Sticky Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Secretly Healthy

We love starting our mornings with oats in some form. Our favorites include overnight oats, blueberry baked oatmeal, and this creamy cinnamon roll oatmeal. I’ve grown up eating cinnamon and oatmeal together. My standard bowl of oatmeal would have the same three things- cinnamon, brown sugar, and a dollop of cream cheese. Now that I am focused on making my oatmeal healthier and more filling, I’ve changed things up a little bit. The cinnamon is still there and the cream cheese has been replaced by dairy free cream cheese but now there is a secret addition- protein powder! Adding a scoop of cinnamon roll protein powder takes this cinnamon oatmeal to another level. It adds thickness, extra creaminess, and a whopping 35 grams of protein.

Why make this cinnamon roll oatmeal?

This sticky cinnamon roll batter oatmeal doesn’t need words to describe it- The name says it all. It literally has the taste and texture of a sticky cinnamon bun, but without the sugar, butter, or flour. While this oatmeal is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and vegan, it’s also completely sugar free.

How to make cinnamon oatmeal

The Ingredients

Rolled Oats– I prefer rolled oats over quick cooking oats, because they have a thicker and chewier texture. Feel free to use quick oats if you prefer smoother oatmeal. Be sure to use gluten free oats, to keep this recipe gluten free. Salt– Brings out the flavor of all the other ingredients. Cinnamon– You can add much more than recommended, especially if you like a stronger cinnamon flavor. Milk of choice– Any unsweetened milk of choice can be used. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Granulated sweetener of choice– Gives the oatmeal extra sweetness, without adding sugar. Monk fruit sweetener and erythritol are my preferred sugar free sweeteners. Protein Powder– Optional, but highly recommended. Use a vanilla or cinnamon flavored protein powder. Cream Cheese– To stir through the oatmeal to give it a true cinnamon bun flavor. I used dairy free cream cheese, but use standard if you don’t follow a dairy free recipe.

The Instructions

Start by preparing your oatmeal in either the microwave or saucepan. Combine your oats with salt, cinnamon, and the milk of choice. Microwave or heat on stovetop until the liquid has been mostly absorbed by the milk. Next, add the granulated sweetener of choice, before whisking in the protein powder, until fully incorporated. Finally, stir through the cream cheese and top with extra cinnamon, if desired.

Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

If you prefer your oatmeal overnight oats style, you can definitely prepare it that way. This is great if you’d like to prep your breakfast in advance. You will only need to use half the amount of milk required. Combine all your ingredients into a cereal bowl or shallow container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. When ready to eat, mix together all the ingredients together and add extra milk, if desired.

Slow cooker tips

Easily prepare a big batch of making crockpot or slow cooker oatmeal. For 4 servings– 3 cups water, 3 cups milk of choice, 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup granulated sweetener of choice, 2 tablespoons cinnamon. Place the water, milk, and oats in a slow cooker and cover. Cook on low for 8 hours. Turn off heat and stir through the granulated sweetener and cinnamon.

Storing and Freezing Oatmeal

To store: If you prep multiple batches of cinnamon oatmeal keep stored in the refrigerator at all times. Oatmeal will keep well for up to 5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or stovetop when ready to eat. To freeze: Cream cheese oatmeal is freezer friendly and can be stored in the freezer. Be sure to use freezer friendly containers. To thaw: Thaw oatmeal overnight in the refrigerator or the day of at room temperature.