Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats (Gluten Free)

Get your fall flavors on with my Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats recipe. They’re fully gluten free, prepped in minutes and extra-cozy! I’m obsessed with this peanut butter, banana, cinnamon situation, you guys. I can’t get enough of these breakfast jars and I think you’ll love them, too. If you love cinnamon rolls, this is going to be your new fall favorite. Sweet and dreamy.

Nourishing, comforting and convenient, you’ll be so happy waking up to a few of these stashed in your fridge. Add your favorite toppings or eat it just like this. It also make a great afternoon snack or post-dinner treat. Let your kids try them as an alternative to cereal in the mornings.

If you tried this Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats recipe and loved it, try my Banana Bread Overnight Oats, this High Protein Overnight Oats and my Apple, Peanut Butter Oatmeal next. For more inspiration, check out my Gluten Free Breakfast Recipes.

Why you’ll love this gluten free recipe

My cinnamon bun overnight oats are a delicious, no-fuss breakfast that feels like dessert but is secretly wholesome. Love that for us!

They’re naturally gluten free, made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

I used very little to make this recipe, which needs washing up.

Plus, they’re easy to prep ahead, portable and perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients and substitutions

Here’s what to round up to make this incredibly delicious cinnamon bun oats recipe:

Peanut butter: Adds richness and creaminess. You can swap with almond butter or cashew butter. Sunflower seed butter is great if you are nut free.

Cinnamon: You can also replace it with pumpkin pie spice if you prefer.

Maple syrup: This just adds some natural sweetener. Honey or agave syrup also works well.

Oats: Choose certified gluten free oats. Rolled oats give the best texture, but quick oats will make a softer, creamier version.

Milk of choice: Oat milk, almond milk, dairy milk or coconut milk all work. Use unsweetened for less sugar.

Banana: Naturally sweetens and thickens the oats. If you don’t like banana, try unsweetened applesauce or mashed pears.

Cinnamon: Infuses the oats with cozy flavor; don’t skip it!

Powdered sugar: Creates the classic swirl topping. For a refined sugar-free option, blend coconut sugar into a powder.

Directions (step by step)

Make the spread: In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter, cinnamon and maple syrup.

Layer spread into glass: You can then spread the mixture around the inside edges of the jar.

Make up the oats: In another bowl, combine the oats, milk and banana; then spoon that mixture into the jar.

Set: Sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon on top. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Top the cinnamon overnight oats: Before serving, whisk the powdered sugar with water until smooth, then drizzle over the oats.

Swirl, serve and enjoy!

Expert tips and tricks

You’re going to want to use rolled oats for the best chewy texture. Quick oats will just get mushy, which is not a vibe.

I like to mash the banana really well to avoid chunks and to evenly sweeten the oats.

For a thicker swirl, I chill the peanut butter mixture briefly before spreading it into the glass.

This is not critical but when I want the icing really smooth and glossy, I’ll make it just before serving it.

Storage and meal prepping 

Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats are great, make-ahead breakfast jars that can go into the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can keep the icing in a separate container and drizzle just before you’re going to eat it.

Variations

Chocolate swirl: I’ll sometimes add 1 tsp of cocoa powder to the peanut butter spread.

Nut free version: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter if you need to.

Fruit topping: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries or peaches before serving this Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats recipe.

Protein boost: Stir in a scoop of protein powder or collagen when mixing the oats.

FAQs

Are overnight oats always gluten free?

Not always; make sure to buy certified gluten free oats, as regular oats may be cross-contaminated.

Can I make these without banana?

Yes! Swap the mashed banana for unsweetened applesauce, mashed pears, or 2–3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt.

Do I have to make the icing?

The icing gives that cinnamon roll vibe, but you can skip it if you want a lower-sugar breakfast.