Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of a warm, gooey breakfast that feels like a big, cozy hug—that is exactly what this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe delivers. Combining the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with a simple custard soak, this dish transforms a beloved pastry into a spectacular morning centerpiece. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a lazy weekend, this casserole is the perfect way to enjoy the classic taste of cinnamon rolls with a delightful twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Every ingredient plays a crucial role—from the cinnamon rolls providing that soft, sweet base, to the spices and custard adding moisture and flavor depth.
- Cinnamon rolls with icing included: These are the star of the dish, offering sweetness and that iconic cinnamon swirl.
- Eggs: They create a rich custard that binds the casserole and gives it a fluffy texture.
- Milk: Helps to soften the cinnamon rolls and adds creaminess to the custard.
- Ground cinnamon: Intensifies the cinnamon flavor, adding warmth and spice.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and brings brightness.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses sweetness that caramelizes while baking.
- Butter: Optional but adds richness and a golden finish.
- Maple syrup (optional): For those who want an extra drizzle of sweet, natural syrup on top.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray. Then open your package of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. This allows them to bake evenly and soak up the custard beautifully. Place all the pieces in your prepared dish, spreading them evenly to create a cozy cinnamon roll bed.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This mixture is the secret ingredient that transforms the cinnamon rolls from simple pastries to a luscious casserole. Make sure all components are well combined so every piece gets a perfect soaking.
Step 3: Pour and Press
Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in your baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently press down the cinnamon rolls, ensuring they soak up the custard evenly without sinking too much. This step makes every bite wonderfully moist and tender.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is puffed up, golden brown around the edges, and set in the middle. That caramelized color on top hints at the sweet, sticky delight underneath waiting to be devoured.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls over the casserole while it’s still warm. This icing melts slightly, creating an irresistible glaze that makes the casserole shine. If you like, add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness and a touch of sophistication.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings can turn this casserole into a showstopper. Think chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries that add burst of tartness to balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to lighten the meal. For drink ideas, a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte complements the cinnamon-spiced flavors perfectly, while a glass of fresh orange juice adds refreshing brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for comfort-food vibes or plate individual portions with an extra dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent brunch or dessert twist. Garnishing plates with a hint of cinnamon powder or edible flowers adds an elegant touch that will impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and maintains its rich flavor and soft texture, making for a delightful next-day breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, then covering it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until golden and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crisp. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for a quick warm-up, but the oven method preserves the casserole’s original texture best.
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated cinnamon rolls or do they need to be fresh?
Refrigerated cinnamon rolls work perfectly for this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe and are actually easier to work with, allowing you to prep quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter or oil for greasing. The casserole still turns out moist and delicious.
Can I add fruit or nuts to the casserole?
Yes! Adding chopped apples, raisins, or nuts like pecans directly into the casserole before baking gives an extra layer of flavor and texture, making it even more special.
How sweet is this casserole? Should I reduce sugar if I prefer less sweet dishes?
This casserole is delightfully sweet thanks to the cinnamon rolls and icing, but you can reduce the brown sugar slightly in the custard if you prefer a milder sweetness without losing the essence of the dish.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two standard 9×13-inch pans. Just watch your baking time closely as it might vary slightly depending on the depth.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly comforting and joyous about making and sharing this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brightens mornings and brings people together with its warm, sweet embrace. I encourage you to try this recipe next time you want to indulge in a simple yet spectacular breakfast. Trust me, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for cozy weekends and holiday brunches alike!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a comforting and delicious breakfast dish that transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a warm, custardy bake. Featuring soft cinnamon roll pieces soaked in an egg and milk mixture with hints of vanilla and brown sugar, baked to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of sweet icing. Perfect for a cozy brunch or special occasion morning treat.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Ingredients
- 1 package cinnamon rolls with icing (approximately 8 rolls)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Maple syrup (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll package and cut each roll into quarters. Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish to create a base layer.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixture with Rolls: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish. Gently press down the pieces so they absorb the custard mixture for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The casserole should turn golden brown on top and be set in the center when fully cooked.
- Add Icing: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately drizzle the icing included in the cinnamon roll package over the hot casserole for a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm, optionally with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness, and enjoy a cozy and indulgent breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use fresh cinnamon rolls for the best texture and flavor.
- Pressing the rolls into the custard helps them fully soak up the flavors and results in a moist casserole.
- You can customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts or raisins to the mixture before baking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
