Name: Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (90g) old-fashioned rolled oats; ¾ cup (180g) plain Greek yogurt (dairy or plant-based); ¾–1 cup (180–240ml) milk of choice (adjust for desired thickness); 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (adjust to taste); 1½–2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of fine sea salt; Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds for extra thickness; ¼ cup (60g) cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese); 1–2 tbsp milk of choice; 1–2 tbsp powdered sugar or maple syrup (adjust sweetness); ½ tsp vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts; Extra cinnamon sprinkle

These cozy Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats capture the warm, gooey essence of classic cinnamon rolls in a healthy, no-cook breakfast. Rolled oats soak overnight in creamy Greek yogurt, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple, then get swirled with a simple cream cheese “icing” and sprinkled with cinnamon-sugar bits for that irresistible morning treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As an experienced chef, this is one of my favorite ways to trick my brain into thinking I’m eating dessert for breakfast—while secretly fueling my body with fiber, protein, and sustained energy.

The oats become luxuriously creamy, the cinnamon brings that nostalgic bakery warmth, the maple adds gentle caramel sweetness, and the quick cream cheese “icing” swirl on top delivers the classic cinnamon roll finish without any baking or guilt.

It’s ridiculously easy (just 5–10 minutes of prep), tastes indulgent yet is genuinely nourishing, looks beautiful layered in a jar, and keeps you full for hours.

Perfect for busy mornings, weekly meal prep, or when you’re craving comfort food that actually supports your day. Family, friends, and even kids go crazy for it—it feels like a weekend treat on a weekday schedule.

Yield: 2 generous servings

Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

Creamy cinnamon roll overnight oats with cream cheese icing swirl—cozy, no-cook breakfast treat

Prep Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

For the oats:

1 cup (90g) old-fashioned rolled oats
¾ cup (180g) plain Greek yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
¾–1 cup (180–240ml) milk of choice (adjust for desired thickness)
2 tbsp pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1½–2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of fine sea salt
Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds for extra thickness

For the cream cheese “icing”:

¼ cup (60g) cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese)
1–2 tbsp milk of choice
1–2 tbsp powdered sugar or maple syrup (adjust sweetness)
½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

2–3 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts
Extra cinnamon sprinkle

Instructions

Grab your jars — Use two 12–16 oz mason jars or containers with lids—perfect single-serve portions and beautiful presentation.
Add the oats — Divide rolled oats evenly between jars (½ cup each). This is your cozy, fiber-packed base.
Spoon in yogurt — Add Greek yogurt (about ⅓–½ cup per jar). It brings creaminess and a big protein boost.
Pour the milk — Add milk (start with ⅓ cup per jar; add more later if needed). Stir gently to combine oats and yogurt.
Mix in cinnamon magic — Add maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and chia seeds (if using). Stir vigorously until everything is evenly blended and fragrant.
Taste and adjust — Give it a quick taste—add more cinnamon for warmth or maple for sweetness. Stir well again.
Smooth and chill — Smooth the top of each jar for a clean layer. Secure lids and refrigerate at least 6 hours (overnight is best).
Make the icing — In a small bowl, whisk softened cream cheese, 1–2 tbsp milk, powdered sugar or maple, and vanilla until smooth and drizzle-able. Adjust consistency—thicker for swirls, thinner for drizzling.
Morning swirl — In the morning, give oats a quick stir. Spoon or drizzle the cream cheese icing generously over the top in a swirl pattern.
Finish and enjoy — Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and chopped pecans or walnuts if desired. Grab a spoon and dive into your ready-made cinnamon roll breakfast—pure cozy bliss!

Notes

Naturally vegetarian; easily vegan with plant-based yogurt, milk, and cream cheese. Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats. Cream cheese icing can be made ahead and stored separately. Warm oats gently (30–45 sec in microwave) if you prefer them heated.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 682Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 8gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 36mgSodium 139mgCarbohydrates 101gFiber 13gSugar 15gProtein 28g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use old-fashioned rolled oats—not quick or steel-cut—for the perfect creamy-yet-textured result.
Stir the mixture very well before refrigerating to prevent dry oat pockets.
Make the “icing” slightly thinner (more milk) if you prefer a drizzle, or thicker for dramatic swirls.
Let the oats sit at least 6 hours, but 8–12 hours gives maximum flavor melding and creaminess.
Warm the oats gently in the microwave for 30–45 seconds if you prefer them slightly heated.
Taste the base before chilling—adjust cinnamon or maple to your preferred intensity.
Layer the cream cheese icing on top just before eating so it stays fresh and pretty.
Toast extra pecans or walnuts for topping to add crunch and elevate the bakery vibe.

Ingredients Notes

Old-fashioned rolled oats form the hearty, fiber-rich base that soaks up liquid beautifully overnight. Plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based alternative) adds creaminess, bright tang, and a substantial protein boost.

Milk of choice (unsweetened almond, oat, dairy, etc.) provides the soaking liquid—unsweetened keeps the cinnamon and maple flavors front and center. Ground cinnamon is the star—use a fresh, high-quality one for warm, aromatic depth.

Pure maple syrup offers gentle, natural sweetness with caramel notes that mimic brown sugar in traditional rolls. Vanilla extract rounds out the cozy bakery flavor. For the “icing,” softened cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese) creates that classic tangy-sweet finish, lightened with a splash of milk and powdered sugar (or maple for a refined-sugar-free version).

Optional chopped pecans or walnuts add nutty crunch reminiscent of cinnamon roll toppings. Everything is simple, nutrient-dense, and easy to find—fresh cinnamon and real maple make the biggest flavor difference.

Variations and Substitutions

Use plant-based yogurt and milk for a fully vegan version. Swap Greek yogurt for skyr or blended cottage cheese for even more protein. Try coconut milk for subtle tropical notes or oat milk to enhance the oat flavor.

Replace maple syrup with honey, date syrup, or monk fruit sweetener for different sweetness profiles. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for deeper spice complexity. Stir in raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries for chewy fruit bits.

Make it nut-free by skipping pecans/walnuts and using sunflower seeds. For lower sugar, reduce maple and rely on riper bananas mashed into the base. Top with crushed cinnamon cereal, granola, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Layer with thin apple slices or sautéed apples for a cinnamon-roll-apple-pie twist. This recipe is very forgiving—customize spice, sweetness, and toppings to match your mood or pantry.

Storage Options

Store the oat base (without icing) in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Best texture and flavor on days 1–3. Keep the cream cheese icing separate in a small container (up to 5 days).

Stir oats before eating; add a splash of milk if thickened too much. Do not freeze (texture becomes watery when thawed). Perfect for Sunday meal prep—make 4–5 jars for grab-and-go breakfasts.