Cinnamon Roll Oatmeal Bars

 

These bars combine the hearty texture of baked oatmeal with the decadent flavor of a fresh cinnamon roll. They are perfect for meal prep, as they hold their shape well and can be eaten on the go.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 30–35 minutes

Yields: 9–12 bars

Ingredients

The Oatmeal Base

Oats: 2 ½ cups Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)

Milk: 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, or oat milk)

Sweetener: ¼ cup maple syrup or honey

Eggs: 2 large eggs

Butter/Oil: 3 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil

Vanilla: 1 tsp vanilla extract

Leavening: 1 tsp baking powder

Salt: ¼ tsp sea salt

The Cinnamon Swirl

Butter: 2 tbsp butter, softened (not melted)

Sugar: 3 tbsp brown sugar

Cinnamon: 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze

Cream Cheese: 2 oz (approx. ¼ cup) softened

Powdered Sugar: ½ cup

Milk: 1–2 tsp (to reach drizzling consistency)

Vanilla: ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease any exposed pan surfaces.

2. Mix the Oatmeal Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the oats are fully submerged and the mixture is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

3. Create the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a thick paste. Drop small dollops of this mixture over the top of the oatmeal. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon paste into the top layer of the oats.

4. Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.

5. Cool and Glaze

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes. While cooling, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm (but not hot) bars.

6. Slice and Serve

Once completely cool, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Slice into squares.

Tips for Success

For Chewier Bars: Let the oat mixture sit for 10 minutes before putting it in the oven; this allows the oats to soak up the liquid for a denser texture.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Healthier Swap: Replace the brown sugar in the swirl with coconut sugar and the glaze with a simple drizzle of Greek yogurt mixed with a little maple syrup.