Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Warm, gooey, and irresistibly aromatic, the Cinnamon Roll Casserole transforms ordinary mornings into special occasions with just one bite. This delightful breakfast masterpiece combines the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a casserole, creating a dish that’s perfect for both family breakfasts and holiday brunches. The buttery, cinnamon-speckled layers melt in your mouth while the sweet icing creates the perfect finishing touch. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing cinnamon roll casserole with minimal effort and maximum flavor, even if you’re short on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cinnamon roll casserole strikes the perfect balance between homemade goodness and convenient preparation, making it an instant favorite for busy mornings when you still want something special. The contrast between the crispy, caramelized edges and the soft, pillowy center creates an irresistible texture experience in every serving. The sweet cinnamon sugar mixture melts into the dough during baking, creating pockets of warm, spiced sweetness throughout.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. It can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, filling your home with an intoxicating aroma that will have everyone rushing to the breakfast table. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require hours of rising and rolling, this casserole delivers all the same flavors in a fraction of the time. The combination of convenience, incredible flavor, and the way it brings people together makes this cinnamon roll breakfast bake a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 cans (17.5 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
• 4 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

• Reserved icing from cinnamon roll packages
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar

The refrigerated cinnamon rolls provide the perfect base for this cinnamon roll breakfast casserole, saving significant preparation time while still delivering authentic flavor. The combination of eggs, heavy cream, and maple syrup creates a rich, custard-like texture that transforms the ordinary rolls into something extraordinary. Fresh ground cinnamon adds depth of flavor that complements the pre-made rolls beautifully.

Pro Tips

Cutting Technique: Rather than simply dumping the cinnamon roll pieces into your baking dish, cut each roll into 6-8 pieces before arranging them. This creates more surface area for the custard mixture to soak into, resulting in better flavor distribution and texture throughout your cinnamon roll casserole.

Overnight Option: For the best flavor infusion, prepare this casserole the night before. Assemble everything except the glaze, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the eggs and cream mixture to fully penetrate the cinnamon roll pieces, creating a more cohesive and flavorful end result. Just remove from the refrigerator while your oven preheats in the morning.

Layering Method: Instead of mixing all ingredients together, create distinct layers for the best texture contrast. Start with half the cinnamon roll pieces, pour over half the egg mixture, then repeat. This technique ensures every piece gets properly coated without becoming soggy, giving you those desirable crispy edges alongside gooey centers that make this cinnamon roll bake so irresistible.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. The proper pan size ensures your cinnamon roll casserole will cook evenly without overflowing during baking.

Step 2: Prepare The Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packages for later use. Cut each roll into 6-8 pieces (quarters and then halves or thirds works well). This creates the perfect bite-sized pieces that will absorb the egg mixture while still maintaining their identity in the finished dish.

Step 3: Create The Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy. This mixture forms the rich custard base that transforms simple cinnamon rolls into a decadent breakfast cinnamon roll casserole.

Step 4: Prepare The Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This will be sprinkled between layers and on top for extra cinnamon flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Assemble The Casserole
Place half of the cinnamon roll pieces in an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Pour half of the egg mixture over them, ensuring all pieces get some coverage. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and drizzle with half the melted butter. Repeat with remaining ingredients, creating a second delicious layer.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 7: Prepare And Apply The Glaze
While the casserole is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the reserved icing packets with softened cream cheese, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth and pourable. When the cinnamon roll casserole comes out of the oven, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling with the prepared glaze.

Variations

Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Add a diced apple tossed with a teaspoon of cinnamon and tablespoon of sugar between the layers for a fruity twist on the classic cinnamon roll casserole. The apples will soften during baking, creating pockets of warm, cinnamon-spiced fruit throughout the casserole that complement the rolls beautifully.

Pecan Streusel Version: Create a crunchy contrast by sprinkling a mixture of ½ cup chopped pecans, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 2 tablespoons melted butter over the top before baking. This adds a delightful textural element to your cinnamon roll breakfast bake that elevates it to coffee-shop quality.

Orange Cranberry Adaptation: Add the zest of one orange to your egg mixture and fold ½ cup dried cranberries into the casserole for a holiday-worthy variation. The bright citrus notes and tart cranberries cut through the sweetness of the cinnamon roll casserole, creating a more complex and sophisticated flavor profile.

Storage and Serving

This cinnamon roll casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds.

For an elegant brunch presentation, serve your casserole with a side of fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. The bright, fresh fruit provides a beautiful color contrast and refreshing counterpoint to the rich, warm casserole.

Transform this dish into a complete breakfast experience by pairing it with savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. The salty, savory elements create the perfect flavor balance with the sweet cinnamon roll bake. For special occasions, serve alongside a pitcher of cold milk, hot coffee, and mimosas for a memorable morning meal.

FAQs

Can I make this cinnamon roll casserole without eggs?
Yes, you can omit the eggs and simply use 1 cup of heavy cream mixed with the maple syrup and vanilla. The texture will be less custard-like but still delicious.

Why is my casserole soggy in the middle?
This typically happens when the casserole hasn’t baked long enough. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven. Remember that it will continue to firm up as it cools.

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! Prepare your favorite cinnamon roll recipe through the rolling and cutting stage, then cut each roll into pieces and proceed with the recipe as written. You may need to adjust baking time.

Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
No, while an overnight rest enhances the flavor and texture, you can bake this cinnamon roll casserole immediately after assembly. Just allow the casserole to rest for about 15 minutes before baking so the egg mixture can begin to soak in.

Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked, assembled casserole for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. For baked leftovers, freeze in individual portions for quick weekday breakfasts.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a warm hug of sweet cinnamon spice and soft, pillowy texture that transforms ordinary mornings into occasions worth savoring. It’s the kind of dish that brings family running to the kitchen, drawn by its irresistible aroma and the promise of something special. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, planning a special weekend breakfast, or simply want to make an ordinary day extraordinary, this casserole delivers the perfect blend of convenience and homemade charm that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Print