Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares bring the comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls to your breakfast table in a wholesome, convenient format. Imagine waking up to the tantalizing smell of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, promising a treat that’s not just delicious but also nutritious. I stumbled upon this recipe during a weekend brunch planning session, and it quickly became a family favorite. These oatmeal squares perfectly blend the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar, wrapped in a hearty, satisfying base of oats. They make a wonderful addition to any breakfast spread or a delightful snack for busy afternoons.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares. Let’s start with the ease and speed of preparation. In just a matter of minutes, you can have these mouth-watering squares in the oven, filling your home with an irresistible aroma while you sip your morning coffee. They’re also a budget-friendly option, allowing you to whip up a delicious breakfast without breaking the bank.
And what about the kids? These squares are a huge hit! My own children adore them and request them often, making them a winner in any household.
"I can’t believe how easy this was to make! My kids devoured it in minutes, asking for seconds. Definitely going to be a regular in our breakfast rotation!"
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares is a breeze. Start by preheating your oven and greasing the baking dish. Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Then, combine them, layering half the mixture, followed by a delightful cinnamon swirl, and top with the remaining oatmeal. Finally, pop it in the oven and wait for the magic to happen!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful oatmeal squares:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the swirl:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
If you’re looking for substitutions, almond or oat milk works well instead of cow’s milk, and you can swap maple syrup for agave if desired.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the milk, maple syrup (or honey), melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
- Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour half of the oatmeal mixture into the greased baking dish.
- For the cinnamon swirl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the first oatmeal layer.
- Layer on the remaining oatmeal mixture, topping it with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the squares are set and lightly golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Pair them with some fresh fruit, like sliced bananas or berries, for added freshness. A dollop of yogurt also works wonders, providing a creamy contrast to the cinnamon goodness.
How to Store and Reheat
To keep leftovers fresh, store the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or a toaster oven for a quick, delicious snack or breakfast.
Helpful Cooking Tips
For the best results, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately—especially the oats and sweeteners, as they contribute significantly to the overall flavor and texture. If you prefer a denser square, use rolled oats rather than quick oats. And don’t forget: the mixture should be stirred gently; this keeps the squares tender and fluffy.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few flavor variations you could try:
- Swap out the brown sugar in the swirl for some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- Add chopped apples or pears to the mix for a fruity punch.
- To amp up the protein, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the wet ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to prepare these oatmeal squares?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 25-30 minutes of baking time.
Can I freeze the oatmeal squares?
Absolutely! To freeze, cut the squares into portions and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for eggs?
For a vegan version, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, set for 5 minutes) or use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
Cinnamon Roll Baked Oatmeal Squares
Bringing the comfort of freshly baked cinnamon rolls to your breakfast table in a wholesome oatmeal form, these squares are delicious and nutritious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the swirl:
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, baking powder, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the milk, maple syrup (or honey), melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully mixed.
- Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour half of the oatmeal mixture into the greased baking dish.
- For the cinnamon swirl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the first oatmeal layer.
- Layer on the remaining oatmeal mixture, topping it with the rest of the cinnamon-sugar blend.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the squares are set and lightly golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Notes
These squares are delightful on their own or with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg