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If you’re a fan of warm, comforting breakfasts, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen as layers of soft, gooey cinnamon rolls bake into a decadent casserole.
This dish combines everything you love about cinnamon rolls — the buttery richness, the sticky sweetness, and that perfect cinnamon swirl — but with the added convenience of a casserole.
Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or even cozy weekend mornings, this casserole is not only easy to make but also impressive enough to serve guests.
Whether you’re short on time and using store-bought rolls or you prefer the homemade route, the end result is always a crowd-pleasing breakfast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Top it off with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze, and you have the perfect start to your day.
What is Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
A Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a baked breakfast dish that takes the classic cinnamon roll and transforms it into an even more indulgent treat.
Instead of the usual individual rolls, pieces of cinnamon rolls are arranged in a casserole dish, soaked in a rich, creamy custard mixture, and then baked to golden perfection.
The result is a casserole with layers of tender, cinnamon-spiced bread that’s both soft on the inside and slightly crisp on top.
At its core, this casserole preserves all the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, but it offers a few distinct advantages.
It’s easier to make for large groups because you can serve it as a casserole rather than rolling, cutting, and baking individual cinnamon rolls.
It’s a versatile dish too: you can make it with store-bought cinnamon rolls to save time or go all out with homemade dough for a more personalized touch.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet family breakfast, this recipe brings together the best of cinnamon rolls in one easy-to-serve dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this indulgent Cinnamon Roll Casserole, you don’t need much — just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and comforting dish. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Cinnamon Rolls: Whether you choose store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls or decide to make your own from scratch, they’re the base of this casserole. The classic Pillsbury cinnamon rolls work wonderfully, but you can also try other brands for a unique twist.
- Eggs: Eggs provide the structure for the custard mixture and help bind everything together, creating that perfect gooey consistency.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest texture. If you prefer a lighter option, almond or oat milk can be used as a substitute.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to the custard and enhances the cinnamon flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: This is the spice that brings the signature flavor of cinnamon rolls to the casserole. A generous amount of cinnamon will make every bite aromatic and warm.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds depth of flavor and rounds out the sweetness of the custard.
- Butter: Melted butter enhances the richness of the casserole, helping it to crisp up and become golden brown on top while keeping the inside soft.
- Optional Frosting or Glaze: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze over the casserole once it’s baked.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create a cinnamon roll casserole that will make your mornings much sweeter!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Making this Cinnamon Roll Casserole is simple and quick, yet the results are truly impressive. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting breakfast in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by greasing it with a little butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help the casserole come out easily once it’s baked.
Take the cinnamon rolls and cut each one into quarters. Layer the pieces of cinnamon rolls evenly in the prepared casserole dish, making sure to distribute them as uniformly as possible to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Create the Custard Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The eggs will help create the custard base, while the cinnamon and vanilla will infuse the dish with the signature flavors of a cinnamon roll.
Pour this custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure they’re all covered.
Gently press down on the rolls to ensure the custard soaks into them, but be careful not to overly saturate the dish.
Step 3: Bake and Enjoy
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
You can check for doneness by gently pressing on the top — it should spring back slightly.
The inside will be soft and gooey, while the top will have a crispy, slightly caramelized texture.
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
If desired, drizzle cream cheese frosting or a powdered sugar glaze over the top for added sweetness.
Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy the indulgent layers of cinnamon goodness in every bite!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Casserole
To ensure your Cinnamon Roll Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
Use Fresh Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re using store-bought cinnamon rolls, make sure they’re fresh for the best texture.
If the rolls have been sitting in your fridge for a while, they may dry out during baking, resulting in a less-than-perfect casserole. Opt for fresh, soft rolls for that warm, gooey center.
Don’t Over-saturate the Rolls
When pouring the custard mixture over the cinnamon rolls, be sure to coat them evenly but not too much. I
f the rolls are too soaked, the casserole might become soggy. A light soaking ensures that the custard enhances the texture without overwhelming the cinnamon rolls.
Let the Casserole Rest
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it firm up a little, making it easier to cut and serve without losing the shape.
Make it the Night Before
For added convenience, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply assemble it, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven and bake!
This is a great way to save time, especially for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
Add Toppings for Extra Flavor
While the casserole is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by adding some toppings.
Try adding a drizzle of cream cheese frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the perfect way to elevate your breakfast or brunch game with minimal effort.
Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family breakfast or a special gathering, its rich, gooey layers of cinnamon goodness are sure to please everyone.
It combines the best elements of cinnamon rolls with the ease and comfort of a casserole, making it a must-try dish for any occasion.
Next time you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to make, this cinnamon roll casserole will be the answer.
Try it once, and it will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation. Don’t forget to top it off with your favorite frosting or glaze for that perfect finishing touch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls can be used instead of store-bought ones.
In fact, homemade rolls will add a personal touch and an extra layer of freshness.
Just be sure to cut them into small pieces, as the recipe requires the cinnamon rolls to be evenly distributed in the casserole dish.
2. Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight.
Simply assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge.
In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
3. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
To avoid a soggy casserole, make sure not to over-saturate the cinnamon rolls with the custard mixture.
A light pour is all that’s needed to soak the rolls.
Additionally, make sure the casserole bakes long enough so that the custard sets properly, creating a firm but soft texture.
4. Can I freeze the Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking.
If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.
If freezing after baking, allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing.
Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
5. Can I add extra ingredients like fruit or nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your Cinnamon Roll Casserole. You can add fresh or frozen berries, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips to the casserole.
These ingredients will add texture and flavor, making the casserole even more indulgent.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Equipment
- 1 – 9×13-inch casserole dish
- 1 Whisk
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 – Sharp knife (for cutting cinnamon rolls)
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 – Spatula or spoon (for mixing custard)
Ingredients
- 2 cans 12.4 oz each – Cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 4 large – Eggs
- 1 cup – Whole milk
- 1/2 cup – Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon – Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup – Unsalted butter melted
- Optional – Cream cheese frosting or powdered sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Open the cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, pressing down gently to ensure the rolls are soaked without becoming overly saturated.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle with cream cheese frosting or a powdered sugar glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Storage: This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
- Make Ahead: For a time-saving option, prepare the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning as directed.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cinnamon rolls, ensuring they are of a similar size to standard cinnamon rolls for proper baking.
- Topping Variations: If you prefer a sweeter topping, use a generous drizzle of cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
