Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole (for Holidays & Busy Mornings!)

Are you looking for a show-stopping breakfast or brunch dish that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor? This cinnamon roll casserole is your answer! It transforms classic refrigerated cinnamon rolls into a warm, gooey, and utterly delicious bake. Perfect for special occasions or busy mornings, this recipe offers incredible taste with the added convenience of being easily made ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll find countless reasons to adore this simple recipe:

• Effortless Prep: With just a few pantry staples and refrigerated rolls, assembly is quick and stress-free.
• Decadent Flavor: Enjoy all the beloved taste of cinnamon rolls, elevated into a rich, custard-like bake.
• Holiday Hero: It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for festive gatherings, impressing guests with ease.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite add-ins, from fruits to nuts, for a personalized touch.
• Inviting Aroma: As it bakes, your home will fill with the irresistible scent of warm cinnamon and sweet pastry.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing cinnamon roll casserole:

Ground cinnamon is a versatile spice in baking, known for adding warmth and depth to various desserts. Learn more about the culinary role of cinnamon in baking.

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls (16 rolls total), cut into about 8 pieces per roll (Pillsbury brand works great!)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Icing from the cinnamon roll tubes

Notes & Substitutions

For the best results, use unsalted butter if possible, but salted works in a pinch. You can use any type of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, 2%, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, though whole milk offers the richest texture. While Pillsbury brand cinnamon rolls are recommended for consistency, feel free to use your favorite brand. The maple syrup is optional but adds an extra layer of sweetness and depth to this delightful cinnamon roll casserole.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy recipe:

• 9×13 inch glass baking dish
• Large liquid measuring glass or small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Kitchen shears or pizza cutter

Instructions

Let’s make your delicious cinnamon roll casserole with these straightforward steps:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Pour the melted butter into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom.
2. Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Take each refrigerated cinnamon roll and cut it into approximately 8 small pieces. You can easily do this with kitchen shears or a pizza cutter.
3. Layer Rolls: Layer the cut cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large liquid measuring glass or a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Make sure the eggs are fully beaten and well combined with the milk mixture.
5. Pour Over Rolls: Carefully pour the egg mixture over the layered cinnamon rolls. Ensure the egg mixture is very evenly distributed, coating all the roll pieces.
6. Add Syrup: Drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the top of the egg mixture.
7. Bake or Refrigerate: For optimal freshness and safety when preparing dishes ahead, consider these tips for make-ahead breakfasts. At this point, you have two options. You can either cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight (for up to 12 hours) or immediately bake the casserole.
8. Bake Casserole: Bake the cinnamon roll casserole at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and puffed up. If baking from chilled, it might take a few extra minutes.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
10. Warm & Drizzle Icing: While the casserole cools, remove the covers from the cinnamon roll icing tubes. Microwave the icing on medium (50% power) for 10 to 15 seconds, or until it becomes thin enough to drizzle easily.
11. Serve: Drizzle the warm icing generously over the slightly cooled cinnamon roll casserole. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

For cutting cinnamon rolls easily, kitchen shears or a pizza cutter are your best friends. Whisk your egg mixture thoroughly to ensure a smooth, custard-like texture. Distribute the egg mixture very evenly over the rolls to prevent dry spots. Microwave the icing for just a few seconds; it makes drizzling a breeze. If your casserole browns too quickly before it’s fully cooked, cover it loosely with foil. When baking a chilled casserole, add 5-10 minutes to the bake time. Using a glass baking dish helps prevent a soggy bottom.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful cinnamon roll casserole alongside complementary breakfast favorites. Consider crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries, adds a bright, refreshing element. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a swirl of whipped cream can also elevate the experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cinnamon roll casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm larger portions in the oven at 300°F until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. For single servings, microwave on high for 30-60 seconds until warm.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your cinnamon roll casserole! Add chopped crispy bacon for a sweet and savory twist. Stir in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. Incorporate diced apples or peaches into the egg mixture for a fruity burst. For extra decadence, whip the icing with a tablespoon of softened cream cheese. A sprinkle of colorful sprinkles makes it festive for parties, or substitute the maple syrup with a rich caramel sauce.

Nutrition Information

This cinnamon roll casserole makes a delightful treat. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving (excluding the icing, which will add additional sugars and calories):

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods. They exclude the icing from the cinnamon rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cinnamon roll casserole in a slow cooker?
While possible, the texture might be different. You would typically cook it on low for 2-3 hours, but ensure it’s cooked through and set.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular refrigerated cinnamon rolls with a gluten-free brand. Adjust baking time as per package directions if needed.

Can I use frozen cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated?
Yes, but you will need to thaw the dough completely before cutting and assembling the casserole. This ensures proper cooking.

What if I only have one tube of cinnamon rolls?
You can halve the recipe ingredients and use a smaller 8×8 inch baking dish. This will yield a smaller cinnamon roll casserole.

Can I prep this two days ahead?
For best results, we recommend preparing this casserole the night before and refrigerating it overnight. Two days might impact the freshness of the rolls.

Conclusion

This easy cinnamon roll casserole truly is a game-changer for any occasion. It combines the comforting flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy parents and beginner bakers alike. You’ll love sharing this warm, gooey, and utterly delicious dish with family and friends. Give it a try soon and don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your experience in the comments below!

Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole (for Holidays & Busy Mornings!)

A delightful and easy-to-make cinnamon roll casserole, perfect for a special holiday breakfast or a quick morning treat. This recipe features refrigerated cinnamon rolls baked in an egg and milk mixture, then topped with warm icing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter melted
• 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls (16 cinnamon rolls), cut into about 8 pieces per roll
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• icing from the cinnamon roll tubes

Equipment

• oven
• 9x13 glass baking dish
• liquid measuring cup
• whisk
• microwave

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Pour melted butter into a 9x13 glass baking dish, spreading evenly. Cut each cinnamon roll into 8 small pieces and layer them over the bottom of the dish.
2. In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until fully combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, then drizzle with maple syrup.
3. You can either cover and refrigerate the casserole overnight or bake it immediately at 375ºF for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Cool the casserole for about 5 minutes. Remove covers from icing, microwave on medium (50%) for 10-15 seconds until thin, then drizzle over the warm casserole and serve.

Notes

For easy cutting, use kitchen shears or a pizza cutter to divide the cinnamon rolls. This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, making it perfect for busy mornings. Ensure the egg mixture is evenly distributed for best results.