Save to Pinterest This Cinnamon Swirl Baked Oatmeal brings all the warmth and comfort of a cinnamon roll into an easy and wholesome breakfast bake. Whether you are feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, every forkful of this oatmeal feels like a hug on a chilly morning.
I first made this while trying to use up a surplus of oats and the aroma alone had everyone up early. Now it is a Sunday morning favorite at my house that disappears long before lunchtime.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Oats are the star for hearty texture Go for thick-cut if possible for the best body and chew
- Baking powder: Makes the oatmeal more cake-like and gives it a gentle lift Look for aluminum-free for the purest taste
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances all the sweetness Choose fine sea salt for even seasoning
- Ground cinnamon: The essential warm spice Use a fresh ground or high-quality variety for the boldest aroma
- Eggs: Help bind and give a slightly fluffy finish Choose fresh large eggs for best results
- Maple syrup: Sweetens gently and adds classic depth Opt for pure maple syrup not pancake syrup for full flavor
- Milk: Gives moisture and richness Dairy or unsweetened non-dairy both work I love using oat or almond milk for added nuttiness
- Melted butter: Makes every bite tender A little extra for greasing keeps sticking at bay Use real butter for best flavor or plant-based for vegan option
- Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy note Always use pure not imitation vanilla
- Brown sugar: For that signature cinnamon swirl Boosts both flavor and a bit of caramel undertone Choose fresh and soft brown sugar
- More cinnamon: An extra swirl means more spice Use the best you can find
- Optional nuts or fruit: Add crunch or juicy sweetness Try toasted pecans walnuts raisins or diced apples Select toasted nuts for extra depth and sweet crisp apples for a fresh spin
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease your 8x8-inch baking dish all the way to the corners with melted butter so the oatmeal lifts out easily later
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- Combine rolled oats baking powder salt and ground cinnamon in a large bowl Stir well so the leavening and seasoning are distributed throughout every bite
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- Whisk together eggs maple syrup milk more melted butter and vanilla extract until completely smooth This step helps the mixture bake up evenly and gives each serving moisture and flavor
- Bring Dry and Wet Ingredients Together:
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry and fold gently until you no longer see patches of dry oats Stir in any nuts or fruits at this stage for a burst of texture or color
- Fill the Baking Dish:
- Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and spread into an even layer Take a moment to level it out for even baking
- Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Mix brown sugar more ground cinnamon and melted butter in a small bowl until a thick paste forms This is your secret to those sweet cinnamon ribbons
- Swirl the Batter:
- Drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the top of the oatmeal batter Take a knife or small spatula and gently swirl it through the top third of the mixture to create visible ribbons without combining it fully
- Bake to Perfection:
- Transfer the pan to the center rack and bake for about thirty five to forty minutes The edges should be golden and the center just set A slight jiggle is okay as it will firm as it cools
- Cool Before Serving:
- Set the baked oatmeal aside for ten minutes after baking This allows the texture to settle and makes cutting easier Serve warm with any desired toppings
Save to Pinterest My favorite part is the cinnamon swirl that bakes into gooey pockets My youngest daughter loves pressing the swirl in and asks for extra cinnamon every time Last winter we made this together during a snow day and it became our new cozy snow morning routine
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool fully then store them tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to five days Individual squares can be reheated in the microwave or toaster oven Splash with a tablespoon of milk when reheating for best texture
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is friendly for swaps For a vegan option use flax eggs plant butter and a creamy plant milk If you are out of maple syrup honey or agave work fine Gluten free oats keep it safe for most dietary needs Mixed berries or diced pears are great if apples or raisins are not in hand
Serving Suggestions
Top warm slices with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or a swirl of almond butter For a brunch spread offer bowls of chopped fruit toasted nuts and honey at the table My favorite is a drizzle of milk and a scatter of blueberries for a classic finish
A Bite of History
Baked oatmeal is rooted in American home kitchens often found at family gatherings and holiday breakfasts The cinnamon swirl calls to mind classic coffee cakes and sticky buns but with more wholesome ingredients This dish brings bakery vibes straight to your kitchen without the fuss
Seasonal Adaptations
Try adding chopped peaches or strawberries in the summer Spiced pumpkin puree can be folded into fall versions Swap in pears and a pinch of ginger for a winter spin
Save to Pinterest Allow the oatmeal to cool fully before slicing so each square holds together best If you like crisp edges let it bake five minutes longer For extra bakery style try sprinkling a pinch of extra brown sugar on top before baking
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Quick oats can be substituted, but the texture may be softer and less chewy compared to rolled oats.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based milk and butter. Substitute eggs with flax eggs for a completely vegan version.
- → Can I prepare baked oatmeal ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate overnight or bake ahead. Reheat portions as desired for quick mornings.
- → What fruit and nuts work best as add-ins?
Pecans, walnuts, raisins, and chopped apples add flavor and texture. Try berries or dried cranberries for variety.
- → How do I achieve a good cinnamon swirl?
Drizzle the swirl mixture over batter and gently swirl with a knife, avoiding over-mixing for a distinct pattern.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use certified gluten-free oats and check labels to ensure no cross-contamination for a gluten-free breakfast.