Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole (Breakfast Bake Recipe)

Introduction

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon rolls wafting through your home. This easy cinnamon roll casserole brings that dream to life, but with minimal effort. It is the perfect special occasion breakfast bake, especially for busy parents and beginners. Using convenient canned cinnamon rolls, this recipe transforms a simple treat into an impressive dish. Get ready to elevate your holiday mornings with this warm, gooey delight.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This delightful cinnamon roll casserole will quickly become a family favorite for many reasons.

Effortless Preparation: You only need a few simple steps to create this impressive dish.
Satisfies Cravings Quickly: Indulge your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen.
Impressive for Occasions: It looks and tastes special enough for holidays or brunches.
Warm and Gooey: Each bite offers comforting, soft, and perfectly sweet deliciousness.
Perfect for Holidays: Ideal for Christmas, Easter, or any festive morning.
Pantry Staples: Made with readily available ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistibly delicious cinnamon roll casserole. This recipe uses convenient store-bought cinnamon rolls as its foundation, making it super quick to prepare.

4 large eggs
½ cup half and half (or heavy cream)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls (cinnamon roll dough, 16 rolls total, with icing packets included)
2 cinnamon roll icing packets (usually included with the rolls)
¼ cup maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to adjust this recipe based on what you have. Use store-brand refrigerated cinnamon rolls for a budget-friendly option; they work just as well. If you do not have half and half, heavy cream or whole milk are excellent substitutes for a rich custard. For a different sweetness, replace the maple syrup with a sprinkle of brown sugar over the top before baking. Swap cooking spray for a thin layer of melted butter to grease your baking dish, adding a little extra flavor. For an added crunch and nutty taste, mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans with the cinnamon roll pieces. You can even use leftover baked cinnamon rolls, simply cut them into cubes and proceed with the recipe. For a more adventurous bake, you can also use homemade cinnamon roll dough if you prefer.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful cinnamon roll casserole.

A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this quantity.
A large mixing bowl helps combine the wet ingredients easily.
A whisk ensures your egg mixture is thoroughly blended.
Kitchen shears or a sharp knife are perfect for cutting the cinnamon rolls.

Instructions

Let’s make this incredible cinnamon roll casserole together. This step-by-step guide ensures a perfect breakfast bake every time, even for beginners.

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius). Understanding why this step is crucial can significantly impact the texture and rise of your baked goods. This ensures even baking from the start.

Learn more about the importance of preheating your oven in baking.
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray your 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the eggs, half and half (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth. Set this mixture aside.
Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Open the tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut each cinnamon roll into 1-inch pieces. Place these cut pieces evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out slightly so they are not too crowded.
Pour Egg Mixture: Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the top of the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish. Gently toss or press down the rolls to ensure all pieces are well-coated and absorb the liquid.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The cinnamon roll casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and appears slightly crunchy, and the center is set.
Remove from Oven: Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the hot dish from the oven.
Drizzle and Rest: Immediately drizzle the optional maple syrup evenly over the warm casserole. Then, snip open the included cinnamon roll icing packets and zig-zag the sweet glaze over the top. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.
Serve Warm: Serve your delicious cinnamon roll casserole warm for the best experience.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the perfect cinnamon roll casserole every time with these helpful tips.

Even Dough Cutting: Cut your cinnamon rolls into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly throughout the casserole.
Proper Coating: Make sure all cinnamon roll pieces are thoroughly coated with the egg mixture. This creates that delicious, custardy texture.
Golden Brown Top: Keep an eye on the oven. The casserole is done when the top is beautifully golden brown and slightly firm.
Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking can lead to a dry casserole. Remove it promptly to keep the center wonderfully gooey.
Prevent Sogginess: If making ahead, add the egg mixture right before baking. This prevents the rolls from getting soggy.
Crispier Topping: For an even crispier top, sprinkle a tablespoon of granulated sugar mixed with a pinch of cinnamon over the casserole before baking.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This sweet breakfast bake is incredibly versatile and perfect for many occasions.

Ideal for Holidays: The perfect cinnamon roll casserole is ideal for festive mornings like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day brunch.
Fresh Fruit Pairing: Serve it alongside a vibrant fresh fruit platter for a balanced meal.
Savory Balance: Pair it with savory breakfast meats such as crispy bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast.
Extra Sweetness: Offer additional warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for those who love extra indulgence.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.
Drink Pairings: Enjoy with coffee, orange juice, or a festive mimosa.

Variations

Get creative with your cinnamon roll casserole to suit any taste.

Crock Pot Adaptation: For a hands-off approach, try a Crock Pot adaptation. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
Fruity Twist: Add ½ cup of finely diced apples to the cinnamon roll pieces before pouring the egg mixture for a delicious fruit version.
Skillet Bake: Bake this delightful casserole in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation.
Chocolate or Nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the mix for extra texture and flavor.

Storage Instructions

Properly storing your leftover sweet roll bake ensures it stays delicious.

Room Temperature: Store any leftover casserole covered tightly at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Refrigeration: For extended freshness, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Adhering to food safety guidelines for storing leftovers is crucial for optimal freshness and to prevent bacterial growth in dishes like casseroles.
Reheating: Briefly microwave individual servings for 30-60 seconds, or warm larger portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Freezing Baked Casserole: You can freeze the baked and cooled casserole for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Discover the nutrition facts for your homemade cinnamon roll casserole. This information is based on approximate calculations and will vary depending on specific brands and ingredients used. It gives you a general idea of the nutritional content per serving.

Calories: Approximately 380-420 per serving
Carbohydrates: 50-55g
Protein: 7-9g
Fat: 18-22g
Saturated Fat: 9-11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 90-110mg
Sodium: 450-500mg
Fiber: 1-2g
Sugars: 30-35g

FAQ

Find quick answers to common questions about making this delightful breakfast bake.

Can I prepare this casserole the night before? Yes, assemble the casserole but wait to pour the egg mixture until just before baking to prevent sogginess.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? The top should be golden brown, and the center should be set, not overly wobbly.
Can I freeze cinnamon roll casserole? Absolutely! Bake, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw before reheating.
What if I do not like maple syrup? You can omit the maple syrup entirely. The included icing packets provide plenty of sweetness.
Can I use a different size baking dish? A 9×13 inch dish is best for even cooking. If you use a smaller dish, the baking time might increase, and a larger one might dry out faster.

Conclusion

This easy cinnamon roll casserole is a game-changer for anyone wanting a delicious, fuss-free breakfast. It combines convenience with comforting flavors, making it perfect for busy mornings or special family gatherings. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you will love how simple it is to create this impressive sweet breakfast bake. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and create wonderful family memories around the breakfast table. We are sure it will become a cherished tradition!