate drizzle transforms this into dessert territory.
Pumpkin spice perfection – Pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice create the ultimate fall breakfast experience.
Cream cheese icing upgrade – Softened vegan cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar and plant milk creates richer, more indulgent topping.

For the Icing Topping

Coconut Yogurt (or plant-based yogurt): Use sweetened coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt for a smooth, creamy texture.
Plant-Based Milk: Oat, soy, or almond milk will help thin out the icing to the right consistency.
Pure Maple Syrup: A small amount of maple syrup adds just the right level of natural sweetness without being overwhelming.
Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice cuts through the sweetness and balances the flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Preparation Methods

These Overnight Oats In A Jar make the perfect grab-and-go Breakfast Overnight Oats that transform your morning routine. For an even creamier texture, try the Blended Overnight Oats method: after the overnight soaking period, transfer the mixture to a blender and pulse a few times until you reach your desired consistency. This creates an incredibly smooth, almost pudding-like texture that some people prefer over the traditional chunky style. The blended version also incorporates the chia seeds more seamlessly, making it perfect for those who want all the nutritional benefits without the texture variation.

FAQs

Can I use regular dairy yogurt instead of plant-based options?

Regular Greek yogurt works perfectly fine if you don’t follow a plant-based diet. The texture and protein content are similar, though the flavor will be slightly different from coconut yogurt. Dairy yogurt tends to be more tart, so you might want to add a touch more sweetener to balance the flavors. The same ratios apply – use 1/3 cup for the base recipe and 2 tablespoons for the icing.

How long can I store these overnight oats in the refrigerator?

These oats stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The texture actually improves over the first day as ingredients continue to meld together. Make sure your containers seal tightly to prevent the oats from drying out or absorbing other flavors from your fridge. This makes them perfect for Sunday meal prep that lasts through Thursday morning.

What’s the best way to prevent the chia seeds from clumping together? Mixing the chia seeds with the dry ingredients first prevents clumping better than adding them to liquid. When you combine everything, make sure to stir thoroughly and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, then stir again before refrigerating. This initial resting period allows the seeds to begin absorbing liquid individually rather than forming clusters that create uneven texture.

Brown sugar Apple Cinnamon Streusel Overnight Oats (chia seed)

Recipe by JaveriaCourse: Dessert

Servings

servings

minutes

Soaking Time

hours

Total time

hours

minutes