If you’ve ever wished for a breakfast that combines the gooey, cinnamon-swirled magic of cinnamon rolls with the comforting warmth of a baked casserole, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect way to transform simple refrigerated cinnamon rolls into an irresistible morning treat that’s golden, custardy, and bursting with cozy flavors. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving a special start to your day, this dish delivers a beautiful balance of sweet, creamy, and tender bites that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to create its dreamy texture and vibrant flavor. Each component is essential in building that luscious custard base and infusing the dish with warm, familiar spice notes. Let’s break it down:
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: These bring the signature cinnamon swirl and soft, doughy texture that form the heart of the casserole.
- Large eggs: They provide structure and richness, helping the custard set perfectly around the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess while keeping the custard light enough to soak into the cinnamon rolls deeply.
- Heavy cream: Boosts richness, making every bite feel indulgently smooth and velvety.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with aromatic warmth that ties all the flavors together.
- Ground cinnamon: Elevates the cinnamon roll’s own spice, layering in extra cozy flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Melted butter: Drizzled on top for a beautiful golden finish and a hint of buttery richness.
- Maple syrup: The perfect drizzle for a natural sweetness and an inviting glossy finish after baking.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor. Open your refrigerated cinnamon rolls, set aside the icing packets, and cut each roll into quarters. Spread these pieces evenly in the prepared pan. This layering is crucial so every piece bakes evenly and soaks up the custard mixture beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth. This custard blend is the secret that transforms simple cinnamon rolls into a soft, pudding-like casserole with deeply infused spices.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the quartered cinnamon rolls, ensuring every piece gets coated. Drizzle the melted butter on top to encourage a golden crust and rich finish. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the casserole puffs up, develops a golden brown crust, and feels set in the center when gently touched.
Step 4: Add the Icing and Maple Syrup
Once you remove the casserole from the oven, let it stand for 5 minutes to settle. Warm the reserved icing packets if needed, then drizzle the icing and maple syrup over the top for that final touch of sweetness and shine that makes this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe simply irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance presentation and add delightful crunch, consider sprinkling chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top before baking, or fresh berries just before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a lovely touch of elegance and contrast against the golden crust.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a refreshing yogurt parfait to balance its sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea is the perfect beverage to round out your brunch experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in family-style, straight from the baking dish for a cozy, communal feel. For a special occasion, plate individual portions with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn this breakfast treat into a decadent dessert-style delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cinnamon roll casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day breakfast just as satisfying and sometimes even better.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through and slightly crisp on top, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drizzle with extra icing or maple syrup after reheating to refresh that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this casserole?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and add a personal touch, though refrigerated rolls make it so quick and easy. Just cut them into pieces and follow the same steps for an equally delicious result.
Is this casserole very sweet?
It has a lovely balance of sweetness from the cinnamon rolls, icing, and maple syrup without being overpowering. You can adjust the maple syrup amount or add nuts to add texture and counterbalance the sugar.
Can I make this gluten-free?
If you can find gluten-free cinnamon rolls or make your own, this recipe will work just the same. The custard mixture is naturally gluten-free and will soak into the gluten-free dough beautifully.
What if I want to add nuts or fruit?
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the casserole before baking to add crunch. You can also add fresh or dried fruit like blueberries or raisins into the custard mix for extra bursts of flavor.
How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?
You can assemble the casserole completely the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it directly into the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time since it’s starting cold.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe, it will become your go-to for a truly special breakfast or brunch. It blends simplicity with decadence in such a comforting way, turning ordinary refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a memorable meal. So grab those cinnamon rolls, whisk up that custard, and get ready to savor every gooey, spiced, sweet bite with your favorite people around the table.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that transforms refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a rich, custardy baked treat. Combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla with a creamy egg mixture and topped with maple syrup and icing, this casserole is perfect for a cozy brunch or special breakfast gathering.
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 2 cans (12 to 13 ounces each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the icing packets aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour Custard Over Rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are moistened.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the custard-soaked cinnamon rolls to enhance richness.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up, golden brown on top, and set in the center.
- Rest the Casserole: Remove from the oven and let the casserole stand for 5 minutes to set further and cool slightly.
- Add Icing and Maple Syrup: Warm the reserved icing packets slightly if needed to make drizzling easier, then drizzle the icing and maple syrup evenly over the casserole before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness and crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top before baking.
- This casserole reheats well and can be prepared the night before; simply refrigerate until ready to bake.
