Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast for Any Occasion
Imagine a warm, fluffy, and incredibly fragrant breakfast that melts in your mouth – all with minimal effort. This easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe is precisely that! It’s the perfect solution for special occasions like Christmas morning breakfast, Thanksgiving brunch, festive potlucks, or simply a delightful weekend treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary canned cinnamon rolls into an extraordinary, decadent breakfast bake that the whole family will adore.
Forget the fuss of rolling, proofing, and baking individual cinnamon rolls from scratch. This clever recipe takes all the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls and streamlines the process into a convenient casserole format. It’s truly the best way to achieve that quintessential cinnamon-sugar swirl and gooey icing without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving a large crowd, planning a special holiday meal, or preparing meals to freeze for later, this cinnamon roll bake is a game-changer that promises comfort and joy in every bite.
Why This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another breakfast dish; it’s a culinary hack that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Here’s why this easy cinnamon roll casserole will quickly become a cherished recipe in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Simple: Life gets busy, especially around the holidays. This Cinnamon Roll Bake can be quickly assembled in under 15 minutes on a hectic morning, or even made entirely ahead the night before, allowing you to wake up to a stress-free, delicious breakfast. No complicated techniques, no lengthy rising times – just pure, simple pleasure.
- The Ultimate Holiday Breakfast: What’s a holiday morning without the warm aroma of cinnamon rolls filling the house? This casserole offers all the nostalgic comfort and festive spirit of classic cinnamon rolls, but with the added convenience of a single, shareable dish. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special gathering where you want to impress without the stress.
- Incredibly Versatile: While designed for speed and convenience using refrigerated cinnamon rolls, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily use your favorite store-bought brand, experiment with different types of canned dough, or even incorporate homemade cinnamon rolls if you have them. Customization options abound, from adding fruits and nuts to experimenting with different glazes.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible scent of cinnamon, sweet spices, and warm dough baking in the oven is enough to draw anyone to the kitchen. This casserole consistently receives rave reviews, making it a perfect dish for entertaining. Everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts, will adore its fluffy texture and rich, sweet flavor. It’s a truly comforting and satisfying breakfast that brings smiles all around.
- Freezer-Friendly Convenience: Beyond its make-ahead capabilities, this casserole can be prepared and frozen unbaked, giving you the flexibility to have a delicious breakfast ready for unexpected guests or busy future mornings with just a little thawing and baking.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful breakfast casserole is incredibly straightforward. Most items are likely already in your pantry or can be easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility.
- Cinnamon Rolls: The star of the show! For ultimate ease, I highly recommend using canned refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Brands like Pillsbury Grand’s are a popular choice due to their generous size and consistent quality, but any favorite brand will work wonderfully. If you’re feeling ambitious and have extra time, you can certainly use homemade cinnamon roll dough for an even more artisanal touch.
- Eggs: Approximately three large eggs are needed to create the rich, custardy base that coats the cinnamon roll pieces. The eggs provide structure and help the casserole set beautifully, ensuring a moist and fluffy interior.
- Milk (or Heavy Cream): For an truly indulgent and creamy casserole, heavy whipping cream is the ideal choice, adding unparalleled richness. However, whole milk works perfectly well and still yields a wonderfully flavorful result. Feel free to use what you have on hand or what suits your preference for decadence.
- Buttermilk: This ingredient is a secret weapon, adding a subtle tanginess that beautifully balances the sweetness of the casserole. If buttermilk isn’t readily available, you can easily substitute with an equal amount of additional milk or heavy cream.
- For Sweetness (Honey & Maple Syrup): Using both honey and maple syrup creates a complex and deeply delicious sweetness profile. They each contribute unique nuances that enhance the overall flavor. If you only have one of them, feel free to use all honey or all maple syrup – the casserole will still be fantastic!
- For Flavor (Vanilla Extract & Extra Cinnamon): A splash of good quality vanilla extract brightens all the flavors, adding a warm, comforting note. A little extra ground cinnamon intensifies that classic cinnamon roll taste, making the casserole even more aromatic and inviting.
- Icing: Don’t discard that precious icing packet that comes with your canned cinnamon rolls! This will be spread over the warm casserole after baking. It might be a classic glaze or a luscious cream cheese icing, depending on your chosen brand. For those who believe more icing is always better, consider purchasing or making extra icing to dollop on individual servings.
For a precise list of ingredients and exact quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection
Creating this easy cinnamon roll casserole is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a perfectly golden, gooey, and irresistible breakfast bake.
Step One: Prepare the Rolls. Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23 x 33 cm) casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Next, open your canned cinnamon rolls and carefully separate them. Slice each cinnamon roll into four equal quarters. While a sharp knife works, clean kitchen shears or a pizza cutter can make this task significantly easier and quicker, ensuring uniform pieces.
Step Two: Layer the Dish. Once quartered, arrange the cinnamon roll pieces in a single, even layer at the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible to ensure consistent baking and custard absorption. This forms the delicious foundation of your casserole.
Crafting the Rich Custard Mixture
Step Three: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, crack the three large eggs. Add the buttermilk, milk (or heavy cream), honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. These ingredients will create a luscious, flavorful custard that infuses the cinnamon rolls with moisture and sweetness.
Step Four: Whisk Thoroughly. Using a whisk, vigorously combine all the liquid ingredients until they are completely smooth and well-incorporated. Ensure there are no streaks of egg yolk and that the sweeteners are fully dissolved. This step is crucial for an evenly textured and flavored casserole.
Assembly and Baking Your Masterpiece
Step Five: Combine and Soak. Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the layered cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Ensure that every piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the custard. Gently nudge the pieces with a spatula if needed to ensure they are submerged and will absorb the liquid properly.
Step Six: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the casserole dish in your preheated 350ºF (177ºC) oven. Bake for approximately 28-33 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the edges are beautifully golden brown. The casserole should be puffed up and fragrant. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs, indicating it’s cooked through.
The Final Sweet Touch: Icing
Step Seven: Glaze While Warm. Once the casserole is removed from the oven, immediately spread the reserved icing from your canned cinnamon rolls over the warm surface. The warmth of the casserole will help the icing melt slightly and spread easily, creating a delicious, glossy finish that seeps into the nooks and crannies.
Step Eight: Cool and Serve. Allow the casserole to cool briefly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. If you desire an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle additional icing over each individual serving. Slice into squares and enjoy this ultimate comfort breakfast!
Storage Tips for Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Proper storage ensures your delicious cinnamon roll casserole remains fresh and enjoyable for longer. Here’s how to handle leftovers:
Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This is crucial to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Once cooled, transfer the individual servings to an airtight container, or if storing the entire dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Whether you’re warming up a single slice or the entire dish, these methods will bring your casserole back to its gooey, delicious best:
- Microwave Method (Individual Servings): For a quick reheat, place an individual serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second increments until warmed through, usually taking 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave’s power. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the casserole.
- Oven Method (Entire Dish): If you’re reheating the whole casserole, first allow the dish to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. Then, preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning and drying. Warm in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. If desired, top with a fresh drizzle of icing after reheating for an extra touch of sweetness and moisture.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe is wonderfully freezer-friendly, offering ultimate convenience for busy mornings. For the best texture and flavor, I recommend freezing it *before* baking.
- Prepare the Base: Place the quartered cinnamon roll pieces at the bottom of a freezer-safe baking dish or a disposable aluminum foil pan.
- Custard Preparation: Whisk together the custard mixture as directed in the recipe (eggs, milk, buttermilk, honey, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon). Pour this mixture over the cinnamon roll layer, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Secure the Icing: Transfer the icing from the cinnamon roll cans into a small, freezer-safe bag. Place this bag on top of the casserole, but *do not* spread it yet.
- Wrap and Label: Cover the baking dish tightly with at least two layers of aluminum foil. Label the casserole with the date and baking instructions (preheat oven to 350°F, bake for 28-33 minutes, then add icing).
- Thaw and Bake: When ready to bake, transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw completely overnight (8-12 hours). Once thawed, remove the foil, and bake as directed in the recipe (Step 6), adding the icing after it comes out of the oven. This method ensures a fresh-baked taste and perfect texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Elevate your cinnamon roll casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable with these insider tips:
- Boost the Richness with Butter: For an extra layer of indulgence and a truly rich flavor, drizzle a few tablespoons of melted unsalted butter over the top of the casserole just before baking. This creates a beautifully golden crust and adds an irresistible depth to the flavors.
- Icing Perfection: The reserved icing from your canned cinnamon rolls is convenient and delicious. However, if you want to take things up a notch, consider making your own basic vanilla glaze or a luscious cream cheese icing. A homemade cream cheese frosting, especially, adds a gourmet touch that pairs exquisitely with the warm cinnamon rolls.
- Warm Your Icing: If your icing is too thick and difficult to spread, a quick trick is to gently warm it. Microwave the icing packet (or homemade icing) for 10-20 seconds, or until it reaches a spreadable consistency. This helps it glide smoothly over the warm casserole and melt slightly into the crevices.
- Prevent Soggy Bottoms: To ensure your casserole isn’t overly moist at the bottom, make sure your cinnamon roll pieces are arranged in a single, even layer. Also, ensure the casserole is baked until the center is set and golden brown, not just until the top is browned.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Resist the urge to pack too many cinnamon roll pieces into your baking dish. Spacing them out slightly allows the custard to penetrate properly and the rolls to puff up evenly.
Make-Ahead Instructions for Ultimate Convenience
Preparing this cinnamon roll breakfast casserole ahead of time is a fantastic way to enjoy a decadent morning treat without the early wake-up call. You can easily complete most of the prep work the night before, making holiday mornings or special occasions much more relaxing.
- Prepare the Rolls: Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking pan. Slice the canned cinnamon rolls into quarters and arrange them in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Cover and Refrigerate Rolls: Tightly cover the baking pan containing the cinnamon roll pieces with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator overnight. This keeps the dough fresh and ready for the next morning.
- Prepare and Store Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together all the custard ingredients: eggs, milk (or heavy cream), buttermilk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, honey, and maple syrup. Once thoroughly combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate alongside the cinnamon rolls.
- Morning Assembly and Bake: The next morning, simply retrieve both the casserole dish and the custard mixture from the refrigerator. Pour the cold custard mixture evenly over the chilled cinnamon roll pieces.
- Bake Carefully: Place the cold baking pan directly into a *cold* oven. Then, set the oven temperature to 350ºF (177ºC) and allow both the oven and casserole to preheat together. This gradual temperature increase helps prevent thermal shock to your dish and ensures even baking, preventing a soggy middle. Bake for 35-45 minutes (as it’s starting from cold), or until golden brown and set in the center. Once baked, spread the reserved icing over the warm casserole and serve.
Important Note: Always place a cold baking pan into a cold oven before heating. This reduces the risk of thermal shock, which can cause glass dishes to crack or break.
Slow Cooker Instructions: Hands-Off Perfection
Looking for an even more hands-off approach or planning to take your delicious breakfast on the go? You’ll be delighted to know that this recipe translates beautifully into a Crock-Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole! It’s the perfect way to enjoy a warm, sweet treat without tying up your oven, making it ideal for potlucks, brunches, or even a cozy Christmas morning breakfast.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the interior of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add Cinnamon Rolls: Arrange the quartered cinnamon roll dough pieces evenly at the bottom of the greased slow cooker insert.
- Mix Custard: In a separate large bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), buttermilk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, honey, and maple syrup. Whisk thoroughly until well combined.
- Pour and Cover: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll layer in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Place the lid securely on the Crock-Pot.
- Slow Cook: Cook on the “Low” setting for approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it. The casserole is ready when the dough is puffed, golden at the edges, and set in the center. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as this releases heat and prolongs cooking time.
- Icing and Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and immediately spread the reserved icing over the warm casserole. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving directly from the slow cooker. This method creates an incredibly soft, moist, and gooey casserole that’s wonderfully easy to transport and serve.
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Casserole
This cinnamon roll casserole is a fantastic base for creativity! Here are some delightful variations to make it your own:
- Apple Pie Filling Delight: For a fruity twist, add a can of apple pie filling (or homemade spiced apples) on top of the cinnamon roll pieces before pouring in the custard and baking. The warm apples mingle beautifully with the cinnamon. After it comes out of the oven, drizzle with the standard icing and an optional caramel sauce.
- Caramel Pecan Extravaganza: Elevate the nutty flavor by sprinkling ½ to 1 cup of chopped pecans over the cinnamon roll pieces before baking. Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven, spread the icing, and then generously drizzle with a rich caramel sauce for an irresistible sticky-sweet treat.
- Brown Sugar Crumble Topping: Before baking, mix ¼ cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and a pinch of cinnamon. Crumble this mixture over the top of the casserole for an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful crispy texture.
- Berry Bliss: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries) with the cinnamon roll pieces before adding the custard. The berries will burst with juicy flavor, adding a lovely tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate) with the cinnamon roll pieces for a decadent chocolatey twist that kids and adults alike will adore.
- Pumpkin Spice Flavor: For a fall-inspired treat, add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to your custard mixture, along with an extra ¼ cup of pumpkin puree. This creates a cozy and aromatic variation perfect for autumn mornings.
- Bacon Maple Combo: For a sweet and savory kick, crumble cooked and crispy bacon bits over the casserole before baking. The salty bacon pairs surprisingly well with the sweet maple and cinnamon flavors.
Recipe FAQ’s: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the convenience of canned rolls, homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully. Prepare your favorite recipe, and once formed, cut them into thick rolls (about 1 ½ inches thick). Cut about 10 of these rolls into quarters, then place the pieces in the bottom of a greased baking dish. Pour the prepared custard mixture over them and bake as directed. The result will be an even richer, more profound cinnamon flavor.
Pouring heavy cream or milk, along with eggs, buttermilk, and sweeteners, creates a rich custard that soaks into the cinnamon roll pieces. This custard adds incredible moisture, fat, and creaminess, transforming canned cinnamon rolls into something far more tender, fluffy, and decadent than they would be on their own. It prevents them from drying out and creates that irresistible gooey texture.
To prevent a soggy casserole, ensure your baking dish is properly greased, and the cinnamon roll pieces are arranged in a relatively even layer, allowing them to bake thoroughly. Most importantly, make sure to bake the casserole until the center is fully set and the edges are golden brown. If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last part of the baking time. Proper cooling before storing also helps maintain texture.
A standard 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) ceramic, glass, or metal baking dish is ideal for this recipe. Glass dishes are great for even cooking and allow you to see when the edges are perfectly browned. Just remember the tip about placing cold glass into a cold oven if preparing ahead of time to prevent thermal shock.
More Irresistible Breakfast Casseroles
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this cinnamon roll casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic breakfast casserole recipes:
- Crock Pot French Toast Casserole
- Brioche French Toast Casserole
- Easy Funeral Potatoes Recipe (Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole)
- Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole)
If you loved this incredibly easy and delicious Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe, please consider leaving a 5-star review in the comments below! Your feedback is greatly appreciated. You can also share your beautiful creations by tagging me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Just a few simple ingredients come together to make this fluffy, fragrant, and decadent Cinnamon Roll Casserole.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 33 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 330kcal
Author: Dorothy Bigelow
Equipment
- 9×13″ baking dish (23 x 33 cm)
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (17.5oz/496g each, 5 count)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ⅓ cup buttermilk (or more heavy cream or milk)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Icing (reserved from the canned cinnamon rolls, plus extra for topping if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and place the pieces in the greased baking dish in an even layer.
- Add the eggs, buttermilk, heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, cinnamon, honey, and maple syrup to a medium-sized bowl. Whisk well until completely combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 28-33 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and spread the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll cans on top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Slice into squares and serve with additional icing (if desired).
Notes
Slow cooker: Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker and cook on “Low” for 2 ½ – 3 hours, or until set in the middle. Top with reserved icing.
Nutrition
Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 105mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 47g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg
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