If you’ve ever daydreamed about waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon buns but wished for a nutritious, fuss-free breakfast, you’re going to love Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats. This easy, no-cook recipe captures all the cozy flavors of gooey cinnamon rolls, swirled into creamy oats you can prep the night before. Imagine digging into soft oats layered with cinnamon, brown sugar, and dreamy vanilla—all ready to greet you first thing in the morning. These oats are the perfect blend of indulgent and wholesome, sure to become your new favorite morning treat!

Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential part, from flavor to texture to that gorgeous swirl. Gather these pantry staples and you’ll be amazed how easily breakfast transforms into something special.

Old-fashioned rolled oats: The base of our overnight oats, offering the perfect balance of softness and bite without turning mushy.
Milk (any kind): For creamy oats—use dairy or a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, based on your preference.
Greek yogurt: Adds rich creaminess and a protein boost, making your oats extra filling.
Chia seeds: These little seeds thicken the oats and provide a pleasant texture, plus fiber and omega-3s.
Brown sugar: Gives your oats that signature cinnamon bun sweetness and a light caramel flavor.
Cinnamon: The star spice—warm, fragrant, and utterly essential for true cinnamon roll taste.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the nostalgic, bakery-style aroma.
Cream cheese (optional): For that “icing on the bun” effect—just a swirl stirred in before serving makes all the difference!
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

How to Make Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a good-sized bowl or a large mason jar, combine your rolled oats, milk, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. This ensures your oats soak up all that creamy goodness evenly, resulting in the perfect soft-yet-hearty texture come morning.

Step 2: Sweeten and Spice

Add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and that pinch of salt. Don’t skimp on the cinnamon—it’s what brings all those dreamy “cinnamon bun” vibes to life! Stir well so the cinnamon and sugar are distributed throughout the oats, swirling them into every bite.

Step 3: Let It Rest Overnight

Cover your bowl or jar and pop it in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours, if you’re short on time). This let’s the oats absorb all the liquid and flavors, thickening into a creamy, almost dessert-like consistency you’ll love.

Step 4: Stir and Swirl in Cream Cheese

The next morning, give your oats a good stir. If you’re feeling fancy, warm up a tablespoon or two of cream cheese in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it, then dollop or swirl it right into your oats for that classic cinnamon roll frosting flavor—so delicious!

Step 5: Add Final Toppings

Top your cinnamon bun overnight oats with extra cinnamon, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, chopped nuts, or even a few raisins if you like. Now, you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats

Garnishes

To really capture the essence of a bakery-fresh treat, top your oats with a dusting of ground cinnamon, a drizzle of syrup, or a few spoons of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you use cream cheese, a swirl on top just before serving will make your Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats look (and taste) irresistible!

Side Dishes

A bowl of these oats pairs perfectly with fresh fruit—try apple slices, ripe pears, or a handful of berries for a pop of brightness. For more protein, enjoy with a freshly boiled egg or a small smoothie on the side, turning this breakfast into a super satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it fun by layering oats and cream cheese mixture parfait-style in clear glasses—great for brunch or to wow your family! You can even portion the Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats into little jars with lids for a grab-and-go option, or serve in coffee mugs topped with a little cinnamon-sugar for maximum “cinnamon bun” effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store them in airtight jars or containers and just give them a good stir before serving—so easy for busy mornings!

Freezing

Although overnight oats are best fresh, you can freeze portions in individual containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating—the texture might change slightly, but the flavor will still remind you of your favorite breakfast treat.

Reheating

If you prefer your Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats warm, just microwave them for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add a splash more milk if they seem a bit thick, and top with extra cream cheese or cinnamon to serve.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for a plant-based version, use coconut or almond yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Your Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats will still taste amazing.

How sweet are these oats? Can I adjust the sugar?

They have a gentle brown sugar sweetness that’s not overpowering, just like a cinnamon roll. Feel free to adjust the brown sugar to your liking, or substitute with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a different twist.

Do I have to use chia seeds?

Chia seeds help thicken the oats and add nutrition, but you can skip them if needed. Your Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats will just be a bit looser—still delicious!

Can I use steel-cut oats instead?

Steel-cut oats don’t soften as nicely without cooking and can be a bit chewy for this recipe. For best results, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats to keep the texture perfectly creamy and satisfying.

Are Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor is always a hit with kids. Let them sprinkle toppings themselves to make breakfast extra fun and interactive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself to a breakfast that feels like a big morning hug, give Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats a try. You’ll love waking up to all the comforting flavors of your favorite pastry—without the fuss of baking. Go ahead and make a batch tonight; your taste buds will thank you!

Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats Recipe

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5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats are a delicious and easy breakfast option that tastes like a decadent treat. With warm cinnamon flavors and a hint of sweetness, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you want a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Oat Base:

1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon maple syrup

Cinnamon Swirl:

1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon almond butter

Toppings:

Sliced bananas
Chopped nuts
Additional maple syrup, to taste

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Instructions

Oat Base: In a jar or container, combine oats, almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Stir well to mix.
Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and almond butter until smooth.
Layering: In the jar with the oat base, alternate layers of oat mixture and cinnamon swirl until all the ingredients are used up.
Refrigerate: Cover the jar and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
Serve: In the morning, remove from the fridge, top with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, and drizzle with additional maple syrup, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

You can customize these overnight oats with your favorite toppings such as fresh berries, shredded coconut, or a dollop of yogurt.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup, according to your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American