1. What is Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a dream come true for anyone who loves sweet, sticky, cinnamon-filled breakfasts.
Instead of baking individual rolls, you cut them up, soak them in a creamy custard, and bake everything together into a warm, gooey casserole.
It’s:
- Sweet
- Comforting
- Incredibly easy
Perfect for:
- Holiday mornings
- Weekend brunches
- When you want a crowd-pleaser that looks and smells amazing with minimal work
It’s like the lovechild of cinnamon rolls and French toast — and yes, it’s as good as it sounds!
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole keeps it simple — and you probably have most of these ingredients already. <ul> <li><strong>Refrigerated cinnamon rolls:</strong> (like Pillsbury) — quick and easy</li> <li><strong>Eggs:</strong> To create a rich custard</li> <li><strong>Milk:</strong> Whole milk works best, but any kind will do</li> <li><strong>Heavy cream:</strong> For extra richness (optional but amazing)</li> <li><strong>Vanilla extract:</strong> For flavor depth</li> <li><strong>Ground cinnamon:</strong> For extra cinnamon punch</li> <li><strong>Maple syrup:</strong> Optional, but adds lovely sweetness</li> <li><strong>Butter:</strong> Melted, for extra indulgence</li> <li><strong>Powdered sugar icing:</strong> Comes with the cinnamon rolls or you can make your own</li> </ul>
Optional extras:
- A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts
- Fresh berries for topping
3. How to Make It (Step-by-Step Guide)
Super easy — basically mix, dump, and bake!
Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
- Scatter the pieces evenly in the dish.
Tip: Keep the icing that comes with the rolls — you’ll drizzle it later!
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
Optional: Drizzle a little maple syrup over the top for extra magic.
Step 3: Bake
- Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until golden and puffed.
It should be set in the center but still soft and moist — not dry!
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Warm the icing and drizzle it generously over the warm casserole.
- Serve immediately while it’s gooey and heavenly.
4. Tips and Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Here’s how to make it truly next-level:
- Use heavy cream. It makes the custard ultra-rich and decadent.
- Don’t overbake. You want it soft and a little gooey — not dried out.
- Customize your toppings. Nuts, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar all work beautifully.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing — it sets up just enough.
- Add extra cinnamon if you love a real cinnamon kick.
Pro tip: Serve it with a mug of coffee or a cold glass of milk. Perfection!
5. Fun Variations to Try
Want to mix it up? Here are some delicious twists: <ul> <li><strong>Apple cinnamon casserole:</strong> Add chopped, peeled apples before baking.</li> <li><strong>Pecan praline version:</strong> Sprinkle chopped pecans and a little brown sugar on top before baking.</li> <li><strong>Chocolate chip cinnamon roll casserole:</strong> Add a handful of mini chocolate chips before baking.</li> <li><strong>Berry twist:</strong> Scatter fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries over the top before baking.</li> <li><strong>Maple bacon version:</strong> Add crumbled cooked bacon and drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet-savory combo.</li> </ul>
You really can’t go wrong — cinnamon rolls are pure magic.
6. Serving and Storing Suggestions
How to Serve
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is best:
- Warm and fresh from the oven
- Topped with extra icing, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Paired with coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for a cozy breakfast treat
How to Store
- Fridge: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked casserole in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave single servings or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Tip: Add a drizzle of fresh icing after reheating to revive that just-baked feel!
FAQs
1. Can I make Cinnamon Roll Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning. It’s perfect for holidays or busy mornings.
2. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated?
Definitely! Just use slightly underbaked homemade cinnamon rolls, cut them up, and proceed as usual. It’ll taste even more homemade.
3. How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake it long enough until the center is set but still moist. Let it cool slightly after baking to firm up properly.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and a dairy-free cinnamon roll brand. Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for richness.
5. How long does cinnamon roll casserole last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh for about 4 days. Reheat gently before serving for the best texture.
6. Can I freeze leftover casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before enjoying.
7. What’s the best way to reheat cinnamon roll casserole?
Microwave single servings or cover and reheat in a low oven (300°F) until warmed through. Add fresh icing after reheating if needed!
8. What can I serve alongside this casserole?
Balance it with something savory like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a breakfast sausage bake. It keeps the meal from being too sweet-heavy.
9. Can I add more icing?
Yes, and honestly, you should! Double the icing from the cinnamon rolls package, or make a quick glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
10. Can I use flavored cinnamon rolls?
Sure! Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls, caramel cinnamon rolls, or chocolate chip versions all add fun flavor twists without changing the recipe much.