Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake

Name: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 eggs; 1 ½ cup Milk (2% or whole); ½ cup light Brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 3 cups Old fashioned oats; ½ cup Unflavored collagen (we love Vital Proteins); 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; Pinch Salt; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 3 tbsp butter; 1 tsp cinnamon

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In 5 minutes of prep time, I can mix together and toss this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal Bake into the oven, and 30 minutes later, it has my house smelling like a Bath & Body Works candle and breakfast is served. It’s warm, cozy, perfectly sweet, and packed with protein thanks to a little unflavored collagen. Basically, it’s everything I want in a slow, cozy morning breakfast.

baked brown sugar oatmeal in square baking dish but into four squares with one slice removed.

Hello Baked Oatmeal!

I think this is APOP’s first baked oatmeal recipe?! I have a plethora of overnight oat recipes, and those are perfect for quick mornings, single servings, and breakfasts you can grab on the go. But there is something about an oatmeal bake that just begs to be served alongside a cozy morning. Maybe it’s reading with a warm cup of coffee while the seasons change outside your window, or maybe it’s just having a warm breakfast waiting for you when you finally get out of bed.

My Recipe Tips

It tastes like a cozy bakery breakfast. The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla makes every bite warm and sweet without being overly complicated.
It has the BEST topping. The brown sugar cinnamon butter melts into the oats while baking, creating little caramelized pockets throughout the top.
It’s easy to make. One bowl, one baking dish, and about 5 minutes of prep is all you need.
It’s protein-packed. I use unflavored collagen to sneak some extra protein into the oatmeal without changing the classic brown sugar cinnamon flavor.
It makes breakfast feel special. This is the kind of breakfast I want to make on a slow Saturday morning when I actually have time to sit down and enjoy my coffee.

It took one forkful for me to absolutely swoon at the flavor. The top tastes like a Cinnamon Crunch Panera Bread Bagel (IYKYK), but in warm, baked-oatmeal form.

Recipe Inspo

As I was testing this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal, it indubitably made me think of a Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso. There is something about that combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, and coffee that just works.

And if I wanted to put a fun spin on this recipe, my creative brain immediately went to swapping some of the milk for cold brew or a little of that brown sugar espresso. I haven’t tested that version yet, so I can’t officially recommend it, but you better believe it is on my list!

Recipe Ingredients

labeled ingredients for brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal in individual bowls.

You don’t need anything fancy to make this baked oatmeal. Most of the ingredients are probably already hanging out in your pantry.

Eggs: Help bind the oatmeal together and give it structure.
Milk: I use 2% or whole milk for a creamy oatmeal bake.
Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and that signature brown sugar flavor.
Old-fashioned oats: These give the baked oatmeal its hearty texture.
Unflavored collagen: I love using Vital Proteins to add extra protein without adding another noticeable flavor.
Ground cinnamon: You can’t have brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal without plenty of cinnamon!
Topping: Includes just butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

There are a few easy ways you can make this baked oatmeal your own!

Add fruit: Diced apples would be SO good here. You could also add a handful of raisins for more of a classic cinnamon oatmeal situation.
Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delicious crunch and pair really well with the brown sugar and cinnamon.
Use quick oats: Quick oats can generally work in baked oatmeal, although the final texture will be softer and less hearty than using old-fashioned oats.
Make it dairy-free: Use your favorite dairy-free milk and dairy-free butter.
Add banana: I seriously debated adding mashed banana to this recipe for extra sweetness and moisture. Ultimately, I wanted the brown sugar and cinnamon flavor to shine, but a mashed banana would be a fun variation to test!
Make it extra cinnamon-y: If you’re a cinnamon girl like me, add another ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the oatmeal base.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

wet ingredients for brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal bake mixed in large glass bowl.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and the brown sugar is evenly incorporated.

ingredients for brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal bake in large glass bowl.

3. Add the old-fashioned oats, collagen, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Fold everything together until evenly combined.

4. Pour the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.

raw brown sugar oatmeal bake in square baking dish topped with brown sugar syrup.

5. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined. Evenly drizzle the brown sugar cinnamon mixture over the oatmeal.

baked brown sugar oatmeal in square baking dish topped with brown sugar syrup.

6. Bake for 32-36 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

7. Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares and serving warm!

PRO TIPS

Don’t swirl the topping! Try to evenly drizzle the brown sugar cinnamon mixture over the oatmeal instead of concentrating it in one spot. The butter mixture will naturally spread and bake into the oatmeal as it cooks, so there’s no need to swirl it around.

Recipe FAQs

How do I reheat baked oatmeal?

Microwave an individual square for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. If it seems a little dry after being refrigerated, add a splash of milk before reheating.

How should I store Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal?

Let the oatmeal cool completely, then cover the baking dish or transfer individual servings to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use steel-cut oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

I wouldn’t recommend making a straight swap. Steel-cut oats require a different liquid-to-oat ratio and significantly more cooking time than rolled oats, so they won’t work the same way in this recipe. For this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal, stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.

Can I make this oatmeal dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the milk for your favorite dairy-free milk and use a dairy-free butter for the brown sugar cinnamon topping. Unsweetened almond milk will give you a slightly lighter base, while oat milk will make the oatmeal a little creamier and more oat-forward.

Serving suggestions

There are so many ways to serve this Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal, but my favorite is warm straight from the oven with a little something creamy on top.

Add a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.
Drizzle with peanut butter for a salty-sweet combination.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup if you like your breakfast extra sweet.
Sprinkle the top with powdered sugar for a little bakery-style finish.
Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a latte for the ultimate cozy breakfast, or this Butternut Squash Smoothie for a yummy fall themed meal.
Add fresh berries or sliced banana for some freshness.