If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want something a little easier to share with a crowd or enjoy over a leisurely morning, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender, buttery pieces of cinnamon roll baked into a custardy, golden breakfast treat, kissed with warm maple syrup and vanilla, then drizzled with luscious icing — it’s like your favorite pastry transformed into a gorgeous, sliceable casserole that’s perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or anytime you crave a sweet, nostalgic start to the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and spice. The basics are simple yet come together to build a dish that’s bursting with flavor from the very first bite.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: These are the star of the show—pre-made cinnamon rolls save time and provide that signature cinnamon-sugar swirl and soft texture.
- Large eggs: Eggs add structure and richness, helping the casserole set with a custard-like texture.
- Whole milk: Milk keeps the custard smooth and adds moisture without overpowering the flavors.
- Heavy cream: A splash of cream elevates the richness, giving the casserole an indulgent feel.
- Maple syrup: This natural sweetener brings deep complexity and warmth; you can swap for brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla brightens the dish and enhances the cinnamon notes without stealing the spotlight.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice infuses the custard with classic warmth that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
- Pinch of salt: Salt balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors, making each bite more satisfying.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the cinnamon rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Then, cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into quarters, which helps them soak up the custard beautifully and creates perfect bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces
Spread the cinnamon roll quarters evenly in the prepared baking dish. Don’t worry about spacing too perfectly; the custard will bring the pieces together as it bakes, making the whole casserole wonderfully cohesive.
Step 3: Mix the custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is silky smooth. This custard is what softens and flavors the cinnamon roll pieces, turning them into a luscious, bake-to-perfection treat.
Step 4: Combine and soak
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the casserole dish. Then, gently press down the cinnamon rolls to make sure they soak up the custard well. This step ensures every bite is moist and tender with just the right balance of flavors.
Step 5: Bake to golden perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is set through the middle and boasts a gorgeous golden crust on top. The aroma alone is enough to make you want to dig in immediately!
Step 6: Drizzle with icing
While the casserole is baking, warm the icing packets that came with the cinnamon rolls by holding them in your hands or placing them briefly in warm water. Once your casserole is out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the icing generously over the top for that final touch of sweet gooeyness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe, try garnishing with freshly chopped pecans for a delightful crunch or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also add color and freshness that brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, oranges, or a simple fruit salad. For something heartier, crispy bacon or sausage links provide a savory contrast that balances the sweetness, making your brunch plate perfectly rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole family-style straight from the dish to create a warm, inviting centerpiece. Or get creative by cutting it into individual squares and placing each on a pretty plate topped with extra maple syrup drizzle and a sprig of mint for a charming touch that will impress any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon roll casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it tightly to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out, so it’s just as delicious the next morning.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly, and freezing for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. This makes it a fantastic option for preparing in advance for a busy morning.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds until warm, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. To revive the icing while reheating, add a fresh drizzle after warming up.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this casserole?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for refrigerated cinnamon rolls for convenience, homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and add a special touch. Just cut them into quarters and proceed as usual.
Is it okay to substitute milk with a non-dairy option?
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk. Just choose an unsweetened variety to keep the flavors balanced, and be aware it might slightly alter the richness of the custard.
Can I add nuts or fruit inside the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add texture and flavor, while berries or diced apples can add a fresh, fruity note. Just sprinkle them over the cinnamon roll pieces before pouring the custard.
What if I don’t have heavy cream—can I skip it?
You can substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, but expect a slightly less rich and creamy texture. The casserole will still be tasty and satisfying.
How sweet is this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe?
This casserole offers a balanced sweetness thanks to the maple syrup and icing drizzle, but it’s not overly sugary. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the maple syrup or adding more icing to suit your preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, easy to make, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or treating yourself on a slow weekend, it promises to bring smiles and full bellies. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved tradition in your kitchen!
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Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a luscious, sweet breakfast dish that combines the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a creamy, custard-soaked bake. Perfect for brunch or special mornings, this casserole delivers tender cinnamon roll bites enveloped in a rich mixture of eggs, cream, and maple syrup, baked until golden and finished with a sweet icing drizzle.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- Two 12.4 ounce cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into quarters, then evenly spread the pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, gently pressing the pieces down so they absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is fully set and the top is golden brown.
- Prepare Icing: While baking, warm the icing packets by holding them in your hands or placing them in a bowl of warm water to make them easier to drizzle.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and drizzle the warmed icing over the top before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute the maple syrup with brown sugar.
- Add chopped pecans on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
- Serve with fresh fruit or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
