Save to Pinterest There's something almost rebellious about eating what tastes like cinnamon roll frosting for breakfast without a trace of guilt. I discovered this combination on a Monday morning when I was staring at a jar of Greek yogurt and a container of old-fashioned oats, wondering if I could trick myself into thinking breakfast felt indulgent. The cream cheese drizzle was born from that moment of pure kitchen improvisation, and now I can't imagine starting my day any other way.
I made this for my roommate on a Friday morning, and watching her face light up when she tasted it—that moment when she realized it was actually a healthy breakfast and not just me being cute—that's when I knew this recipe was a keeper. She's been making her own batch every Sunday since, which feels like the highest compliment.
Ingredients
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: These soften beautifully overnight without turning to mush, maintaining a slightly pleasant texture that won't feel like baby food.
- Unsweetened almond milk: The liquid base that hydrates everything; use regular milk if almond isn't your thing, but avoid ultra-thick coconut milk or the ratio gets weird.
- Plain Greek yogurt: This is your texture secret—it creates that creamy, almost mousse-like base that makes overnight oats feel indulgent.
- Vanilla protein powder: Choose a quality one without artificial sweeteners if you can, as they sometimes taste metallic when mixed into cold oats.
- Chia seeds: These add a subtle crunch and absorb liquid to thicken everything naturally, so don't skip them.
- Maple syrup or honey: Just enough sweetness to tie the cinnamon flavor together without making this a dessert in disguise.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show—use fresh cinnamon if yours has been sitting in the back of the cabinet for two years.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of pure vanilla rounds out the flavor in a way that vanilla-flavored yogurt alone never quite achieves.
- Light cream cheese and Greek yogurt for the drizzle: The combination gives you that rich cream cheese flavor without the heavy feeling, and the yogurt keeps it pourable.
Instructions
- Mix your base:
- Combine the oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, chia seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl, stirring until everything is evenly distributed. You'll notice it seems almost too thick at first, which is exactly right.
- Divide into containers:
- Split the mixture between two jars or airtight containers, pressing it down gently as you go. Glass jars let you see how much you have left, which is a small joy I didn't expect to appreciate.
- Let time do the work:
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or at minimum four hours if you're impatient like I sometimes am. The oats will absorb all that liquid and transform into something that feels creamy and substantial.
- Make your drizzle:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk one teaspoon at a time, stirring until it reaches a consistency you can actually drizzle—thicker than yogurt but pourable, not like frosting.
- Assemble and serve:
- Give your overnight oats a good stir to loosen them up, divide between bowls, and generously drizzle that cream cheese mixture on top. A light sprinkle of extra cinnamon finishes it perfectly.
Save to Pinterest My sister brought this to a work potluck in a small mason jar, and three people asked for the recipe—not because it looked fancy, but because she was clearly enjoying something delicious and didn't feel guilty about it. That's the real magic of this breakfast, honestly.
Why This Works as a High-Protein Breakfast
The combination of Greek yogurt and protein powder gives you nearly 27 grams of protein per serving, which is genuinely substantial enough to keep you satisfied through a morning of meetings or workouts. Unlike protein shakes that leave you hungry an hour later, the oats and chia seeds add fiber and staying power, creating a breakfast that actually functions as fuel rather than just a flavor experience.
The Cream Cheese Drizzle Game-Changer
I've tried making this with pure cream cheese, and it becomes almost too rich and gluey on cold oats—blending it with Greek yogurt was the breakthrough that made it taste indulgent without feeling heavy. The maple syrup adds just enough sweetness to remind you of actual cinnamon rolls, but the vanilla extract is what makes people pause mid-bite and ask what makes this taste so good.
Storage, Swaps, and Small Moments
These keep beautifully for up to four days in the fridge, which means you can make both jars on Sunday and have breakfast handled through Wednesday. The drizzle is best made fresh the morning you serve it, or you can make it in advance and store it separately—just give it a quick stir before drizzling because it can separate slightly. I've added raisins, swapped honey for maple syrup, and even tried almond butter drizzled on top, and each version felt like a small experiment that actually improved things.
- For extra texture: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts just before eating, so they stay crispy instead of softening into the oats.
- Customization is your friend: Add a handful of raisins to the base mixture the night before if you want that classic cinnamon roll vibe.
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based cream cheese, and the flavor stays remarkably close to the original.
Save to Pinterest This breakfast became my answer to choosing between indulgence and nutrition, and somehow it turned into something that genuinely satisfies both cravings. Every time I make it, I'm reminded that the best recipes are the ones that make you feel a little bit clever for discovering them.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long do these oats keep in the refrigerator?
These overnight oats stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored properly in airtight containers. The oats will continue to soften and thicken over time, so you might need to add a splash of milk before serving if they become too thick.
- → Can I use something other than protein powder?
Yes, you can substitute with additional Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to maintain the protein content. Alternatively, collagen peptides work well and dissolve seamlessly into the mixture without altering the flavor profile.
- → What milk alternatives work best?
Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or dairy milk all work wonderfully. Choose based on your dietary preferences and taste preferences—creamy options like oat milk will yield a richer texture.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based cream cheese for the drizzle, and choose your favorite non-dairy milk. The flavor profile remains delicious.
- → Do I have to let them sit overnight?
While overnight is ideal for the best texture, these oats are ready after at least 4 hours of chilling. The oats need time to soften and absorb the liquid, so plan accordingly when preparing earlier in the day.
- → Can I heat these up?
Yes, you can warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes if you prefer hot oats. The cream cheese drizzle will melt slightly and create a delicious glaze. Add a splash of milk if needed after heating.