Why This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Is a Breakfast Must-Try

Are you searching for the perfect breakfast or brunch recipe that delivers homemade flavor with almost zero effort? Look no further than this incredible cinnamon roll casserole! This decadent bake transforms simple store-bought refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a gooey, sweet, and custardy dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.¹ The beauty of the cinnamon roll casserole lies in its brilliant simplicity and its status as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your home—that’s the magic of this cinnamon roll casserole. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish for holidays like Christmas morning or Easter brunch, allowing you to spend more time with family and less time slaving over a hot stove.² By cutting the ready-made cinnamon roll dough into pieces, you create small pockets that soak up a rich, sweet egg and cream custard.³ This soaking process ensures that every bite of the cinnamon roll casserole is tender on the inside with a perfectly golden, slightly crisp top. This recipe elevates the traditional pastry into a warm, deeply satisfying, family-style baked treat. Search for a more convenient yet indulgent breakfast and you’ll keep coming back to this effortless cinnamon roll casserole recipe. Its ease and rich flavor profile make it a standout choice for any sweet breakfast craving.

Gooey, Golden Cinnamon Roll Casserole: The Ultimate Breakfast Hack

This cinnamon roll casserole is a quick-prep dream come true, turning two tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a rich, buttery, and custardy baked treat.⁴ Perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe involves tossing the cut cinnamon rolls in a sweet mixture of eggs, heavy cream, and cinnamon before baking until golden and gooey.⁵ The reserved icing is warmed and drizzled over the hot cinnamon roll casserole for a final layer of sweetness.⁶ It’s the easiest way to enjoy the warmth and flavor of freshly baked cinnamon rolls without the time commitment.

Storage Options

Refrigeration (Leftovers): Store any leftover baked cinnamon roll casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.⁷ Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warm.
Make-Ahead (Unbaked): The casserole can be prepared up to the point of baking (before the icing is added), covered tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerated overnight.⁸ Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.
Freezing: The casserole can be frozen, unbaked or fully baked (without the icing). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking (if unbaked) or reheating (if baked).⁹

cinnamon roll casserole

Prep Time minutes 8-10

Bake Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25-35 minutes

Servings 35-45

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Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish10
Medium mixing bowl11
Whisk
Kitchen shears or sharp knife
Microwave-safe bowl (for icing)12

Ingredients

cup butter melted13
2 12.4 oz cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (Pillsbury is a popular choice)14
4 large eggs15
cup heavy cream or whole milk/half-and-half
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon separate from the cinnamon rolls16
2 teaspoons vanilla extract17
cup pure maple syrup optional, for extra sweetness18
cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional topping19
Icing packets reserved from the cinnamon roll cans20

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 21 (22).23 Pour the 24 cup of melted butter into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly to coat.25
Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set the two icing packets aside.26 Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut each cinnamon roll into 6 to 8 pieces.27
Arrange Rolls: Scatter the cut cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the melted butter layer in the prepared baking dish.28
Make Custard: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined and frothy.29
Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg-custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring all the pieces are soaked.30 Gently press the rolls down to help them absorb the liquid.
Top (Optional): If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the casserole and drizzle with the 31 cup of maple syrup.32
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the rolls are puffed, and the custard is set (a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean).33
Icing and Serve: Remove the cinnamon roll casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes.34 While cooling, place the reserved icing packets in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 10-15 seconds, just until warm and easily drizzled.35 Drizzle the icing generously over the warm casserole and serve immediately.

Notes

Even Soaking: Ensure the egg mixture is distributed thoroughly over all the cinnamon roll pieces for a consistent custardy texture.

Doneness Check: The casserole should be golden brown and the center should no longer look wet or jiggly, indicating the custard is cooked through.

Icing Consistency: Warming the icing makes it thin and pourable, creating that signature cinnamon roll casserole glaze.36

Tips for Success

Use Kitchen Shears: Using clean kitchen shears is the fastest and easiest way to cut the sticky cinnamon roll dough into even pieces for your cinnamon roll casserole.³⁷
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the casserole.³⁸ Stick to the suggested bake time, checking for that golden color and set custard.
Pure Maple Syrup: For the best flavor in your cinnamon roll casserole, use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup.³⁹

Additional Tips and Variations

Fruity Twist: Add ⁴⁰ cup of fresh blueberries, diced apples, or sliced peaches over the cinnamon roll pieces before pouring the custard for a fruit-infused cinnamon roll casserole.⁴¹
Cream Cheese Frosting Upgrade: For a richer topping, you can make your own simple cream cheese frosting instead of using the packaged icing.⁴²
Savory Balance: To cut the sweetness, serve the cinnamon roll casserole alongside savory breakfast items like bacon, sausage, or a simple frittata.⁴³

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make the cinnamon roll casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight.44 When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed (it may need a few extra minutes).

Q: Do I have to use heavy cream?

A: Heavy cream creates a richer, more luxurious custard.45 However, you can substitute with whole milk, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk.46

Q: Can I use a smaller baking dish?

A: You can halve the recipe and use an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square dish. Be sure to check the cooking time as it may be slightly shorter.

Conclusion

This simple yet spectacular cinnamon roll casserole is the ultimate shortcut to a decadent, warm, and comforting breakfast. Its ease of preparation and rich, gooey results make it a universally loved dish, perfect for everything from a busy weekend morning to a special holiday brunch. By using this straightforward recipe, you can effortlessly create a memorable sweet treat that embodies all the best parts of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy-to-serve casserole format. Enjoy the deliciousness!