Delicious & Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Your Ultimate Breakfast Bake
Prepare to elevate your breakfast game with this incredibly quick and easy cinnamon roll casserole recipe. Crafted from convenient refrigerated cinnamon rolls, this delightful dish transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary treat. Simply slice the rolls, pour a rich, custardy mixture over them, and bake until they’re golden brown and wonderfully puffed. The best part? Don’t forget that luscious icing, which melts into a sweet glaze over every warm, fluffy bite!
Why This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
This cinnamon roll casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a revelation, perfectly blending the comforting indulgence of fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls with the effortless charm of a breakfast cake. What makes this dish truly special is its incredible simplicity and speed. By utilizing refrigerated cinnamon rolls and a handful of common pantry staples, you can have this puffy, cinnamon-swirled masterpiece on your table in less than an hour, from start to finish. It’s an ideal solution for busy mornings, unexpected guests, or simply when you crave something sweet and satisfying without the fuss.
The magic happens as it bakes. The entire house fills with an irresistible, sweet spiced aroma that makes waiting for it to be ready the hardest part! This casserole elevates a classic treat, transforming individual rolls into a cohesive, pull-apart dish that’s perfect for sharing. We particularly cherish making this on Christmas morning, as it brings warmth and cheer to our holiday celebrations, offering a stress-free yet utterly delicious option for a special breakfast or brunch.
Beyond its speed, this casserole stands out for its texture. The addition of eggs and cream creates a custardy base that ensures every piece of cinnamon roll is infused with moisture, resulting in an exceptionally soft and tender crumb. The edges become beautifully caramelized, while the center remains wonderfully gooey and plump. It’s a dish that genuinely delivers on both convenience and gourmet taste, proving that semi-homemade can be truly spectacular.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Crafting this delightful cinnamon roll casserole requires just a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, remember to check the printable recipe card located at the end of this post. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create this comforting breakfast:
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient’s role allows for perfect execution and smart substitutions. Here’s a closer look at what goes into our amazing cinnamon roll casserole:
DOUGH – For this recipe, you’ll need three packages of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Our personal favorite is the 12.4-ounce (8-count) Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, complete with their included icing. However, feel free to use any brand that you prefer or have on hand; the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. While some recipes might suggest only two cans, we find that using three cans yields a significantly more robust, satisfying casserole with generous, thick pieces and a more impressive presentation. This ensures a truly indulgent experience where every scoop is packed with fluffy, cinnamon-swirled goodness.
ADDITIONS – These additional ingredients are what truly bind the casserole together, transforming the individual rolls into a cohesive, soft, and fluffy baked dish. You will need:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is a star ingredient, contributing immense richness and moisture to the casserole. It helps create that desirable custardy texture and ensures the cinnamon rolls don’t dry out during baking. If heavy whipping cream isn’t available, or you prefer a slightly lighter option, you can substitute it with whole milk. While whole milk will still provide moisture, the heavy cream undeniably adds an unparalleled depth of flavor and creamy decadence that truly elevates the dish.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a crucial binder, holding the casserole together and contributing to its delightful puffiness and soft texture. They create a custardy base that absorbs into the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they remain moist and tender.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and warmth of the casserole, adding a subtle depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Don’t skip this; it makes a noticeable difference.
- Ground Cinnamon: While the refrigerated rolls already have cinnamon, an additional teaspoon of ground cinnamon is incorporated into the custard mixture. This extra sprinkle intensifies the signature spice flavor, permeating every nook and cranny of the casserole for an even more aromatic and comforting experience.
- Unsalted Butter (Melted): Drizzled over the top before baking, melted unsalted butter contributes to a golden, slightly crisp top crust and adds another layer of rich, buttery flavor throughout the dish. It’s a key component for that perfect finish.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Own Cinnamon Roll Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a standard 9×13 baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving a breeze.
- Slice the Cinnamon Rolls: Carefully remove the refrigerated cinnamon rolls from their packaging. Be sure to set aside the small cups of icing that come with them – you’ll need these later for the perfect topping! Take each cinnamon roll and cut it into quarters.
TIP – For maximum efficiency and even pieces, it’s easiest to stack several cinnamon rolls (2-3 at a time works well) and slice through them with a sharp knife. Alternatively, a pizza cutter or even kitchen shears can make quick work of this step, ensuring uniform pieces for your casserole.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Once all the cinnamon roll pieces are cut, sprinkle them into the greased 9×13 baking dish, ensuring they form an even layer. This even distribution is key for consistent baking and for the custard mixture to coat every piece.
- Whisk the Cream Mixture: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, large eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth. This custard-like mixture is what will transform your cinnamon rolls into a fluffy casserole. Once whisked, pour this luscious mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring every piece is generously coated.
- Drizzle with Butter: Take your melted unsalted butter and gently drizzle it over the entire casserole. This step adds another layer of rich flavor and helps the top achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and slight crispness.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, and the center is set and no longer jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
- The Icing on the Cake (or Casserole!): Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. While it’s still warm, take the reserved cups of icing and generously drizzle them over the entire surface. The warmth of the casserole will gently melt the icing, allowing it to seep into all the crevices, creating a beautiful, sweet glaze that is simply irresistible. Serve warm and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfection
To ensure your cinnamon roll casserole is nothing short of perfect every time, and to help you troubleshoot common queries, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and expert tips:
Once the cinnamon roll casserole has completely cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with an air-tight lid or plastic wrap. This helps maintain its freshness and moisture. Store the covered casserole at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, especially in warmer climates, it can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, though the texture might become slightly firmer. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven until warm through.
Absolutely! This cinnamon roll casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches when you want to minimize morning prep. You can prepare the casserole the night before you plan on serving it. Simply assemble the casserole up to the point of baking (steps 1-5). Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. On the day of serving, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 30-60 minutes to bring it closer to room temperature. Then, bake according to the instructions. This slight resting period helps ensure more even baking.
Yes, you can! To freeze, bake the casserole completely and let it cool thoroughly. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze the entire casserole or individual portions for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, loosely covered with foil to prevent over-browning.
This recipe is highly customizable! Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the top before baking for added crunch and nutty flavor. For a touch of chocolate, scatter some mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon rolls before pouring the custard mixture. A handful of fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries) can also be a delightful addition, adding a tart contrast to the sweetness. You could also experiment with a hint of nutmeg or cardamom in the egg mixture for a different spice profile.
No, it’s not necessary to let the casserole rest before baking if you are making it fresh. You can pop it straight into the preheated oven after assembly. However, if you are making it ahead and refrigerating it overnight, allowing it to come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking (as mentioned in the “make ahead” tip) helps with more even cooking.
Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Serving Suggestions
While this cinnamon roll casserole is undeniably delicious on its own, a few thoughtful additions can transform it into an even more memorable meal. Here are some ideas to make your serving experience truly special:
- Classic Icing: The most popular choice is, of course, the reserved icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls. It melts beautifully over the warm casserole, creating a shiny, sweet glaze that’s utterly irresistible.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an alternative or additional touch of sweetness, a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup can add a rich, earthy flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Crunchy Toppings: Before baking, consider garnishing the casserole with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even sliced almonds. These nuts add a wonderful textural contrast and a delightful nutty flavor.
- Homemade Glazes: Feeling adventurous? Whip up a simple cream cheese glaze (cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk/cream, vanilla) for an extra layer of decadence, or a quick powdered sugar glaze with a hint of citrus zest.
- Complementary Sides: This dish is hearty and sweet, so pairing it with savory elements can create a balanced breakfast or brunch. Think crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or a light fruit salad to cut through the richness. Fresh coffee or orange juice are also excellent companions.
- Occasion Versatility: This casserole is incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic choice for a casual weekday breakfast, a festive holiday morning (especially Christmas!), a leisurely weekend brunch with friends, or simply whenever you’re craving a thick, fluffy, and comforting cinnamon roll treat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast!
More Irresistible Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
If you’re anything like us, a delicious breakfast or brunch sets the perfect tone for the day. Once you’ve mastered this cinnamon roll casserole, you might be eager to explore more delightful morning meals. Here are some other cherished breakfast recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Classic French Toast: A timeless favorite, perfect for soaking up syrup.
- Quick & Zesty Orange Rolls: For those who love a citrus twist to their sweet rolls.
- Effortless French Toast Casserole: Another fantastic make-ahead option, similar in convenience to our cinnamon roll bake.
- Sweet Blueberry Breakfast Cake: A delightful cake bursting with juicy blueberries, ideal for a relaxed morning.
- Hearty Breakfast Casserole with Ham and Cheese: For a savory and filling start to your day.
- Crispy Air Fryer French Toast: A quick and easy way to get perfectly cooked French toast with minimal fuss.
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Cinnamon Roll Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 37.2 ounces refrigerated cinnamon rolls three 12.4 oz tubes of cinnamon rolls
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
Before You Begin
- You will need three packages of cinnamon rolls for this recipe. We like to use three of the 12.4-ounce (8-count) Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with icing, but you can use any brand you prefer! Some recipes use two cans of cinnamon rolls but we like the nice thick pieces and the full presentation you get by using 3 cans.
- You can substitute the heavy whipping cream with whole milk if needed, the heavy cream simply adds even more richness to the dish.
- It’s not necessary to let the casserole rest before baking. Check below on how to make this dish ahead of time.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Remove cinnamon rolls from the packaging and cut each roll into quarters. Set aside the cups of icing for later.
TIP – For cutting the cinnamon rolls into pieces, it’s easy to stack several cinnamon rolls and slice through with a sharp knife. You can also use a pizza cutter or kitchen shears.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon roll pieces in an even layer into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, eggs, vanilla, and ground cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the other ingredients.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
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Remove from oven and top with reserved icing.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Cover the cooled casserole with an air-tight lid or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- You can prepare the casserole the night before you plan on serving it. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator and set it on the counter for 30-60 minutes to bring it to room temperature before baking. Bake according to instructions.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.