Cinnamon Roll Casserole

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Craving the cozy comfort of cinnamon rolls but without the time commitment of individual baking? Meet your new favorite brunch bake: Cinnamon Roll Casserole. This dish delivers all the warm, gooey, cinnamon-sugar bliss of classic cinnamon rolls but with a soft custardy twist and a crisp golden topping. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that feels indulgent, yet it’s shockingly easy to put together.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday breakfast, planning a weekend treat, or simply using up leftover rolls, this casserole is pure comfort in every bite. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly while baking—like walking into a bakery on a winter morning.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Cinnamon Roll Casserole a breeze, start by setting yourself up with the right tools. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size is ideal for even baking and enough surface area to hold multiple layers of cinnamon roll pieces.
• Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors: You’ll need one of these to cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters. Scissors are a quick, no-stick alternative.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for whisking together your custard base.
• Whisk: To combine your eggs, milk, and flavorings smoothly, avoiding lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters for the custard and icing glaze.
• Oven Mitts: Safety first—the dish gets piping hot when you pull it from the oven.

Having your tools lined up before you start saves time and helps the recipe come together seamlessly.

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Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Each ingredient in this casserole serves a flavorful purpose and contributes to that perfect gooey, cinnamon-kissed texture.

• Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls with Icing (2 cans): These are the heart of the dish, offering buttery, flaky layers packed with cinnamon swirls.
• Eggs (4 large): Eggs create the rich custard base that binds everything together and gives it that soft, bread pudding-like interior.
• Whole Milk (3/4 cup): It balances the custard, ensuring it’s creamy without being too dense.
• Heavy Cream (1/4 cup): Adds a decadent richness to the egg mixture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and warm spice profile of the cinnamon rolls.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): For an extra punch of cinnamon flavor throughout.
• Powdered Sugar (for icing): Used to amp up the sweetness of the pre-packaged icing, if desired.
• Maple Syrup or Glaze (optional): A drizzle post-bake for that sticky, glossy finish.

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How To Make the Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your casserole lifts out easily and doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate them. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut each roll into quarters. Scatter the pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.

Step 3: Mix the Custard Base

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and fully blended.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish. Lightly press down the rolls so they soak up the liquid. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow absorption.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

Step 6: Ice It Up

Once baked, let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Warm the included icing slightly and drizzle it generously over the top. Optionally, add a bit of powdered sugar or maple glaze for extra indulgence.

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How to Serve and Store Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This casserole shines brightest when served warm, fresh out of the oven, with the icing still melting into the swirls. Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a cold glass of milk, and you’ve got a breakfast worth lingering over.

If you’re hosting brunch, you can prep the casserole the night before and simply bake it the next morning. It also holds up beautifully at room temperature for a few hours if you’re serving a crowd buffet-style.

For storing leftovers, cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm them in a low oven to maintain that slightly crisp edge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole fully (except baking) the night before. Cover and refrigerate. In the morning, bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! If you have the time and love making your own rolls, just cut them into pieces after the first rise and proceed with the recipe as written.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes. Substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk and cream, and use a dairy-free icing or glaze.

Can I freeze cinnamon roll casserole?

Yes, after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use all whole milk, or add a tablespoon of melted butter to the milk for a richer texture.

Does it need syrup or extra sugar?

The included icing usually adds enough sweetness, but a light maple drizzle can elevate it to dessert level.

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Want More Casserole Breakfast Ideas?

You might also love the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole if you’re looking for a savory bake that’s still cozy and family-friendly. Or for a veggie-forward twist, check out the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole loaded with creamy, cheesy flavor.

If sweet breakfast bakes are your thing, the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake is another crowd-pleaser with a tender crumb and crunchy topping. And don’t overlook the 2-Ingredient Pineapple Cake when you need something quick but impressive.

For a nostalgic treat with a creamy twist, the Cinnamon Donut Bread is another must-try for brunch lovers.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your brunch or holiday boards for the next family gathering. Just click the Pin button and it’ll be ready when you are.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go heavy on the icing? Did you add nuts or fruit? Leave a comment below and tell me your spin.

And if you’re looking for more cozy ideas like this, check out my daily recipes on Pinterest here: LadyPlate Pinterest

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