Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon rolls, but with an exciting twist! This Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole takes everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and transforms it into an effortlessly delicious baked dish that’s perfect for any morning, from lazy weekends to festive holidays. Chunks of soft cinnamon roll are baked into a rich, eggy custard, topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel, and finished with a sweet, luscious glaze. It’s a delightful combination of a bread pudding texture with the iconic, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls, promising pure breakfast bliss in every bite.
Wake Up to the Sweet Delight of Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Forget the fuss of individual rolls and embrace the ease and charm of a sweet breakfast casserole. This delightful dish combines convenience with unparalleled flavor, making it a stellar choice for breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting guests, or simply craving something extraordinary to start your day, this casserole delivers on all fronts. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone who loves the warm, spiced sweetness of cinnamon rolls.
A Bread Pudding Experience with Cinnamon Roll Magic
If you’re a fan of bread pudding, you’re in for an absolute treat. This Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole recipe shares a similar comforting texture, thanks to the rich egg custard that infuses every piece of cinnamon roll. The process transforms ordinary canned cinnamon rolls into tender, melt-in-your-mouth morsels, creating a truly luxurious experience. The luscious custard base ensures that the casserole remains moist and flavorful, while the buttery, spiced streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and extra layer of cinnamon sweetness that perfectly complements the soft interior. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds.
Effortlessly Easy and Incredibly Delicious Sweet Breakfast
One of the greatest advantages of a breakfast casserole is its simplicity, and this sweet cinnamon roll version is no exception. It’s the ultimate “throw everything in a pan and bake” recipe, minimizing prep time while maximizing flavor. This casserole isn’t just easy to make; it’s also incredibly satisfying and always a guaranteed hit with any crowd. The enticing aroma alone is enough to get everyone out of bed, eagerly anticipating a warm slice. If you adore the classic taste of cinnamon rolls, prepare to fall in love with this convenient, comforting, and utterly delicious breakfast solution.
Discover More Irresistible Breakfast Casseroles
Breakfast casseroles are a true lifesaver for busy families and weekend entertaining alike. They offer a hearty, complete meal in one dish, often with the added benefit of being make-ahead friendly. If you love the convenience and flavor of this cinnamon roll creation, explore other fantastic casserole recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole: Start your day right with a filling and flavorful hash brown casserole, generously topped with a savory mixture of egg, ham, cheese, and fresh peppers. It’s an ideal make-ahead breakfast for those hectic mornings.
- Classic Breakfast Bake: This easy-to-make egg, sausage, and cheese breakfast bake is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd during weekend gatherings, providing a savory counterpoint to our sweet casserole.
- Blueberry French Toast Breakfast Casserole: Bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavor of berries in every bite, this blueberry French toast casserole is both scrumptious and simple, guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
- Hearty Sausage Egg Casserole: A protein-packed, make-ahead breakfast featuring eggs, sausage, and cheese, loaded with fresh peppers. It reheats wonderfully, offering a delicious and convenient start to any day.
Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Crafting this incredible Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole requires just a few readily available ingredients and standard kitchen tools. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of store-bought components to create something truly spectacular.
Gather Your Ingredients:
- Canned Cinnamon Rolls with Icing: These are the star of the show! Opt for good quality canned cinnamon rolls, typically found in the refrigerated dough section of your grocery store. The included icing is essential for the final touch.
- Large Eggs: The foundation of our rich, eggy custard, binding everything together and providing that bread pudding texture.
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to the custard. Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor, but any milk will work.
- Heavy Cream: Elevates the custard to a luxurious level, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard, balancing the flavors of the cinnamon rolls and enhancing the overall dessert-like quality.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer for the custard, adding warmth and depth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of our buttery streusel topping, giving it structure and a pleasant crumb.
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides a molasses-rich sweetness to the streusel, creating a lovely caramel note.
- Ground Cinnamon: Boosts the cinnamon flavor in the streusel, tying it all together with the cinnamon rolls.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt in the streusel balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted Butter (softened): Essential for both buttering the baking dish and creating that irresistible, crumbly streusel topping.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need:
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for this casserole, allowing for even baking and plenty of servings.
- Mixing Bowls: Several bowls are handy for preparing the custard and streusel separately.
- Whisk: Perfect for smoothly combining the custard ingredients.
Creative Uses for Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls
Canned cinnamon rolls are incredibly versatile, offering a quick shortcut to many delicious treats beyond just baking them as-is. If you find yourself with extra rolls or simply want to explore their full potential, check out my favorite Recipes for Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls. You’ll discover creative, fun, and easy ways to transform them into dreamy desserts and delightful breakfasts.
How to Master Your Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
Making this casserole is a straightforward process, but a few key steps ensure a perfect, mouthwatering result every time. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve that golden-brown crust, tender interior, and irresistible flavor.
- Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add an extra layer of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Step 2: Dice the Cinnamon Rolls. Carefully open your cans of cinnamon rolls. Before unwrapping, use a sharp knife to cut each cinnamon roll into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. This usually yields about 6 pieces per roll. Spread these pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a delicious foundation.
- Step 3: Whisk the Custard. In a large mixing bowl, crack your large eggs and whisk them thoroughly until they are light yellow and slightly frothy. This ensures a smooth custard. Then, add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is slightly foamy. This rich custard is what will transform your cinnamon rolls into a bread pudding-like consistency.
- Step 4: Soak the Rolls. Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the diced cinnamon roll dough in the baking dish. Allow the casserole to sit and soak for at least 10 minutes at room temperature. This resting time is important as it allows the cinnamon roll pieces to absorb the custard, leading to a tender, moist final product. While it rests, you can prepare the streusel topping.
- Step 5: Create the Buttery Streusel. In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Then, add the softened unsalted butter. Using a fork, your fingertips, or a pastry blender, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is well combined and has a crumbly texture. Ensure there are no large clumps of butter.
- Step 6: Top and Bake. Evenly sprinkle the crumbly streusel topping over the cinnamon roll pieces and custard in the baking dish. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and appears slightly crisp, but the center still has a slight wobble, indicating a perfectly cooked, tender custard.
- Step 7: Glaze and Serve. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows it to set slightly. While it’s still warm, take the icing packages that came with your cinnamon rolls and drizzle them generously over the entire casserole. The warmth of the casserole will slightly melt the icing, allowing it to seep into the nooks and crannies. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
Achieving a perfectly delicious cinnamon roll casserole is easy with these helpful tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the cinnamon roll pieces are spread in a single, relatively even layer. This allows them to absorb the custard properly and bake evenly.
- Softened Butter is Key: For the streusel, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This allows you to mix it with the dry ingredients to create that perfect crumbly texture. Cold butter will result in a clumpy streusel, and melted butter will make it greasy.
- Avoid Overbaking: While you want a golden-brown top, be careful not to overbake. An overbaked casserole will be dry. The slight wobble in the center indicates that the custard is set but still moist and tender.
- Customize Your Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can slightly reduce the granulated sugar in the custard. However, the existing recipe offers a balanced sweetness that most people enjoy.
- Warm Glaze for the Win: Drizzling the icing over the warm casserole allows it to melt slightly and coat the casserole beautifully, creating an even more indulgent finish.
Creative Variations to Elevate Your Casserole
While delicious on its own, this Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole is also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative and add your own touch!
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the streusel before baking for added texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Fruity Twist: Add a layer of fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries) between the cinnamon roll pieces and the streusel for a burst of fresh flavor. Sliced apples or peaches would also be delightful.
- Extra Spice: Amp up the warmth by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the streusel mixture, or even a dash to the custard.
- Chocolate Indulgence: For chocolate lovers, a handful of chocolate chips sprinkled over the cinnamon rolls before pouring the custard can create a decadent treat.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of the included icing, you can whip up a simple homemade cream cheese frosting for an extra tangy and rich topping.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Breakfast or Brunch
This sweet casserole is substantial enough to be a stand-alone breakfast, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes to create a more complete spread.
- Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s richness.
- Savory Sides: Balance the sweetness with classic savory breakfast items like crispy bacon, breakfast sausage links, or a simple scrambled egg.
- Beverages: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of orange juice for the ultimate breakfast experience.
- Brunch Centerpiece: It makes an excellent centerpiece for a brunch buffet, especially during holidays or special occasions.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare Your Casserole in Advance
One of the best features of this Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole is its make-ahead potential, making it ideal for stress-free mornings or entertaining. You can prepare the casserole the night before and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
To prepare in advance, follow all the steps up to just before baking. Once the cinnamon roll pieces are in the dish, the custard poured over, and the streusel sprinkled on top, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to one day. When you’re ready to bake it, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats to 350°F (175°C). This helps the casserole bake more evenly. Then, remove the plastic wrap and bake as instructed.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Casserole
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole (which is a rare feat!), proper storage and reheating will ensure you can enjoy it again.
To Store: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be aware that the longer it sits, the softer the casserole’s texture will become as the rolls continue to absorb the custard.
To Reheat in the Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a single portion on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until it’s heated through to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, which can make it rubbery.
To Reheat in the Oven: If reheating a larger portion or the entire casserole, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish (covered with foil to prevent drying out) and heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain a better texture than the microwave.
This Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor sweet mornings and create lasting memories around the breakfast table. Its simplicity, combined with its irresistible flavor, makes it a true winner for any occasion. Give it a try, and watch it disappear!
If you whip up this delightful Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole, don’t forget to capture a photo and share it with me! Tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see your wonderful creations. I absolutely love seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the recipes I share. Enjoy every sweet bite!
xoxo,
Print Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
- Author: The BakerMama
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
Description
Chunks of cinnamon roll baked with an eggy custard and a buttery crumbly streusel then topped with a sweet glaze. This Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole combines a bread pudding texture with a classic breakfast flavor.
Ingredients
Casserole Base:
- 2 (12.4 ounce) cans cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Glaze:
- 2 packages of the icing that comes with the canned cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut cinnamon rolls into 1/2-inch pieces (approximately 6 pieces per roll) and evenly cover the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until pale yellow. Add the milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon roll dough in the baking dish. Let it set for 10 minutes while you prepare the topping.
- In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix with a fork until well combined and crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown and starting to crisp on top, but still a bit wobbly in the center.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before drizzling generously with the cinnamon roll icing (from the canned rolls). Serve warm.