Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Okay, picture this: I’m It’s Sunday morning, the house is still quiet, and the smell of cinnamon is slowly waking everyone up. What’s the magic of this Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe? What’s the difference between cinnamon rolls and a cinnamon roll? What is your version of a cinnamon roll? How do you bake a cake in one pan? If you love bread pudding, this is your new go-to. What is a breakfast What are the layers of cinnamon-infused bread, all swimming in a creamy, vanilla-kissed glaze? What are breakfast dreams made of? I usually make this when I need something comforting but don’t want to spend all morning in the bathroom.
What is Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
How do you make a Cinnamon Roll Casserole? What are the best rolls, baked together in a single dish? What’s essentially layers of cinnamon swirled bread, soaked in a custard-like mixture, and then baked? When golden brown, puffy and tan, What is the beauty of simplicity? Think of it as a bread pudding meets cinnamon roll – the soft, pillowy texture of bread is reminiscent of cinnamon rolls. The irresistible aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla. Is this recipe easy to throw together? What is a good treat for supper? The name gives it away. What are cinnamon rolls like? Is there a win in my book?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? The flavor is just out of this world. You get that warm, comforting cinnamon spice that just makes you feel all cozy inside. Then there’s the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture from the custard soaking into the bread. It’s sweet, but not overly so, and the vanilla glaze adds the perfect touch of richness. But beyond the amazing taste, what I really love about this Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is how ridiculously easy it is to make. You can literally throw it together in under 15 minutes and pop it in the oven. No kneading, no rising, no individual rolling – just simple layering and baking. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Bread, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon – that’s pretty much it! And it’s so versatile. You can customize it with different types of bread, add nuts or dried fruit, or even experiment with different glazes. What I love most about this is that it always disappears in minutes whenever I make it. Everyone, from my kids to my in-laws, just devours it. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Compared to making individual cinnamon rolls, which can take hours, this Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a lifesaver. If you like bread pudding or French toast casserole, you’ll adore this. I promise!
How do you make a cinnamon roll casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a cinnamon roll casserole? What is the best way to cook bread with cinnamon sugar in a baking dish? What’s a custard-like mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt? After a short soak, it goes into the oven until golden brown and puffy. While baking, whip up a quick vanilla glaze. Once the casserole is out of the oven, you drizzle the glaze over the top and that’s it! What’s the beauty of this recipe is that it’s very forgiving – you don’t have to be precise with your recipe. What are measurements or layering? What’s all about creating a delicious, comforting breakfast with minimal effort? How easy is it to learn to code?
Ingredients Notes
For the Main Batter: What is the difference between
Bread:I usually use day-old challah or brioche bread for the best flavor and texture. What kind of bread will work, even plain white bread? Just make sure it’s slightly stale so it soaks up the custard nicely.
Eggs:How do you make a custard base? I always use large eggs in baking.
Milk:Whole milk gives you the richest, creamiest results. If you prefer almond milk, you can use 2% milk. I tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extractWhat is the best vanilla extract for casserole?
Granulated Sugar:What is the best way to add sweetness to custard?
Cinnamon:Who is the star of the show? I use ground cinnamon, but you could also add a pinch of allspice for extra warmth.
For the Filling:
Brown Sugar:What is the caramel flavor of the filling? I prefer light brown sugar, but dark brown will also work.
Cinnamon:Can you ever have too much cinnamon?
Butter: Melted butter helps bind the cinnamon-sugar mixture together and adds richness to the filling.
For the Glaze:
Powdered Sugar:This is the base of the glaze. Make sure it’s sifted to make it smooth.
Milk: A little bit of milk thins out the glaze to the perfect consistency. Add more or less to your liking.
Vanilla Extract: What is Just a touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Pinch of Salt:What are some of the best flavors in a glaze?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking to the pan? I always do this first so I don’t forget later!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Mix it well until it’s evenly combined. What is the best way to make a cinnamon-y casserole?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Stir to combine. Salt for custard. Make sure everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. I usually whisk for a couple of minutes to make sure it’s nice and smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Cut bread into 1-inch cubes and place them in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the bread cubes. If you’re a bread shopper, pour the custard mixture over the bread and gently press down to make sure that all the dough is evenly distributed. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of liquid – the bread will absorb it as it bakes. If you overmix it, the bread could get mushy. I try to be gentle with this step.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
How do you melt butter in the microwave? How do I add more flavor to a casserole? I usually let the butter cool before drizzling it over the bread so it doesn’t cook.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Cover the baking dish with foil and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. What happens if bread soaks up custard? If you’re short on time, 30 minutes is fine, but I find that letting it sit overnight gives the best results. If refrigerating, remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and puffy. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown. To test for doneness, insert a knife into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, bake for a few more minutes. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
While the casserole is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Set aside. Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over it. If you glaze it while it’s too hot, the glaze will melt and run off. I usually wait about 10 minutes before glazing.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
How do you make Cinnamon Roll Casserole? Slice into squares and serve warm. Is it good to top it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of chocolate? I love serving this with coffee or tea.
What should I serve it with?
What is the best Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe? When paired with the right accompaniments. What are some good ideas for serving it, depending on the occasion.
For Breakfast:Serve with bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory combination. What is the best pairing of hot coffee and orange juice? I like to arrange slices on a plate with sprinkles of powdered sugar for an elegant look.
For Brunch:How do you serve a casserole alongside other breakfast favorites? What are some of the best scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, and yogurt parfaits? What are some festive cocktails to serve with a bellini? I usually garnish with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.
As Dessert: This casserole makes a wonderful dessert, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce would also be delicious. I love to serve this after a light dinner – it’s the perfect sweet ending to a meal.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a slice of Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole with a warm cup of milk or hot chocolate on a chilly evening. It’s the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. I often make this when we’re having a movie night – it’s a much better alternative to popcorn!
My family always loves when I pair this with fresh fruit, no matter the meal. It really balances out the sweetness.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe even better. Here are my top tips:
Bread Prep: Use slightly stale bread for the best texture. Fresh bread will be too soft and won’t soak up the custard as well. I usually leave the bread out overnight to dry out a bit.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the custard. Overmixing can result in a tough casserole. Just whisk it until everything is combined and the sugar is dissolved.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with the cinnamon-sugar swirl. You can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips to the mixture for extra flavor and texture. I sometimes add a sprinkle of pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Ingredient Swaps: You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread. For a healthier option, use whole wheat bread and reduce the amount of sugar. You can also use almond milk or soy milk in place of regular milk.
Baking Tips: Cover the casserole with foil during the first half of baking to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Remove the foil during the last half of baking to allow the top to brown evenly. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it with foil again.
Glaze Variations: Get creative with the glaze! You can add different extracts, such as almond or lemon, for a unique flavor. You can also add a splash of coffee liqueur or bourbon for a boozy twist. I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for an extra cinnamon-y kick.
Trust me on the bread prep; it really makes a difference! I ruined my first casserole by using bread fresh from the bakery; never again!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: You can store the casserole at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. I usually keep it on the counter if I know we’re going to eat it within a day or two.
Refrigerator Storage: You can store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to preserve the quality.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’re freezing it, don’t glaze it until after reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re not planning on eating the casserole right away, wait to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from getting soggy. You can store the glaze separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
When reheating, I always add a little extra milk or cream to keep it moist. It makes a huge difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is more than just a breakfast dish – it’s a warm hug in a pan. It’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting. It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. What’s not to love? If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my French Toast Casserole or my Blueberry Muffin Casserole. They’re both just as easy and delicious! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy baking!
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Homemade Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls each can should be about 12 oz
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar for the glaze
- 2 tablespoons milk add more for desired consistency
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into four pieces.
- Place the cut cinnamon roll pieces into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the melted butter over the cinnamon rolls evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the mixture over the cinnamon rolls.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
- While the casserole is baking, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with the glaze.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
