If you’re craving a comforting, sweet breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, gooey cinnamon rolls baked into a custardy, golden-brown casserole topped with that irresistible icing—mouthwatering and effortless all at once. It’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to share a little sweetness with family and friends. This recipe turns classic cinnamon rolls into a delightful, no-fuss casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on just a few pantry staples and a package of cinnamon rolls. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—eggs and milk create a creamy custard that soaks into the rolls, brown sugar and cinnamon boost that cozy spice classic to the dish, and the vanilla extract adds depth and warmth. It all comes together quickly, making this casserole an easy yet impressive treat.
- Cinnamon rolls with icing included: The star of the dish, providing sweetness, cinnamon spice, and that beloved icing on top.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and give the casserole a custardy texture.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to soak the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: A little extra cinnamon kicks up the warm spice flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the sweetness with a gentle, aromatic note.
- Brown sugar: Adds richness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Butter: Used to grease the pan, ensuring a golden crust and easy serving.
- Maple syrup (optional): For drizzling on top if you like an extra layer of natural sweetness.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to help your casserole develop a beautiful golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cinnamon roll package and cut each roll into quarters. Spreading the pieces evenly in the prepared dish ensures every bite is filled with soft, cinnamon-y goodness when baked.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This luscious mixture is what transforms the cinnamon rolls into a custardy casserole that’s full of rich, sweet flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Press
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Gently press the rolls down to help them absorb the mixture without squishing them too much—this step guarantees a beautifully soaked yet fluffy texture throughout.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a golden brown and the center looks set but still soft. This baking time is just right to meld those flavors together perfectly.
Step 6: Drizzle with Icing
Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately drizzle the included icing from the cinnamon roll package over the top. The warm casserole helps the icing melt and settle into every nook and cranny, adding that iconic cinnamon roll sweetness.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
This casserole is best enjoyed warm, fresh out of the oven. Scoop out generous portions and savor every gooey, cinnamony bite. Your breakfast game is officially upgraded!
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the built-in icing provides plenty of sweetness, a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch and extra flavor contrast. You could also dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar or fresh fruit like sliced strawberries to brighten up the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides such as crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait complements the richness perfectly, helping to round out a well-balanced brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming brunch, serve the casserole in a rustic ceramic dish right on the table with bowls of toppings lined up around it. Or, prepare individual servings in small ramekins for a touch of elegance and easy portion control. Setting out warm maple syrup can also let guests add just as much sweetness as they wish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there are any leftovers (which might not last long!), cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making it a tasty next-day breakfast too.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked casserole in the baking dish by covering it well with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This makes it especially convenient for busy mornings or holiday brunches.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm and soft. If reheating the entire dish, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls add a personal touch and extra freshness. Just cut them into quarters and follow the same soaking and baking process.
Is the icing necessary?
The icing is the classic finishing touch, but if you prefer, you could drizzle cream cheese frosting, maple glaze, or even leave it off for a less sweet option.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, use dairy-free butter for greasing, and ensure your cinnamon rolls are dairy-free. The casserole will still taste fantastic!
How can I make this casserole less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar slightly in the custard and opt to drizzle less icing or skip it entirely. Serving with savory sides also balances the sweetness well.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or two standard pans. Just keep an eye on baking time—it may need a few extra minutes to cook through evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the best parts of cinnamon rolls with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating the family, or just craving something cozy and sweet, this dish will deliver warm smiles and satisfied appetites. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious it is!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Featuring chunks of cinnamon rolls soaked in a sweet, spiced custard and baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines convenience with indulgent flavor. Topped with the included icing and optionally drizzled with maple syrup, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- 1 package cinnamon rolls (with icing included, typically 8 rolls)
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- Maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Open the package of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters to create bite-sized pieces. Distribute these evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula or your hands to ensure the rolls absorb the liquid thoroughly.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (not jiggly).
- Add Icing: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls over the warm top for a gooey finish.
- Serve: Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting cinnamon roll casserole!
Notes
- Make sure not to over-soak the cinnamon rolls to avoid a soggy casserole.
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Use full-fat or 2% milk for a creamier custard.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- This recipe can be doubled for a larger crowd using a bigger baking dish.
