There is something truly magical about this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe that turns any morning into a warm, joyful occasion. Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls soak up a rich, sweet custardy egg mixture and bake into a golden delight that’s perfect for holiday mornings, family brunches, or lazy weekend treats. This dish combines the best of cinnamon roll indulgence with the comforting appeal of a breakfast bake, creating layers of flavor and texture that will definitely have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe, it will become your go-to for those special mornings that deserve a little extra love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish on the table is surprisingly simple thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing together the taste, texture, and inviting look of the casserole, from the soft cinnamon rolls to the warm egg custard and aromatic spices.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans, 12.4 oz each): The star of the show providing soft, flaky layers and cinnamon-sugar goodness.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients and add richness to the custardy base.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the custard luxuriously creamy and tender.
- Maple syrup or pancake syrup (1/3 cup): For a natural sweetness and notes of caramel that deepen the flavor.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the scent and brings warmth to the dish.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Elevates the cinnamon flavor and adds a comforting spice.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to add subtle depth and complexity.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For greasing the baking dish, ensuring the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Optional chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness on top.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to make sure the casserole releases easily after baking. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. This gives you just the right size pieces to soak up the custardy mixture and ensures every bite is wonderfully soft yet structured.
Step 2: Arrange the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Scatter the cinnamon roll quarters evenly across the greased baking dish. It’s important to distribute them well so that every piece is surrounded by the custard for even baking and an ultimate melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fragrant. This custard mixture is going to soak into those cinnamon rolls, transforming them into a soft, golden breakfast masterpiece.
Step 4: Combine and Soak
Pour the custardy egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll quarters in the baking dish. Press down gently on the pieces to help them absorb the liquid and meld together for a luscious, cohesive casserole. If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the top right now to add a crunchy contrast.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown and the center is set but still soft. That warm, inviting aroma wafting from the oven is a sure sign it’s almost time to dig in.
Step 6: Add the Sweet Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool slightly. Warm the icing included with your cinnamon rolls and drizzle it generously over the top to add the perfect creamy sweetness. This final touch makes the casserole irresistible.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup. A few toasted nuts scatter beautifully on top for crunch and nuttiness, making every bite uniquely delightful.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie for a refreshing balance. A cup of strong coffee or warm chai is the perfect beverage to accompany this sweet, cozy dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe straight from the baking dish for casual brunches or portion it out onto pretty dessert plates for a more elegant morning treat. You can also layer it in individual ramekins for personalized servings that feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and deepen, making the casserole even tastier the next day (if you can wait that long!).
Freezing
This casserole freezes well before baking. Prepare it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, bake it covered at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until hot and set.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Drizzle a little extra warmed icing or syrup on top after reheating to revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls can add a personal touch, but make sure they’re slightly underbaked before cutting and using to ensure the casserole bakes up soft and custardy rather than overdone.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes! The Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe yields about 8 servings and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. It’s a great dish to share and impress guests with minimal effort.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
With some ingredient swaps—like using dairy-free cream and egg replacements—you can adapt the recipe, though the texture and richness might differ slightly. The traditional version is especially indulgent and creamy.
How far ahead can I prepare this casserole?
You can prepare the entire casserole up to one day in advance and leave it covered in the fridge. The next morning, simply bake it fresh for breakfast, making your morning stress-free and delightful.
What’s the best way to warm the icing for drizzling?
The easiest method is to microwave the icing in a small bowl for about 10-15 seconds to soften it up just enough to drizzle easily without making it runny.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the warm, sweet layers of this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe. It’s simple to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for bringing loved ones together around the breakfast table. Give it a try and you’ll find it quickly earning a permanent spot in your recipe rotation for special weekends and memorable mornings. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you’ll be hooked.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon roll casserole is a warm, gooey, crowd-pleasing breakfast bake made with soft cinnamon rolls and a sweet, custardy egg mixture. Perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or cozy weekends, this easy casserole takes minimal prep and delivers maximum comfort with every bite.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (12.4 oz each)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or pancake syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Optional Topping
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and add richness.
- Prepare the cinnamon rolls: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into quarters and scatter them evenly in the prepared baking dish to create the casserole base.
- Mix custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press down gently to ensure the rolls absorb the custard. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if using for added texture and flavor.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until it is golden brown on top and the center is set and fully cooked.
- Finishing touch: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Warm the included icing from the cinnamon roll cans and drizzle generously over the casserole before serving.
Notes
- You can prep the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for convenience.
- For added sweetness, drizzle extra maple syrup or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Optional nuts add a delightful crunch, but you can omit them if preferred or for allergies.
