Classic Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole (Soft, Sweet, and Crowd-Pleasing)
There’s something undeniably comforting about warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven. The smell alone — sweet cinnamon, melting butter, and vanilla glaze — can make a house feel like home. But if you love cinnamon rolls and want something easier, richer, and perfect for sharing, Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the ultimate solution.
This recipe transforms classic cinnamon roll flavors into a soft, custardy, pull-apart breakfast bake. It’s ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, birthdays, or cozy weekend mornings. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know — ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, tips, storage advice, and troubleshooting — to make the perfect Cinnamon Roll Casserole.
Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easier than rolling homemade dough
• Feeds a crowd
• Soft center with slightly crisp golden edges
• Rich cinnamon flavor in every bite
• Make-ahead friendly
• Perfect for holidays and brunch
This casserole has the comforting texture of bread pudding combined with the gooey sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the base:
2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can)
4 large eggs
½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
¼ cup melted butter
¼ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For topping:
Icing packets included with cinnamon rolls
Optional powdered sugar dusting
Optional add-ins:
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
½ cup raisins
½ cup mini chocolate chips
Choosing the Best Cinnamon Rolls
Refrigerated cinnamon roll tubes work beautifully. Choose:
• Classic cinnamon flavor
• Large-sized rolls
• Cream cheese icing variety for extra richness
You can also use homemade cinnamon rolls if you prefer from-scratch baking.
Equipment Needed
9x13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife or kitchen scissors
Non-stick spray or butter
Simple tools for a bakery-quality result.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Open both cans and reserve the icing.
Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
The pieces don’t need to be perfect — rustic chunks create texture.
Spread the cut pieces evenly in the baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together:
Eggs
Heavy cream
Melted butter
Maple syrup
Vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
This mixture will soak into the cinnamon roll pieces and create a soft, custard-like interior.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
Gently press down on the pieces so they absorb the liquid.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes before baking to ensure maximum absorption.
Step 5: Add Optional Toppings
If using nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips, sprinkle them evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Place casserole in oven and bake for 35–45 minutes.
It is done when:
The center is set (not jiggly)
The top is golden brown
Edges are slightly crisp
If browning too quickly, lightly tent with foil during the final 10 minutes.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Warm the icing packets slightly (10 seconds in microwave).
Drizzle generously over the warm casserole.
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Texture and Flavor
This casserole has:
Soft, custardy interior
Gooey cinnamon swirls
Lightly crisp edges
Sweet vanilla glaze
It tastes like a cross between cinnamon rolls and French toast bake.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To prepare overnight:
Assemble casserole as directed.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Bake as instructed, adding 5–10 extra minutes.
Perfect for holiday mornings when you want less stress.
Flavor Variations
Apple Cinnamon Version
Add:
1 cup diced apples
Extra ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Adds fruity warmth.
Pecan Sticky Bun Style
Add:
½ cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Drizzle caramel sauce before baking
Sticky bun flavor twist.
Chocolate Lover’s Version
Add:
¾ cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon cocoa powder to custard
Dessert-style indulgence.
Berry Cream Version
Add:
½ cup fresh blueberries or raspberries
Cream cheese glaze drizzle
Fresh and sweet.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with:
Fresh fruit
Crispy bacon or sausage
Coffee or hot chocolate
Whipped cream
Vanilla ice cream (for dessert version)
It works as breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator:
Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze tightly wrapped portions up to 2 months.
Reheat in microwave 30–60 seconds per slice.
Troubleshooting
Too Dry?
Next time:
Add 2 extra tablespoons cream
Bake slightly less time
Too Soft in Center?
Bake additional 5–10 minutes uncovered.
Top Browning Too Fast?
Cover loosely with foil mid-bake.
Nutrition Overview (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 320–380
Protein: 6–8g
Carbohydrates: 40–50g
Fat: 15–18g
Values vary depending on brand and additions.
Why This Recipe Works
The egg-and-cream mixture acts like a custard base, similar to bread pudding. As it bakes, the cinnamon roll dough absorbs the mixture, becoming rich and tender.
The maple syrup enhances caramel notes, while butter deepens richness.
The icing melts slightly into the top, creating a glossy finish.
Tips for Perfect Results
• Use room-temperature eggs for smoother custard
• Don’t overcrowd pieces — allow space for rising
• Let rest after baking to firm up
• Use real vanilla extract for best flavor
Holiday Favorite
This casserole is especially popular for:
Christmas morning
Thanksgiving brunch
Easter gatherings
Birthday breakfasts
Mother’s Day
It’s festive, indulgent, and crowd-approved.
Scaling the Recipe
For smaller batch:
Use 1 can cinnamon rolls
Halve custard ingredients
Bake in 8x8 pan for 25–30 minutes
For larger gathering:
Double recipe
Use two 9x13 pans
Making It From Scratch (Advanced Option)
If you want fully homemade:
Make enriched dough with yeast.
Roll and fill with cinnamon sugar.
Slice and place in baking dish.
Pour custard mixture on top.
Bake as directed.
This takes more time but creates bakery-level flavor.
Why Everyone Loves It
Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines:
Nostalgia
Warm spices
Sweet glaze
Comforting texture
Easy preparation
It’s indulgent without being complicated.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Casserole proves that you don’t need hours of dough-making to create something impressive and delicious. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you get a soft, gooey, cinnamon-filled breakfast bake that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
It’s comforting, versatile, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration or just treating yourself on a Sunday morning, this recipe delivers warmth and sweetness in every bite.
If you’d like next, I can provide:
A savory breakfast casserole
A homemade cinnamon roll dough recipe
A healthier reduced-sugar version
Or a pumpkin spice seasonal twist
Just tell me which one you’d like!
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