I remember the first time I made this cinnamon roll casserole—it was a rushed weekday morning, and my kids needed something quick yet filling for their school snack. I had a tube of cinnamon rolls in the fridge and decided to turn them into something special.
Instead of baking them individually, I tossed them into a dish, poured a simple custard over them, and let the oven do the rest. By the time they were dressed and ready for school, the kitchen smelled like a bakery, and they couldn’t wait to dig in.
Ever since then, this has become our go-to for busy mornings, weekend brunches, and holiday breakfasts!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Effortless and Quick: Uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls for an easy prep.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for brunches, holiday mornings, or potlucks.
- Irresistible Flavor: A perfect blend of warm cinnamon, gooey icing, and a touch of maple syrup.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with children and adults alike!
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
For this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls (16 total, cut into 8 pieces each) – Ensures a soft, fluffy texture with just the right amount of cinnamon sweetness.
- 4 eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together for a rich, custardy consistency.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream – Gives the casserole a velvety richness.
- 3 1/2 tablespoons butter, melted – Enhances flavor and ensures a golden, buttery finish.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – Provides a deep caramelized sweetness.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup – Infuses a natural, warm sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla – Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon – Intensifies the warm spice flavor.
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans – Offers a delightful crunch and nutty taste.
- Icing from the cinnamon roll tubes – Drizzled on top for the perfect finishing touch.
Optional Add-Ons
- Chocolate chips – For an extra indulgent, gooey bite.
- Raisins or dried cranberries – Adds a fruity contrast.
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar – For an elegant touch before serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect for even baking and serving.
- Mixing bowl – To combine the custard ingredients.
- Whisk – Ensures smooth blending of liquids.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
- Knife or kitchen scissors – To cut the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Roll Casserole
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cut and Layer the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cinnamon roll tubes and cut each roll into about 8 pieces. Evenly spread them across the greased baking dish, ensuring they are not overly stacked so they cook evenly.
3. Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps, and the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour Over the Rolls
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the cut cinnamon rolls, ensuring each piece is well coated. Use a spatula or spoon to gently press down so the rolls absorb the liquid evenly.
5. Add Pecans and Bake
Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and the center is set. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
6. Drizzle with Maple Syrup and Icing
Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly for 5 minutes before drizzling the maple syrup over the top. This helps enhance the flavor and ensures even distribution of sweetness. Then, drizzle the icing over the casserole to complete the perfect finishing touch.
Best Paired With
- A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai.
- Fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
- Crispy bacon for a sweet-savory contrast.
Storage and Serving
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Success
- Use day-old cinnamon rolls for a firmer texture.
- Don’t overbake! The casserole should be slightly soft in the center.
- Let the custard soak for 10 minutes before baking for even absorption.
Substitutes and Variations
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cinnamon roll brand.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with caramel or honey.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
| Calories | 320 |
| Carbs | 42g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
What Others Are Saying About This Recipe
Cherry P.: “I made this for Christmas morning, and my family devoured it! The maple syrup adds such a delicious depth of flavor.”
Jake T.: “Super easy to put together, and it tastes just like homemade cinnamon rolls. The pecans add the perfect crunch!”
Kris R.: “I love that this recipe is foolproof. I added some chocolate chips, and it was a hit!”
Lewis K.: “Perfect for meal prep! I made it Sunday and had a quick breakfast for the next few days.”
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Just cut them into bite-sized pieces before layering.
How do I prevent a soggy casserole?
Let the custard absorb for a few minutes before baking and avoid over-soaking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a warm, sweet memory in the making. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday brunch, a weekend breakfast, or simply to give your kids a delightful school snack, it’s bound to bring smiles to everyone at the table.
It’s incredibly easy to make, yet feels special enough for any occasion. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your home like it has in mine!