If you have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls but want to shake up your breakfast routine, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is exactly the kind of cozy, indulgent dish that will make your mornings unforgettable. Imagine all the gooey cinnamon goodness and that irresistible icing brought together in one warm, fluffy casserole—perfectly simple to prepare yet incredibly impressive to serve. It’s a fantastic way to turn a classic favorite into a shareable meal that feels extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for everyday ingredients you might already have on hand, each playing a key role in making this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe delightfully tender, sweet, and bursting with flavor. From the ready-made cinnamon rolls that save time to the rich eggs and warm vanilla, every component contributes to the perfect balance of textures and tastes.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing): The star ingredient, offering gooey cinnamon layers and a built-in glaze.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the casserole.
- ½ cup milk: Keeps the casserole moist and tender as it bakes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle floral sweetness that enhances the cinnamon flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Boosts the cinnamon punch for that warm, comforting aroma.
- ¼ cup maple syrup or pancake syrup: Drizzled on top for an extra layer of sweetness and shine.
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter: Essential for greasing your baking dish to ensure easy serving.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This step ensures your casserole will slide out easily once baked and keeps things mess-free.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cinnamon roll cans carefully and scoop out the sweet icing to set aside—this will be used later to drizzle on top. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters for even baking and distribute the pieces evenly across your prepared dish, creating a cinnamon-studded foundation.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. This custard mixture is crucial because it soaks into the cinnamon roll pieces, softening them while keeping the casserole light and tender.
Step 4: Pour, Drizzle, and Bake
Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll quarters, making sure each piece gets a good coating. Next, drizzle the maple syrup over the top to add a glossy finish and sweet depth. Bake your casserole for 30–35 minutes until it’s golden brown and the center is set, signaling it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Meanwhile, gently warm the reserved icing until pourable, then drizzle it generously over the top of the casserole. This finishing touch creates that classic sticky sweetness that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the icing gives a lovely final flourish, you can elevate your cinnamon roll casserole by sprinkling chopped pecans, a pinch of powdered sugar, or even a light dusting of extra ground cinnamon. These garnishes add inviting textures and a touch of rustic charm.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe shines on its own as a decadent breakfast, but pairing it with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a simple green salad can create a balanced, satisfying brunch spread everyone will love. The refreshing contrast of fruit or the savory punch of bacon complements the sweet casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to wow your guests with personal portions. You can also layer it with sliced apples or berries before baking for a fruity surprise. Presentation is half the fun, and this dish offers plenty of room for your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cinnamon roll casserole keeps well for up to 3 days and remains delicious when properly covered to retain moisture.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully. Prepare it as directed but do not bake. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place larger pieces in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of warmed icing after reheating to revive that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this casserole?
Absolutely! If you prefer, homemade cinnamon rolls can be cut into pieces and used in this recipe. Just be sure they are not too thick or overly gooey so they bake well within the casserole.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter or cooking spray to grease the dish. The flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add nuts or fruit to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch, and tossing in chopped apples or berries before baking can add freshness and extra sweetness, making the casserole even more special.
How many servings does this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe yield?
This recipe yields about 8 hearty servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends during weekend brunches or holiday mornings.
What is the best way to warm the icing for drizzling?
The easiest way is to microwave the icing in a small bowl for 15 to 20 seconds until it’s just warm and pourable. Be careful not to overheat, as it can become too runny or separate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make, the Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe should be your new go-to. It takes all the best parts of cinnamon rolls and turns them into a fun, shareable dish that everyone will ask for again. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple that brightens up any morning!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast or brunch recipe featuring soft cinnamon roll pieces baked in a cinnamon-spiced egg mixture, drizzled with syrup and topped with warm icing. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or weekend treats, this comforting casserole combines the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the convenience of a baked dish.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup maple syrup or pancake syrup
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cinnamon rolls: Open the cinnamon roll cans and carefully set aside the included icing for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and evenly distribute the pieces in the prepared baking dish, creating a base layer.
- Make egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine and drizzle syrup: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish to soak them. Drizzle ¼ cup maple syrup or pancake syrup evenly over the top for added sweetness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and the center is fully set and cooked through.
- Cool and icing: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5–10 minutes, letting it set. Warm the reserved icing slightly (either in the microwave for a few seconds or by placing the container in warm water), then drizzle it generously over the warm casserole before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, add chopped pecans or sprinkle brown sugar over the top before baking.
- This casserole is a perfect make-ahead breakfast option for holidays or weekend brunch; simply prepare it the night before and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
- You can substitute maple syrup with your favorite pancake syrup or honey for a different flavor.
