If you’re craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert, this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Imagine soft cinnamon rolls bathed in a fragrant vanilla and cinnamon soak, baked to golden perfection, and drizzled generously with sweet icing. This casserole takes the classic cinnamon roll experience and turns it into an easy, shareable dish that’s perfect for cozy gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or any time you want a special treat without a ton of fuss. Trust me, once you try this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is refreshingly simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the pillowy cinnamon rolls to the fragrant vanilla and warming cinnamon, every ingredient adds a layer of deliciousness you’ll love.
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls (17.5 oz each): The star base of the dish, providing that soft, buttery, and cinnamon-swirled goodness everyone adores.
- 2 oz milk: Used to soak the cinnamon rolls, helping them absorb flavor and stay moist during baking.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the overall taste.
- ½ tbsp ground cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon flavor, giving the casserole that classic cozy spice.
- Icing from the cinnamon roll cans: The sweet, creamy drizzle that finishes the dish with a luscious glaze.
How to Make Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease your baking dish well—cooking spray or a little butter works perfectly—to prevent sticking and to add a touch of richness around the edges.
Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Take each cinnamon roll and cut it into quarters. This not only helps the rolls soak up the flavors better but also creates bite-sized pieces that bake evenly and are easier to serve.
Step 3: Prepare Soaking Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This dreamy mixture is what transforms ordinary cinnamon roll pieces into an ultra-moist, flavorful base for the casserole.
Step 4: Soak the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Toss the cinnamon roll quarters into the soaking mixture, making sure every piece is fully coated. Let them soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This nap time allows the pieces to soak up the delicious vanilla-cinnamon goodness before baking.
Step 5: Microwave the Icing
While your cinnamon rolls are soaking, pop the icing from the cans into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Warming it slightly makes it easier to drizzle over the casserole and ensures it will melt perfectly as the casserole bakes.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the soaked cinnamon roll pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish. Take care not to crowd them too tightly; giving the pieces a bit of room helps them bake into a perfect blend of golden, gooey, and slightly crisp edges.
Step 7: Pour Icing Over the Top
Drizzle your warmed icing over the assembled cinnamon roll pieces. This finishing touch brings everything together with a decadent sweetness and that signature shine that makes the dish irresistible.
Step 8: Bake
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden brown top and soft, bubbly insides. The aroma while it bakes will fill your kitchen with the sweetest anticipation.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool just slightly so it’s safe to eat but still warm enough to enjoy all that gooey cinnamon goodness. Serve it straight from the dish and watch everyone’s faces light up.
How to Serve Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra special touch to your Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe, consider sprinkling chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy contrast. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar after baking also add beautiful color and a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit salad to balance sweetness with savory and tangy elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch or stack pieces on a platter like cinnamon roll “french toast” bites. You can also spoon extra warmed icing on the side so everyone can customize their glaze level to sweet perfection.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover dessert tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored properly, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, still maintaining much of that gooey charm.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in foil and place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 1 month without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or place the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a drizzle of warmed icing freshens it up as if it was just baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! While canned cinnamon rolls make this recipe super quick and easy, homemade rolls will give you a personalized touch and potentially richer flavor. Just make sure they’re slightly cooled and cut into quarters before soaking.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract on hand?
Vanilla adds warmth and depth, but if you’re out, you can skip it or substitute with a pinch of vanilla-flavored sugar or even a touch of maple syrup for a different twist.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap regular milk for any dairy-free alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. Check the ingredients of the canned cinnamon rolls or make your own to ensure there are no dairy products in them.
How sweet is this casserole — will it be too much for breakfast?
This Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe strikes a lovely balance of sweet and spicy but is rich enough that many people enjoy it for breakfast or brunch as a special treat. Pairing it with savory sides helps balance the sweetness if preferred.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely! Assemble everything up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a warm, fresh dessert cinnamon roll casserole that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special, this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is just the ticket. Easy to make, full of comfort, and guaranteed to impress, it transforms simple canned cinnamon rolls into a dreamy indulgence that’s hard to resist. I promise once you make it, it’ll become a cozy staple you’ll happily revisit time and time again.
Print
Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, featuring bite-sized pieces soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a warm, drizzled icing. Perfect for an indulgent breakfast or sweet treat, this casserole is easy to prepare and serves 8.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Ingredients
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls (17.5 oz each), cut into quarters
- 2 oz milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- Icing from the cinnamon roll cans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Roll Pieces: Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and set them aside for soaking.
- Prepare Soaking Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 oz of milk, 1 tbsp of vanilla extract, and ½ tbsp of ground cinnamon. Mix well until fully blended.
- Soak the Cinnamon Roll Pieces: Toss the quartered cinnamon roll pieces into the soaking mixture, making sure each piece is well coated. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Microwave Icing: While the rolls soak, microwave the icing from the cinnamon roll cans for 10-15 seconds to warm it slightly, making it easier to drizzle later.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the soaked cinnamon roll pieces evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading them out to cover the bottom.
- Pour Icing Over the Top: Drizzle the warmed icing evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish to add sweetness and moisture.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to enjoy the gooey, sweet goodness.
Notes
- Letting the cinnamon roll pieces soak properly ensures they absorb the flavorful mixture fully.
- Warming the icing makes it easier to drizzle evenly over the casserole.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the soaking mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- This casserole is best enjoyed warm and fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
