Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
If you have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls but want a hands-off way to serve them in a crowd-pleasing fashion, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new favorite breakfast delight. Imagine tender, pillowy cinnamon rolls bathed in a creamy, spiced custard, baked to golden perfection, then finished with a luscious drizzle of icing that melts into every nook and cranny. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for leisurely weekend mornings, festive brunches, or whenever you crave a warm, gooey treat that feels both indulgent and effortlessly impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe transforms pantry staples into a decadently satisfying bake. Each component brings something special to the table — from the rich custard that soaks into the cinnamon rolls, to the subtle warmth of cinnamon and vanilla that envelopes every bite.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing, 8-count): The star of the dish, they provide that iconic cinnamon swirl and soft texture with no fuss.
- 4 large eggs: These create the custardy base that holds the casserole together and add richness.
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk): Blended with eggs, it adds creamy moisture and tenderness to the bake.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: A must-have for that warm, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
- ¼ cup maple syrup (optional): Adds a natural sweetness and a hint of complexity; skip if you prefer a less sweet casserole.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures easy removal of the casserole and prevents sticking.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Then, cut each cinnamon roll into quarters for even coverage and easy serving. Spread the pieces out evenly in the dish, making sure you distribute the cinnamon swirls all around for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream (or whole milk), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup if you’re using it. Whisk everything together until the custard is smooth and well-blended, with that inviting cinnamon aroma already starting to fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Pour Custard and Bake
Pour this luscious custard evenly over the cinnamon roll quarters in the baking dish. Press down lightly on the rolls to help them soak up all that creamy goodness. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set but still moist and tender.
Step 4: Finish with Icing and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes; this helps it set and keeps it from being too runny. Then drizzle the piping-hot casserole with the icing that came with your cinnamon rolls — it melts into delightful ribbons that add the perfect touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy texture contrast. After baking, dust with powdered sugar or scatter fresh berries around the plate for pops of color and freshness that balance the rich sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad, creamy yogurt, or even crispy bacon for those who love a savory counterpoint. Fresh orange slices also add a bright, citrusy note that rounds out the meal elegantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cinnamon roll casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch or set it out buffet-style with small plates and forks for a casual family-style brunch. Adding a drizzle of warm caramel or a spoonful of whipped cream elevates the indulgence factor even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the casserole taste even better the next morning.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked cinnamon roll casserole by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping it well, and freezing for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or warm them gently in a 325°F oven until heated through. Just be careful not to overheat and dry it out — a little moisture goes a long way in maintaining that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned cinnamon rolls without icing?
Absolutely! You can still make this casserole with cinnamon rolls that don’t come with icing. Just prepare a simple glaze yourself with powdered sugar and milk, or drizzle your favorite frosting on top after baking.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative and use dairy-free cinnamon rolls to make a delicious dairy-free cinnamon roll casserole.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan cinnamon roll casserole, you’ll need to use vegan cinnamon rolls and replace eggs with a plant-based custard, such as a chickpea flour batter or a tofu-based mixture. It’s a bit more involved, but definitely doable!
How long can I let the casserole sit before baking?
After pouring the custard over the cinnamon rolls, letting it sit for about 10-15 minutes helps the rolls soak up the custard fully, resulting in an even more custardy, tender bake.
What’s the best way to make this casserole extra special?
Adding chopped nuts, a splash of bourbon to your custard, or incorporating orange zest can elevate this dish to a new level of flavor. Also, topping with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving brings extra delight.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining the best of cinnamon rolls with a simple custard bake that anyone can master. Give it a try for your next breakfast or brunch — I promise it will become one of those dishes you turn to time and time again when you want a little slice of cozy happiness. Enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-scented bite!
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Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a quick and easy breakfast bake made with store-bought cinnamon rolls and a rich, custardy egg mixture. Baked until golden and drizzled with icing, it’s warm, gooey, and perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy weekend mornings.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing, 8-count)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup maple syrup (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into quarters and arrange them evenly across the prepared baking dish to create a uniform base.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or whole milk), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup if using, until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cut cinnamon roll pieces, gently pressing down to ensure all pieces absorb the liquid. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown on top and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before drizzling the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated easily in the microwave.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
