Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

The Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional cinnamon roll. This easy-to-make dish captures the essence of soft, gooey cinnamon rolls but with minimal effort and preparation. It’s the ideal solution for busy mornings or holiday brunches when you crave something delicious yet hassle-free. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or celebrating a holiday with family, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole brings everyone together with its comforting aroma and indulgent taste.

Homemade cinnamon rolls are undeniably delicious, but they often require precise timing, kneading, and rising—something not everyone has time for. By choosing to make a Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole, you get all the flavor and warmth of traditional cinnamon rolls without the added work. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity, and the result is just as satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

There’s a reason this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole has become a fan favorite: it’s both easy to prepare and absolutely irresistible. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which can take a significant amount of time to prep and bake, this casserole simplifies the process. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that is soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet—like the cinnamon rolls you love but without the hassle.

For novice bakers, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is a perfect starting point. You don’t need to worry about yeast, proofing, or complicated techniques. Instead, you can layer pre-made cinnamon rolls in a baking dish, pour a custard mixture over them, and bake until golden perfection.

One of the best parts? This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast or need something quick for a busy weekend, this casserole can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning.

Families love it because it’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager to dig into warm, cinnamon goodness.

What You Need to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole

To create the perfect Cinnamon Roll Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Melted Butter – Used to grease the baking dish, ensuring the casserole doesn’t stick.
• Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls – Pillsbury is a popular choice, but any brand of cinnamon rolls works. Make sure to use the ones that come with icing for added sweetness.
• Large Eggs – These will help create the custard base for the casserole.
• Milk – Whole, skim, or almond milk will all work well, depending on your preference.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the custard.
• Cinnamon – To intensify the classic cinnamon flavor.
• Maple Syrup (optional) – Adds an extra touch of sweetness and a rich flavor. You can drizzle this over the casserole before baking.
• Icing – From the cinnamon roll package, this will be drizzled on top after baking to add the finishing touch of sweetness.

Essential kitchen tools include:

• A 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling and baking the casserole.
• A whisk for mixing the custard ingredients.
• A pizza cutter or kitchen shears to easily cut the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces.

Variations:

You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients. Try mixing in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts or even fresh fruit such as apples or berries. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different flavored syrups, such as caramel or even chocolate chips, to create a new twist on the classic casserole.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Cinnamon Roll Casserole

1. Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by pouring the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish. This not only greases the pan but also helps achieve that golden, crispy edge on the casserole.

2. Cut and Layer

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 8 pieces using a pizza cutter or kitchen shears. Arrange these pieces evenly in the baking dish, making sure to layer them in a way that they’re not too crowded.

3. Mix Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. This mixture will soak into the cinnamon rolls and create that soft, custard-like texture. Make sure to mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring that every piece is covered. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle maple syrup over the top of the casserole. This step is optional but adds a delightful, rich flavor.

5. Bake or Refrigerate

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard has set. If you prefer to prepare it ahead of time, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply bake for 25-30 minutes, and enjoy!

6. Ice

Once the casserole is out of the oven and slightly cooled, warm the icing that came with the cinnamon roll package in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and drizzle the warm icing generously over the casserole for a sweet finishing touch.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This Cinnamon Roll Casserole can be served in many ways, depending on your mood or the occasion. Here are some tasty ideas for garnishes and toppings:

• Icing – Drizzle more icing over the top for added sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit – Fresh berries or sliced bananas provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Nuts – Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch and added flavor.

Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this casserole pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. It’s versatile enough to serve as a standalone dish or alongside a savory item, such as scrambled eggs or bacon, for a balanced meal.

Expert Tips

• Use a pizza cutter or kitchen shears to easily cut through the cinnamon rolls without tearing them apart.
• For easy pouring, mix the custard ingredients in a liquid measuring cup. This way, you can pour the mixture evenly over the rolls.
• Warm the icing in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to drizzle over the casserole.
• Ensure the egg mixture is evenly distributed across the rolls to prevent any visible egg whites after baking.

More Breakfast Casserole Recipes

If you’re a fan of this Cinnamon Roll Casserole, you’ll love these other delicious breakfast casserole recipes:

• Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
• Cheesy Bacon Breakfast Casserole
• Blueberry Waffle
• Peach Bread Recipe
• Peach Muffin Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Why pour heavy cream over cinnamon rolls?

Heavy cream is often poured over cinnamon rolls in recipes to create a rich, creamy texture that soaks into the rolls, enhancing their flavor and moisture.

What is the best pan to cook Pillsbury cinnamon rolls in?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for baking Pillsbury cinnamon rolls or Cinnamon Roll Casserole, providing enough space for the rolls to bake evenly.

What’s the difference between a cinnamon bun and a cinnamon roll?

Cinnamon buns are typically round and often glazed, while cinnamon rolls are usually spiral-shaped and can be served with or without icing.

Can you reheat cinnamon roll casserole?

Yes, Cinnamon Roll Casserole can be reheated in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.

How many times can you reheat a casserole?

It’s generally safe to reheat a casserole up to two times, provided it’s stored properly in the refrigerator between reheatings.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best qualities of cinnamon rolls with the ease and convenience of a casserole. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday brunch or a regular breakfast, it’s a dish that will delight your family and guests. With its soft, fluffy texture, sweet cinnamon flavor, and versatility, this casserole is sure to become a beloved recipe in your breakfast rotation. Make it ahead, bake it fresh, and enjoy the warm, comforting aroma as it fills your home.