Ultimate Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A Quick & Delicious Breakfast Bake for Any Occasion
Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredibly quick and easy cinnamon roll casserole, a recipe that transforms simple refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a spectacular breakfast or brunch centerpiece. Forget the hassle of making dough from scratch; this recipe leverages convenience without sacrificing flavor or that comforting, homemade feel. Simply slice the store-bought rolls, pour over a rich, custardy mixture, and bake until golden, puffed, and irresistibly aromatic. The finishing touch? A generous drizzle of the reserved icing, melting into a sweet glaze that completes this delightful treat. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings or when you crave a warm, sweet indulgence with minimal effort.
Why This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a Must-Try
This cinnamon roll casserole isn’t just another breakfast dish; it’s a celebration of comfort and convenience rolled into one. It brilliantly combines everything we adore about fluffy, homemade cinnamon rolls with the hearty satisfaction of a breakfast cake, all in one comforting, scoopable dish. The magic lies in its simplicity: by using refrigerated cinnamon rolls, you bypass the time-consuming process of kneading, rising, and rolling. This makes it an ideal choice for busy mornings or when unexpected guests arrive.
What truly makes this recipe shine is the addition of a rich, sweet custard that envelops each piece of cinnamon roll. As it bakes, the rolls absorb this creamy mixture, transforming into incredibly tender, moist, and puffy delights with a beautiful cinnamon swirl throughout. The result is a breakfast casserole that feels decadent and special, yet takes less than an hour from prep to table. The hardest part, as many attest, is resisting the sweet, spiced aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes – a scent that promises pure indulgence. We find it especially perfect for holiday mornings, like Christmas, or any weekend brunch where you want to impress without the stress.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Creating this delightful cinnamon roll casserole requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. While we’ll outline the key components here, you can find all precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post. Gather these staples, and you’ll be well on your way to a truly memorable breakfast or brunch.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing your substitution options can make your baking experience even smoother and more tailored to your preferences.
DOUGH: The Foundation of Your Casserole
For this recipe, you’ll need three packages of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Our personal preference leans towards three of the 12.4-ounce (8-count) Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, complete with their individual icing cups. However, feel free to use any brand you like! While some recipes suggest using only two cans, we’ve found that three cans provide a more generous, thick presentation and ensure every serving is wonderfully satisfying. The extra dough means more fluffy pieces to soak up that delicious custard, leading to a richer and fuller casserole that truly stands out.
ADDITIONS: Crafting the Custardy Dream
Beyond the cinnamon rolls, a few simple additions come together to create the irresistible custardy base that makes this casserole so special. These ingredients not only bind everything together but also contribute to the fluffy, soft texture and rich flavor:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is a star ingredient, infusing the casserole with unparalleled richness and a creamy texture. As the rolls bake in this luxurious liquid, they become incredibly moist and tender. For a slightly lighter option, or if heavy cream isn’t available, you can substitute with whole milk. While whole milk will still create a delicious casserole, heavy cream undoubtedly delivers a more decadent and velvety finish.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are crucial for structure and richness. They help the custard set and puff up beautifully during baking, contributing to that desirable fluffy texture and golden-brown top.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of good quality vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic depth that perfectly complements the cinnamon. Don’t skip it!
- Ground Cinnamon: While the cinnamon rolls themselves have cinnamon, an extra teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the custard mixture amplifies that classic spiced flavor, ensuring every bite is bursting with warmth.
- Unsalted Butter (Melted): Melted butter is drizzled over the casserole before baking, contributing to a rich, moist crumb and a beautiful golden crust. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, though salted butter can be used if that’s all you have, just be mindful of any other salty additions.
Optional Enhancements & Variations
Elevate your cinnamon roll casserole with these simple additions:
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the casserole before baking for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Dried Fruit: A handful of raisins or dried cranberries can add a lovely chewiness and tart contrast.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: If you desire an even richer icing, consider whisking the reserved icing with a tablespoon or two of softened cream cheese and a splash of milk or vanilla.
- Additional Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can introduce subtle new dimensions to the classic cinnamon flavor profile.
Crafting Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this incredibly satisfying recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your casserole is ready to go in.
- Quarter the Cinnamon Rolls: Carefully remove the 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 luscious topping! Next, take each individual cinnamon roll and cut it into quarters. This smaller size allows the custard mixture to thoroughly coat and penetrate each piece, resulting in a wonderfully moist and flavorful casserole.
PRO TIP: Efficiently Cutting Cinnamon Rolls – For a quick and easy method, stack several cinnamon rolls (about 2-3 at a time) on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice through them all at once. Alternatively, a pizza cutter or even kitchen shears can make quick work of cutting the dough into even pieces, minimizing stickiness and effort.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a standard 9×13 inch baking dish. Then, evenly sprinkle all of the quartered cinnamon roll pieces into the prepared dish. Ensure they form a relatively uniform layer to promote even baking and absorption of the custard.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, large eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This is your flavorful custard base. Once whisked, carefully pour this creamy mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly saturated.
- Drizzle with Butter: Take your melted unsalted butter and drizzle it gently and evenly over the top of the custard-soaked cinnamon roll pieces. This butter will contribute to a beautiful golden-brown crust and extra richness as it bakes.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the top of the casserole is beautifully golden brown, puffed up, and the center appears set. You can gently jiggle the pan to check; if the center still looks too liquid, continue baking for a few more minutes. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
- Icing the Warm Casserole: Once baked, carefully remove the cinnamon roll casserole from the oven. While it’s still warm, open the reserved cups of icing from the cinnamon roll packages. You can gently warm the icing in the microwave for a few seconds (about 10-15 seconds) to make it more pourable, then drizzle it generously over the entire surface of the warm casserole. The heat will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to beautifully seep into the crevices and create a luscious, sweet glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Once your delicious cinnamon roll casserole has fully cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with an airtight lid or plastic wrap. It can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, though refrigeration is recommended for extending its freshness, especially if your kitchen is warm. When refrigerating, it will last for up to 5 days. To reheat individual servings, simply microwave for 30-60 seconds, or cover the entire casserole with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Absolutely! This cinnamon roll casserole is a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for holiday mornings or planned brunches. You can prepare the casserole the night before you plan on serving it. Simply follow steps 1 through 5, assembling the rolls and pouring the custard and melted butter over them. Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. On the morning of serving, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter for 30-60 minutes to come to room temperature. This crucial step helps ensure even baking. Then, bake according to the instructions provided (Step 6 & 7).
Expert Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While three cans give a thick casserole, ensure the pieces aren’t excessively packed. An even layer allows for optimal absorption of the custard and uniform baking.
- Room Temperature for Make-Ahead: If preparing ahead, letting the casserole come to room temperature before baking is key. Cold pans and ingredients can prolong baking time and affect texture.
- Grease Your Dish Well: Cinnamon rolls are sticky, and the custard can get gooey. A well-greased baking dish ensures easy serving and cleanup.
- Warm Icing for Better Drizzle: A quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds makes the canned icing more fluid and easier to drizzle, creating a smoother, more even glaze.
- Serve Warm: While delicious at any temperature, this casserole is truly at its best when served warm, with the icing still slightly melted and gooey.
Delicious Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This cinnamon roll casserole is a star on its own, especially when topped generously with the reserved sweet icing. However, you can easily customize and enhance the serving experience. For an extra touch of richness, consider drizzling a bit of warm maple syrup over individual servings – the flavors blend beautifully. If you enjoy a textural contrast, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the casserole before baking; they’ll toast slightly and add a wonderful crunch. This versatile dish is fantastic for any meal where a sweet, comforting treat is desired.
It’s an ideal choice for a special breakfast, a relaxed weekend brunch, or as the sweet highlight of a holiday spread like Christmas morning. Beyond those occasions, it makes a delightful addition to potlucks, family gatherings, or simply whenever you’re craving a thick, fluffy, and utterly delicious cinnamon roll experience without the effort of traditional baking. Pair it with a fresh cup of coffee or a glass of milk, and perhaps a side of fresh berries or a savory breakfast meat like bacon or sausage, for a truly complete and satisfying meal.
Explore More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
If you loved the ease and deliciousness of this cinnamon roll casserole, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic breakfast and brunch recipes to add to your repertoire, perfect for any morning:
- Classic French Toast: A timeless favorite, golden and fluffy.
- Quick Orange Rolls: Zesty and sweet, a bright twist on morning rolls.
- Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole: Another excellent casserole option, perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Blueberry Breakfast Cake: Bursting with fresh blueberries, a delightful way to start the day.
- Savory Breakfast Casserole with Ham and Cheese: For those who prefer a hearty, savory start to their morning.
- Air Fryer French Toast: A quick and crispy method for your favorite French toast.
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors and perfecting comforting classics. My greatest joy comes from sharing these culinary adventures and my best recipes with all of you! Remembering to check back for daily inspiration can be tough in our busy lives, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter. Every time a new, delicious recipe posts, it lands straight in your inbox. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes, making meal planning and cooking a breeze!
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 refrigerated 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, unless you are making it ahead of time. Check the “Make Ahead” section below on how to prepare this dish the night before.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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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 evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish.
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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, spreading it evenly over the warm casserole.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Storage: Cover the cooled casserole with an air-tight lid or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before you plan on serving it. Assemble through step 5, then 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 (steps 6 & 7).
- Cutting Tip: Stacking several cinnamon rolls and slicing through with a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or kitchen shears makes quartering the rolls quick and easy.
- Enhance the Icing: For a smoother drizzle, warm the reserved icing cups in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before pouring over the hot casserole.
Nutrition Information
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.