Cinnamon Roll Protein Overnight Oats Recipe

It takes just minutes to assemble this cinnamon protein overnight oats recipe, making it simple for meal-prepped grab-and-go breakfasts. These overnight protein oats are inspired by classic cinnamon bun flavours, but with so many incredibly nourishing ingredients to get your mornings started off right!

Okay let’s get real for a second here, I am a high-protein overnight oats fein. An absolute FEIN I tell you. If cinnamon protein overnight oats were a food group I would be the healthiest human alive. End of story.

The thought of a gooey warm cinnamon roll in the morning sounds amazing at the time, right? Then you have a sugar crash, feel like garbage, and wish you would have opted for a healthy no-cook breakfast. 

This is why I love protein overnight oats so much. They taste amazing, and leave you feeling fantastic to kick start your day.

They are a delicious breakfast to meal prep for busy mornings, and are made with simple ingredients to make you feel your best.

If you like these overnight oats you may also like to try my Pumpkin Cheesecake Overnight Oats, my Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats or my Carrot Cake Overnight Oats. 

Whenever I make overnight oats I always get asked the same two questions. What is the best container for overnight oats? And what kind of oats for overnight oats?

The answers are very simple to these questions. The best container is any container, from a Tupperware to a glass jar to a bowl, it really doesn’t matter. And for what kind of oats, I always say stick with old fashioned oats or quick oats, and stay away from steel-cut oats.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLL OVERNIGHT OATS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these overnight proats (the exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Gluten-free rolled oats or quick oats – It’s not required to use gluten free for the recipe to work, but you can if you want to lower gluten content.
• Almond Milk – any non-dairy milk will work here. Cashew milk, oat milk, coconut milk or soy can be used and regular milk will do the job as well if you would prefer to use that.
• Chia Seeds –  They help thicken the overnight oats by absorbing some of the liquid that might be seeping from the almond milk.
• Vanilla protein powder – one of the benefits of overnight oats is you can turn them into a protein-packed meal by simply adding in some protein power. This will help you feel full for longer. For all of you that are struggling to meet their protein goals, a breakfast of high-protein overnight oats is definitely the way to go. My favourite protein powder is PEScience and you can use code BAILEY at checkout for a special deal on all their products! 
• Cinnamon – to really give it the cinnamon roll flavour. I like using something high quality like Simply Organics, but anything will work here.
• white chocolate chips – you can use a vegan brand for dairy-free.
• Greek yogurt – thick coconut yogurt would be the best vegan substitution here. Vanilla greek yogurt will also work, but you may want to omit the white chocolate chips.
• cream cheese – you can use your favourite brand of vegan cream cheese.
• Optional – brown sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, fresh fruit, cottage cheese, etc.

HOW TO MAKE PROTEIN OVERNIGHT OATS

1. Add all oat ingredients to a bowl or jar. Stir well and refrigerate while you get the ganache topping ready.
2. Microwave white chocolate in 30 second intervals. Mix in with cream cheese and greek yogurt. I used a wire whisk to get rid of clumps.
3. Remove oats from refrigerator and pour ganache overtop. Put back in fridge for 4 hours minimum, or overnight to set.
4. In the morning top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Grab your make-ahead breakfast and go!

ARE OVERNIGHT OATS HEALTHY?

Yes, protein oats are a healthy breakfast recipe. They are rich in fibre and have a high protein content, especially with the added protein powder that is also added. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

CAN YOU FREEZE OVERNIGHT OATS?

Yes, you absolutely can freeze these cinnamon overnight oats. It’s a great way to increase the shelf life on them. Typically they can last up to 6 months in the freezer, however the texture and taste will change the longer they are frozen.

CAN YOU WARM UP OVERNIGHT OATS

Overnight oats are typically served chilled, however if you prefer your protein oatmeal warm then you can warm them up. Either remove the greek yogurt ganache and heat the oats up in the microwave, or you can warm them over the stove. 

CAN I USE QUICK OATS FOR OVERNIGHT OATS

Yes, quick oats are rolled oats are best for protein powder overnight oats. Do not use steel cut oats for any high protein overnight oats recipe. 

CALORIES IN OVERNIGHT OATS

The calories in overnight oats recipes depends on many factors. If it’s a basic overnight oats flavour, something like a Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats it may be less calories than a recipe with a cream cheese greek yogurt ganache. Something like an almond milk overnight oats will be less calories than an oat milk high protein oatmeal recipe. 

An overnight oats recipe with protein powder will be more calories than a recipe without, however it will contain a lot more protein to keep you satiated throughout the day.

DIFFERENT VARIATIONS FOR THESE EASY OVERNIGHT OATS

Protein overnight oats recipes are a versatile and nutritious breakfast option that can be customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Creamy Oats:
   • Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter to the oats before refrigerating.
   • Top with sliced bananas, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
2. Vegan Berry Blast:
   • For a vegan option, stir in a handful of mixed berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
   • For extra sweetness, mix in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup and vanilla vegan protein powder.
   • Top with additional fresh berries and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
3. Almond Joy:
   • Mix in 1 tablespoon of almond butter, 1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut, and a handful of chopped almonds in an airtight container or mason jar.
   • Optional: Stir in a teaspoon of cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips for added indulgence.
4. Matcha Green Tea:
   • Add 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder to the oats and mix well.
   • Top with sliced kiwi, a sprinkle of hemp seeds, and a drizzle of honey or liquid sweetener of choice. A touch of vanilla would also be great here.
5. Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats:
   • Stir in 1/4 cup of grated fresh apples, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
   • Top with diced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a dollop of almond or cashew butter, and you’ve got yourself apple pie oats.
6. Tropical Paradise:
   • Add 1/4 cup of diced pineapple, 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut, and a handful of chopped macadamia nuts.
   • Top with sliced mango, a sprinkle of coconut flakes, and a drizzle of agave syrup.

Other High Protein Overnight Oats

• Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats
• Birthday Cake Overnight Oats
• Peaches & Cream Overnight Oats
• Gluten Free Key Lime Pie Overnight Oats
• Biscoff Overnight Oats

IF YOU TRIED THIS EASY BREAKFAST PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails