This Vegan Cinnamon Roll Spice Oatmeal is the flavor of a freshly baked cinnamon roll but in a creamy oatmeal breakfast! This oatmeal is so smooth and rich, contains no dairy and is topped with a delicious cinnamon roll icing!
VEGAN CINNAMON ROLL SPICE OATMEAL
I don’t know of too many things that say comfort food quite like a good hot bowl of oatmeal does. Even better, a dairy-free vegan Cinnamon Roll Spice Oatmeal. Who wouldn’t want oatmeal that tastes like a cinnamon roll?
I wanted to share my favorite way to make and eat oatmeal for breakfast now. What is better than oatmeal in the form of cinnamon roll flavor? This is a lot healthier than a cinnamon roll though, and won’t leave you feeling heavy or sluggish. Seriously, gobs of icing and butter may taste great, but they aren’t doing your heart or health any favors. That’s why I love this oatmeal because it is healthy, but still incredibly delicious and reminds me of the flavors of cinnamon rolls. Of course, if you really want actual cinnamon rolls, you must make these right away!
I switch up my breakfast sometimes between toast and oatmeal, but now that it is getting cooler, I like to eat oatmeal.
CINNAMON ROLL ICING
I have been eating this oatmeal recipe for as long as I can remember….years, in other words. Only recently, did I decide to add an “icing” and make it more reminiscent of a cinnamon roll. I created the icing from coconut butter, coconut milk, lemon juice and maple syrup. It is SO delicious. The oatmeal is insane without the icing (which is optional) and truly doesn’t need it for flavor, it is just the “icing” on the cake, haha!
However, if you want the full “cinnamon roll” effect, drizzle a bit of the “icing” on top….no guilt with this one either! The empty wasteland of powdered sugar and butter is not needed here! Basically, the only time I ever consume that junk is maybe once or twice a year for birthdays…otherwise, I am not interested in consuming that in my body. So, I created a much healthier version of a cinnamon roll icing.
SOAKING OATS OVERNIGHT FOR THE BEST OATMEAL
I have changed the way I prepare my oatmeal. Reason being, I have learned, probably like many of you have by now, that soaking grains is extremely important for proper digestion. Oats/grains have phytic acid that bind to other minerals in the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits them from being absorbed properly into the body. We need our vitamins and minerals, so soaking them breaks down the phytic acid, so we can absorb them better.
Now, I have read conflicting articles that say to soak and some say you don’t need to soak. I did find this amazing site that explains how to soak grains and the importance, the best one I’ve read yet, so I follow her recommendation. You can read her article here. I just rinse mine after soaking, then add more water and cook. Even if it’s not really necessary, I’d rather be safe than sorry, so I soak them.
I also notice how much incredibly smoother and softer the oats are by soaking them. It’s so creamy and delicious, there is no need even for milk. Totally dairy-free and even no plant-based milk is needed. Before, when I would cook them straight out of the bag, I would still get some stiff, crunchy oats in my oatmeal….yuck.
Now, let’s add some icing…..
MORE VEGAN CINNAMON RECIPES TO TRY
- Vegan Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
- Cinnamon Coconut New York Style Cheesecake
- Bakery Style Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
- Cinnamon Vanilla Walnut Butter
- Vegan Gluten-free Cinnamon Applesauce Quick Bread
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Cinnamon Roll Spice Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) old-fashioned oats (not instant) (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 1/4 cups water (plus extra for overnight soaking)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (add 1/2 teaspoon for a more spicy flavor)
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2-4 tablespoons pecan halves
OPTIONAL ICING
- 1 tablespoon melted liquid coconut butter
- 1 tablespoon warm "lite" canned coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
Instructions
- I recommend soaking your oats the night before. If you don't want to soak overnight, then at least 1-2 hours will give better results. Do not skip soaking! I have written the recipe based on this method. This will ensure a much smoother, creamier oatmeal as well. You also need less water to cook them with this way. If you don't soak them, you will need to probably add 3 cups of water instead of 2 1/4 and likely add more spices/flavor to compensate for the extra water. To soak, simply add your oats to a bowl and cover well with warm water and juice from half a lemon. Stir and cover with a towel. (The lemon helps break down the phytic acid) Soak overnight. Was that so hard?
- In the morning, rinse the oats well. Add to a medium pot with the 2 1/4 cups water, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and syrup. Stir well and turn the heat to high. Once boiling, turn to simmer and cover. Cook for about 8 minutes, or to desired consistency. Check it a few times to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom. Immediately stir in the vanilla.
- Add pecans and drizzle with some optional coconut butter "icing". Taste and add any additional sweetener or spice, if desired. Just leave off the icing if you are watching your fat intake, as it is completely delicious without it.
Notes
- Nutrition per serving is based on 2 Tbsp of pecans
- Nutrition for icing per serving (not included in nutrition label): 42 calories, 3.8 carbs, 3.3 g fat, .3 g protein, 2.4 sugars
Oh my! So good! Both my girls finished theirs in record time. I only had steel cut oats so adjusted for that but otherwise followed your recipe and it turned out wonderful. This has definitely earned a spot in the regular breakfast rotation. Thank you for sharing!
That is so wonderful to hear Kendra, thank you so much for leaving an awesome review! So happy your girls loved it!
I just found your website a few days ago, and I can’t wait to try more of your recipes! I made a quick overnight version of the cinnamon roll spice oatmeal for breakfast this week, and it was delicious.
Yay! So glad to hear that Sara, thank you so much for the review!
This looks amazing…What would the containers for the fix on this recipe?
Hi Becky, what do you mean containers?
Fantastic recipe!!! I was so happy to wake up to find my husband whipping this up!! He said “I found this wicked recipe online today and wanted to surprise you” It worked :))) I’m still not sure if it was the taste of this dish or the amazing smell it has left in our house of spice medley!!! The most healthy air-freshner ever!! We have you book marked now, can’t wait to try more of your simple, delicious recipes!!! Thanks Brandi :))
Hi Brandi,
I am dying to try this recipe but I don’t know what “allspice” is and if I an get it here in Germany. What exactly is it? And can I not add the ground ginger and maple syrup? Maple syrup I can probably find in a good sorted store but I don’t like ginger much. 🙁
Thanks!
– Yvonne
Hi Yvonne! You can leave out the allspice…it is basically a dried spice from an Indian tree and gives a deeper spice flavor. You could try adding a bit of nutmeg and cloves or just use extra cinnamon. If you don’t want to use maple syrup, you could use any liquid sweetner you like or just add coconut sugar and add it to your taste preference.
This looks so warming and comforting Brandi!
Thank you so much Poppy! We’ve been eating it near daily!
Another winner from Team Brandi! Just made this and it is truly delicious! I swear I am eating a Cinnabon roll! The icing puts it over the top. Off to post on Instagram!
Yay! Thank you so much Diana! I’m so happy you loved it so much and thanks a million for the awesome feedback and tagging me on Instagram! xo
Are you using steel cut oats or regular old fashioned oat flakes? Pic looks like steel cut oats.
Hi Lynne! They are regular old fashioned rolled oats 🙂
We’re eating this again for the third time since you originally posted… It’s soooo good!!! I’ve tripled the icing recipe (we like lots of it! 🙂 ) and added raisins at my two year old’s request 😉
Also- thank you for sharing the info about soaking/rinsing the oats. I had never heard of doing so until now.
Awww that is wonderful Tatiana! We have been eating it daily too! Thanks so much for the feedback…so glad you love it 🙂
You’ve been teasing me all week long! I just had a bowl of bland pumpkin oatmeal from Trader Joe’s and I’m looking at your post right now. A cinnamon roll-style oatmeal sounds even better for breakfast – or even dessert or even midnight snack! I can’t stand hunks of icing and butter (‘buttercream’) on rolls either, I usually remove them and eat the rest.
Oh, I love the icing, haha! But you are right…not gobs of it…just enough to glaze the roll, but not drown in it..my favorite part of course is the doughy rich cinnamon bread part, yum!!
My oats are soaking right now…. cant wait to try this yumminess tomorrow morning! 🙂
Wonderful Tatiana! Please let me know how it turns out, thank you!
I am like you, I love a BIG breakfast and most mornings I have a big bowl of oatmeal and a smoothie. I do not always soak my grains though and know I should totally start doing it more often. I know how what I am going to be making for breakfast next week – this oatmeal looks all kinds of wonderful and like the ultimate comfort food! 🙂 Pinned!
Thanks so much Ceara! I hope you love it and get a chance to try it!
I tried this oatmeal this morning Brandi and I loooooooove it! I will always soak my oats from now on! I can’t believe what a difference it makes 🙂 Thanks for the great recipe! It makes a wonderful comforting breakfast for the chilly Fall days we are experiencing here now!
I’m so happy to hear you loved the recipe Ceara!! That is awesome! Isn’t it soooo much better soaked?! Seriously, so much better! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave me feedback 🙂
I’ve never heard of soaking oats for proper digestion! Thanks for teaching me something new and invaluable today, Brandi. This oatmeal is too legit. While I love eating the stuff, I think this is the first time I’ve actually drooled over someone’s oatmeal recipe. It looks amazing! And I love how simple the icing is. I’ve always got those items in my pantry and yes, it’s way healthier than the normal sugar ‘n fat laden icing. I need to make this asap!
Haha Awesome Nancy! I love that this is the 1ST oatmeal recipe that has made you drool! I’d say that is a winner then, right?!
I made this for breakfast and it was so good!! I didn’t have any pecans but look forward to adding them next time. Very creamy and satisfying!! Yummy! I am a Registered Dietitian (vegan gluten free) and teach nutrition and cooking classes (PCRM) and refer my students to your site all the time! Thank you for helping us eat such delicious foods!!!
You are so sweet Barbara!! Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback and for sharing my recipes…you are a doll! So glad you loved this oatmeal 🙂
Oh my goodness, this looks SO incredible! And I have to admit, I rarely take the time to soak my oats, but you just inspired me to be more consistent about it. I can’t wait to make this, thanks for a great recipe!
Thanks so much Raechel! I know, I never did it either until recently and they really do turn out more creamy and so much better and if it’s healthier that way too, I’m all for it! I hope you love it!
Oooo, I love oatmeal and that big pot of oatmeal looks SO DANG GOOD! I’m loving the flavors you put in there and the icing looks like it’s to die for. Yuuu….ummmm!
Thank you Melanie!! Me too….I could eat oatmeal everyday of my life, haha! Especially this kind!
I WISH when I ate oatmeal I was a lot more OPEN to the variety, but nope, I only ate maple brown sugar and that’s IT! Ugh. I have so many amazing ideas and creations I would LOVEEEEEE to wolf down, including this one – alas, I cannot 🙁
Sorry girl!! I’ll just eat extra for you 😉
Love that you don’t skimp on the cinnamon. I’m so generous with my Cinnamon this is perfect for me.
I’d probably mix in some Bob’s Redmill buckwheat and a spoonful of chia…..my new obsession.
Then I’d take a nap 😉
I know right? Cinnamon could probably even be more than what I listed….I could easily handle a full tablespoon, haha! I truly am a cinnamon addict!
What is it about a big bowl of cinnamon oats that just SCREAMS fall and cozy weather!? This bowl looks so warm and inviting. It looks like a big bowl of OCTOBER!
Ohhhhhhhh my goodness. This looks amazing! I love that the icing doesn’t have any junk in it; I’ve been making a concerted effort to eliminate anything processed from my diet. The weather here is getting perfect for oatmeal. I need to make this soon! 🙂
Thanks so much my friend! Yep..seriously, it doesn’t taste exactly like the butter and powdered sugar icing, but it is downright delicious in it’s own right and I just try to avoid that junk as much as possible!
Sounds awesome! We make just about every flavor oatmeal since my hubby is an addict, but I love the added coconut butter icing. Delish!!
Haha, I’m an addict too! Thanks girl!
I agree, there is something so comforting about a bowl of hot oatmeal, the perfect cold weather breakfast. I will also add that cinnamon rolls are also great comfort food, so the combination is like a warm hug.
I agree Suzanne! I LOVE cinnamon rolls, which is what inspired this oatmeal! They are both soooo good.
Looks lovely Brandi! I’m a big porridge fan (what we call “oatmeal” over here) and now that it’s getting chillier I’m definitely starting to crave it in the mornings again.
That sweet coconut butter swirl really is the icing on the cake!
P.S. I’ve recently started soaking all my nuts and grains too (when I remember anyway). There’s some good info on Yum Universe on the subject: http://yumuniverse.com/soaking-and-dehydrating-nuts-and-seeds/
Thank you so much Emma! Yes, the coconut butter is just an extra little treat of flavor. 🙂
I just realized I forgot to put the link in of where I read about soaking the grains, I have added it now. I loved her article so much because I found it detailed very well and simply. I have been soaking my grains and beans for awhile, but just recently started the oats. They were soooooo much better!
Now that looks like a yummy, hearty, perfect for cold weather, stick to your bones breakfast!
Thanks Cindy, it sure is!