Get ready to transform your morning routine with this incredibly simple cinnamon roll casserole recipe! We take convenient store-bought cinnamon rolls and elevate them into a gooey, irresistible baked breakfast delight. This easy bake is perfect for special occasions, holiday brunches, or simply making any weekend morning feel extraordinary. Prepare yourself for a sweet, comforting treat that everyone will adore.
Discover the fascinating journey of this beloved pastry, with roots tracing back to Northern Europe, learning about the history of cinnamon rolls.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Casserole
This delightful dish is a game-changer for anyone craving a decadent breakfast without the fuss. It truly embodies simplicity and deliciousness.
- Quick Prep Time: You’ll have this breakfast casserole ready for the oven in just 10 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients Required: With only a few basic pantry staples, you create something extraordinary.
- Delightful Taste and Texture: Enjoy gooey centers, slightly crisp edges, and that signature cinnamon-sugar swirl.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This sweet casserole is always a hit, perfect for feeding a hungry family or holiday guests.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing cinnamon roll casserole. We focus on making baking simple for busy parents and beginners!
- 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 (standard size, yielding 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
You have flexibility with these ingredients to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
Feel free to use your favorite brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls for this recipe; any will work beautifully. If you don’t have half and half, heavy cream provides an even richer flavor, or whole milk can be used for a slightly lighter consistency. Instead of maple syrup, a drizzle of warm brown sugar syrup or honey adds lovely sweetness. For extra flavor and texture, stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or diced apples, berries, or peaches with the cinnamon roll pieces before baking.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this fantastic cinnamon roll bake.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Kitchen shears or a sharp knife for cutting the dough
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Follow these clear, numbered steps to create your mouthwatering cinnamon roll casserole. This beginner-friendly guide ensures a perfect outcome every time.
- Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- Prepare your 9×13 inch casserole dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving easy.
- 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 the mixture is smooth. Set this egg mixture aside.
- Open your tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut each cinnamon roll into roughly 1-inch pieces. Scatter these dough pieces evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Carefully pour the whisked egg mixture over the top of the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish. Gently toss or press the pieces to ensure they are all well-coated.
- Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and looks slightly crunchy, and the center is set.
- Remove the dish from the oven.
- While the casserole is still warm, drizzle the maple syrup (if using) evenly over the top. Then, snip the corners of the included icing packets and generously squeeze the delicious icing over the entire surface of the warm cinnamon roll casserole.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the gooey center set slightly and prevents it from falling apart.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delightful breakfast treat!
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Achieve the best results with these simple pro tips. You’ll master this delicious breakfast bake in no time.
- Evenly Cut Rolls: Aim for consistent 1-inch pieces to ensure uniform baking.
- Coat All Dough: Make sure every piece of dough gets coated in the egg mixture for maximum gooeyness.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake only until golden and set to keep the inside wonderfully moist and tender.
- Rest Before Serving: A short rest allows the sweet casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
- Warm Icing: For extra drizzle factor, briefly warm the icing packets in a bowl of warm water before applying.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile cinnamon roll casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of breakfast sides and offers many delicious adaptations.
Enjoy a slice alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage for a balanced meal. Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced bananas, adds a bright contrast to the sweetness. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe Adaptations:
- Overnight Prep: Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover, refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
- Crock Pot Method: For a slow cooker version, reduce the liquid slightly and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Bake it in a large cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation and crispy edges.
- Fruit Additions: Fold in diced apples, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches with the cinnamon roll pieces for a fruity twist.
- Extra Sweetness: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar and extra cinnamon to the egg mixture, or drizzle with caramel sauce after baking.
Storage & Make-Ahead
For optimal freshness and safety, it’s crucial to follow recommended USDA food safety guidelines for casseroles.
Store any leftover cinnamon roll casserole in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, simply warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or place the entire dish, covered, in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. To prepare this sweet casserole the night before, follow all the assembly steps, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, potentially adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it starts cold.
Nutrition Information
This delightful cinnamon roll casserole offers a comforting and indulgent breakfast experience. Each serving provides a satisfying blend of carbohydrates for energy and a touch of sweetness to start your day. For precise nutritional values, including calorie count, fat, and sugar content per serving, please refer to the detailed recipe card typically provided with the full recipe. Keep in mind that exact nutrition will vary based on the specific brands of cinnamon rolls and other ingredients you choose to use.
FAQ
You have questions, and we have answers about this easy and delicious cinnamon roll casserole.
- Can you use store-bought cinnamon rolls? Yes, absolutely! This recipe is specifically designed to use refrigerated store-bought cinnamon rolls for ultimate ease and convenience.
- Can you make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can! Assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake in the morning.
- How do you prevent the casserole from being soggy? Ensure you use the correct dough-to-liquid ratio as specified in the recipe, and bake it thoroughly until golden brown and set.
- What kind of cinnamon rolls work best? Any standard refrigerated tube cinnamon rolls work wonderfully for this recipe. Choose your favorite brand!
- Can I freeze cinnamon roll casserole? Yes, you can freeze it. Bake the casserole completely, let it cool, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This easy cinnamon roll casserole truly lives up to its promise of being the ultimate breakfast bake. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a gooey, sweet, and incredibly satisfying treat perfect for any morning. It’s a wonderful way to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen, making special occasions even more memorable. We hope you try this delightful recipe soon and share your delicious creations with us!