If you are craving a delicious breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug first thing in the morning, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine cinnamon rolls transformed into a cozy, custardy casserole that bakes up golden and bubbly, then gets drizzled with sweet icing for the perfect finishing touch. It’s the kind of dish that turns any morning into a celebration with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special holiday, this recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, straightforward ingredients is the key to this dish’s magic. Each one plays a crucial role—cinnamon rolls bring sweetness and texture, eggs and cream create that luscious custard, and a splash of vanilla and maple syrup enhance the cozy flavors you’ll adore.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans, 12.4 ounces each): These are the star of the casserole, providing soft, buttery sweetness and that classic cinnamon swirl.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs bind everything together and help create the custard that soaks into the rolls.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and makes the casserole wonderfully creamy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A little vanilla elevates the dessert-like aroma and flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the cinnamon goodness embedded in the rolls themselves.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of depth, perfectly complementing the cinnamon rolls.
- Optional powdered sugar or extra syrup: For serving, to add an extra dash of sweetness if desired.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when your casserole is assembled. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter, ensuring the casserole won’t stick and comes out perfectly after baking.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and separate the individual rolls. Cut each roll into quarters—this helps them absorb the custard better and creates the irresistible texture we’re aiming for. Spread all the pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, making sure the pan is nicely covered.
Step 3: Whisk Together Your Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This custard is what transforms those cinnamon rolls into a luscious casserole.
Step 4: Pour the Custard Over the Rolls
Pour your custard mixture evenly over the cut cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Take care to coat every last piece well—it’s this step that makes the casserole so rich and tender.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the custard is set in the middle. You’ll know it’s done when it’s puffed up a bit and smells absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Drizzle the Icing and Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the warm casserole—this sweet glaze melts perfectly into every nook and cranny. Serve the casserole warm, with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of syrup if you like to up the sweetness even more.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a zigzag of maple syrup for added sweetness and that picture-perfect finish. A few fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can also add color and textural contrast if you want to get a little fancy.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is indulgently sweet and rich, serving it alongside fresh fruit or a light salad provides a refreshing balance. Crisp apple slices, oranges, or a handful of mixed berries are bright, clean flavors that complement the casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch spread, try serving the casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions—everyone loves a personal serving! You could also top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an after-breakfast dessert vibe. Pair it with coffee or a sparkling morning mimosa to really impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe keep beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well before baking. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, just adding extra baking time until bubbly and set.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. If reheating from frozen, cover with foil to prevent over-browning while warming thoroughly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade cinnamon rolls, just prepare them ahead and cut them into quarters before assembling this casserole. Keep in mind baking times might vary slightly depending on the roll size and dough density.
Is the maple syrup necessary?
The maple syrup adds a nice depth of sweetness and a hint of richness that complements the cinnamon flavor wonderfully, but you can substitute with honey or a mild brown sugar syrup if needed.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Make sure to use a dairy-free cinnamon roll to keep the dish fully dairy-free.
How long can I prepare the casserole in advance?
You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a hands-off, stress-free breakfast.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
A similarly sized casserole or baking dish will work fine. Just ensure your dish is deep enough to hold all ingredients comfortably to avoid spillover during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is one of those rare breakfast dishes that feels both indulgent and simple, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any occasion. The combination of soft cinnamon rolls soaked in a sweet custard, baked to golden perfection, and finished with that irresistible icing is pure magic. Give it a try—you’re going to wonder how you ever started your day without it!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a delightful baked breakfast treat. Combining fluffy cinnamon roll pieces soaked in a rich egg and cream mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with sweet icing, this casserole is perfect for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 cans (12.4 ounces each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar for serving
- Additional syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cinnamon rolls: Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate the rolls. Cut each roll into quarters and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish for even baking.
- Mix custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup until fully combined, creating a flavorful custard.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they are well-coated to absorb the custard and achieve a soft, custardy texture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Add icing: Once baked, drizzle the reserved icing over the casserole while it is still warm to add a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Serve warm with optional powdered sugar or extra syrup for added sweetness and presentation appeal.
Notes
- You can use regular or reduced-fat cinnamon rolls based on dietary preference.
- If you prefer a richer casserole, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon rolls before baking adds extra texture and flavor.
- This casserole is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated before serving.
- For a crowd, double the recipe and use a larger baking dish accordingly.
