If you’re craving a cozy, comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It takes all the gooey, sweet magic of classic cinnamon rolls and transforms it into an effortless, bake-and-forget dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or feeding a crowd, this casserole balances soft, tender cinnamon roll pieces soaked in a dreamy custard, topped with silky icing that melts beautifully on the warm surface. Get ready to delight your taste buds in the most deliciously simple way imaginable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for creating the luscious taste and fluffy texture that make this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe so irresistibly good. Each component plays a special role in bringing together layers of sweetness, spice, and richness.
- 2 cans (12.4 ounces each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing): The star of the dish, providing soft dough and sweet cinnamon swirls.
- 4 large eggs: Acts as the custard base binder, giving structure to the casserole.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the egg mixture, making it luscious.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, sweet fragrance that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Boosts the spicy warmth and depth of classic cinnamon roll flavors.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Introduces natural sweetness and a lovely hint of caramelized taste.
- Optional: Powdered sugar or additional syrup for serving: For extra sweetness or decorative flair when serving.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and comes out perfectly formed.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cinnamon roll cans and separate the rolls. Cut each roll into quarters — this allows the custard to soak into every nook and cranny. Spread all the pieces evenly across the prepared dish to create a uniform base layer.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup until everything is well blended and smooth. This mixture is where moisture and flavor come together to soak into the rolls.
Step 4: Pour and Coat
Carefully pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll quarters, making sure every piece gets a generous coating. This step ensures each bite is soft, custardy, and bursting with cinnamon sweetness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center is set. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be pure anticipation.
Step 6: Drizzle Reserved Icing
Once out of the oven and while still warm, drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls over the entire casserole. This final touch brings that iconic cinnamon roll sweetness and a gorgeous glossy finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe warm, optionally sprinkled with powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of syrup for added indulgence. Dive in while it’s fresh and enjoy every gooey, sweet bite.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra maple syrup elevate the presentation and add a touch more sweetness. For a fresh note, try topping with sliced fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for crunch and color.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a crisp green side to balance the richness. For a hearty brunch spread, complement it with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or even a yogurt parfait featuring honey and granola.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style vibe, or cut it into individual squares and plate for a brunch party. For a fun twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top — yes, breakfast can be dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a perfect option for next-day breakfast or a quick sweet treat that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling everything in your baking dish, wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freezing for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if still chilled.
Reheating
Rewarm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or heat the entire dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through. To keep it moist, cover loosely with foil while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned for this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls add a personal touch and can make your casserole even more special. Just cut them into quarters as you would with canned rolls and proceed with the recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or any dairy-free cream alternative and using dairy-free cinnamon rolls, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free while retaining its rich and creamy texture.
Can I add nuts or fruit inside the casserole?
For sure! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins make delightful additions sprinkled over the cinnamon rolls before adding the custard. Fresh or dried fruit can add bursts of flavor and texture.
How sweet is this casserole? Can I reduce the sugar?
This casserole has a balanced sweetness from the cinnamon rolls, maple syrup, and icing. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the maple syrup slightly or skip additional syrup when serving.
What’s the best way to ensure the casserole doesn’t get soggy?
Cutting the cinnamon rolls into quarters and evenly distributing the custard helps avoid sogginess by ensuring the dough soaks just enough but bakes firm on the edges. Baking until golden brown is key for the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of waking up to a warm, gooey cinnamon roll casserole that feels effortless to make but tastes absolutely divine. This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for breakfast or brunch, bringing together familiar flavors in a wonderfully simple way. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen — trust me, you’ll be making it again and again.
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
A delicious and easy-to-make breakfast casserole featuring soft cinnamon rolls baked in a creamy cinnamon-vanilla custard, topped with sweet icing. Perfect for a cozy morning treat or brunch gathering.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cans (12.4 ounces each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Toppings (Optional)
- Powdered sugar for serving
- Additional maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 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, then spread them evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Make Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup until thoroughly combined.
- Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure all pieces are well coated to absorb the custard.
- 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 when gently shaken.
- Add Icing: Remove from oven and immediately drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls over the casserole while it is still warm for extra sweetness and moisture.
- Serve: Serve the casserole warm, optionally topped with powdered sugar or additional maple syrup to taste.
Notes
- Cutting the cinnamon rolls into quarters ensures even baking and soaking of the custard.
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version, though the casserole will be less rich.
- For an extra decadent touch, sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Use fresh cinnamon instead of ground for a more intense cinnamon flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
