Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares Recipe

Intro

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, brown sugar, and baked oats filling your kitchen. That’s exactly what happens when you make Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares.

This recipe is my love letter to breakfast — sweet enough to feel like a treat, hearty enough to keep you fueled all morning. It’s perfect for busy mornings, brunch gatherings, or a cozy weekend breakfast that makes everyone smile.

As a home cook who enjoys making breakfast feel special, I adore dishes that balance indulgence with nourishment. These Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares do that beautifully.

With a cinnamon swirl running through soft, baked oats, a touch of brown sugar sweetness, and a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, it hits all the right notes. It’s comforting, it’s chewy, and it’s downright addictive.

Let’s dive into the magic of Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares.

What is Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares?

Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares are essentially a cross between classic cinnamon rolls and baked oatmeal. Instead of rolling dough, we create a baked oat base infused with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar.

A swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar in the middle adds that iconic cinnamon roll flavor. Once baked, a simple cream cheese glaze is drizzled on top to mimic the sweet frosting of a traditional cinnamon roll.

The result is portable, sliceable, and perfectly portioned squares that taste indulgent but are made with wholesome ingredients. They’re oatmeal-forward, meaning you get the fiber and heartiness of oats with the sweet, spiced charm of cinnamon rolls.

Equipment List

You won’t need much more than the basics in your kitchen for this recipe:

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Knife (for slicing)
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for glaze)

Simple, straightforward, and perfect for any home cook.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Serves: 6
Cuisine: American Breakfast/Brunch
Course: Breakfast
Calories: Approximately 250–300 per square (depending on portion size)

Ingredients

For the Oatmeal Base:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional toppings:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Additional cinnamon sugar sprinkle

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Squares

Spread half of the oatmeal batter evenly in the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top and gently swirl with a knife or skewer. Spread the remaining oatmeal batter over the top and lightly swirl again for a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

While the oatmeal is baking, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once baked, allow the oatmeal squares to cool for 5–10 minutes. Drizzle with the cream cheese glaze. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Optional: Sprinkle with chopped nuts or extra cinnamon sugar for added texture and flavor.

Flavor Experience

Every bite of these Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares is a balance of soft oats, warm cinnamon, and buttery sweetness. The cream cheese glaze adds a creamy, slightly tangy note, reminiscent of traditional cinnamon rolls without the heaviness. They’re slightly chewy, perfectly sweet, and so comforting.

The cinnamon swirl adds pockets of richer flavor that mimic the classic roll, while the oat base keeps it hearty and satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares

Use Fresh Oats

Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the perfect texture. Avoid instant oats — they can make the squares too mushy.

Don’t Overmix

When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the squares dense.

Customize Your Swirl

Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cardamom to the cinnamon swirl for extra warmth.

Cool Slightly Before Glazing

This prevents the glaze from melting into the squares, giving a pretty drizzle effect.

Variations

Fruit Add-ins

Fold in blueberries, chopped apples, or raisins for natural sweetness.

Vegan Version

Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, and replace the egg with flax or chia egg.

Nutty Crunch

Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the swirl for extra texture.

Chocolate Twist

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top before baking for a sweet variation.

Serving Suggestions

These squares are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack:

• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Pair with yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
• Great for meal prep — store in the fridge and reheat in the morning.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a warm, soft treat.

For longer storage, freeze the baked squares in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Why I Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares bring the best of breakfast indulgence without the mess or effort of rolling dough. They fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, are easy to slice and serve, and feel like a treat without going overboard. As a chef, I love how simple ingredients transform into something beautiful and comforting.

Final Thoughts

If you love cinnamon rolls but want a quicker, easier, and more wholesome option, Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares are a must-try. They’re perfect for mornings when you want something cozy, comforting, and shareable. Once you try them, they’ll likely become a regular in your breakfast rotation.

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy every sweet, cinnamon-swirled bite.