If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and irresistible breakfast or brunch recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further than Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole. This dish combines the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls with the heartiness of a casserole, resulting in a warm, gooey, and comforting treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy family breakfast, or simply craving something sweet, this cinnamon roll casserole will hit the spot every time.
What is Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
Cinnamon roll casserole is a creative and fun twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. Instead of baking individual cinnamon rolls, the ingredients are layered into a baking dish, creating a casserole that is easy to prepare and bake. The result is a fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-filled breakfast delight, topped with a sweet glaze that oozes into every bite.
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and offers all the flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls without the need for complicated rolling and icing. It’s the ideal recipe for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts when you want something simple yet delicious.
Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole
The best part about this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients, many of which you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can of cinnamon rolls (the pre-made variety with icing)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup of milk (whole milk works best)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (for added sweetness)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)
These simple ingredients create a delightful casserole with the perfect balance of sweetness and cinnamon flavor.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Making this casserole is incredibly easy and takes only a few minutes of prep time. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or use a non-stick cooking spray to ensure the casserole comes out easily.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the can of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing that comes with the rolls. Cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters and place them in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in an even layer.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Pour this mixture over the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish. Gently toss the cinnamon rolls to ensure they are evenly coated with the egg mixture.
Step 4: Add Brown Sugar
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the casserole. This adds a rich, caramelized sweetness to the final dish as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Drizzle with Icing
Once the casserole is out of the oven, drizzle the icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top while it’s still warm. The icing will melt into the casserole, adding a sweet finishing touch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Slice into squares, and serve with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of coffee for the perfect breakfast or brunch.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole
1. Quick and Easy
This casserole is incredibly simple to make, with minimal prep time and ingredients. It’s perfect for busy mornings when you need something delicious but don’t have the time for complicated recipes.
2. Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends for brunch, this casserole is sure to impress. The combination of cinnamon rolls and sweet glaze is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
3. Customizable
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add extra ingredients like chopped apples, raisins, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
4. No Need for Rolling
Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, there’s no need to spend time rolling and cutting dough. This casserole takes the fuss out of making cinnamon rolls while still delivering that signature flavor.
5. Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions
This dish is ideal for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Mother’s Day, or any time you want to serve a festive breakfast or brunch without all the effort.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Use high-quality cinnamon rolls: The better the cinnamon rolls, the tastier your casserole will be. Go for a brand that uses real cinnamon and quality ingredients.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t dry out. The top should be golden brown, and the casserole should be set in the middle.
- Add extra toppings: For an extra decadent touch, top your casserole with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Conclusion
Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the ultimate breakfast or brunch dish, offering all the flavors of cinnamon rolls with minimal effort. It’s quick, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy weekend morning or serving it at a special occasion, this casserole is the perfect way to start your day with a sweet and comforting treat. Try it today and enjoy a warm, gooey slice of cinnamon goodness!
Serving and Storage Tips for Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Serving Tips
- Serve Warm: Cinnamon roll casserole is best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven. The gooey icing and soft cinnamon rolls are most delicious when served fresh and warm.
- Pair with Sides: To balance out the sweetness, consider serving the casserole with a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced berries, bananas, or apple slices. This adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent treat, top each serving with whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You could also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
- Serve with Beverages: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of orange juice. For a festive touch, consider serving it with mimosas or a spiced apple cider during the holidays.
- Perfect for Brunch Buffets: If you’re hosting a brunch or a special gathering, cut the casserole into small squares for easy serving. It’s an ideal dish for a buffet-style meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover cinnamon roll casserole, let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds, or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. After baking and allowing it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, until warmed through.
- Reheating Tip: When reheating leftover casserole, drizzle a bit of extra icing or maple syrup over the top before warming it up to enhance the flavor and prevent it from drying out.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole fresh, or save it for later without sacrificing any of its deliciousness. Whether it’s a morning treat or a make-ahead dish for a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any time of day!
- Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe? Yes! While this recipe works best with store-bought cinnamon rolls for convenience, you can absolutely use homemade cinnamon rolls if you prefer. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions for preparing the casserole.
- Can I make the cinnamon roll casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time! Prepare the casserole, but instead of baking it, cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply bake it as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s been refrigerated.
- How can I make this casserole healthier? To make a lighter version of this casserole, consider using reduced-fat milk, low-fat or fat-free cream cheese for the icing, and even a sugar substitute. You can also add fruit like apples or berries to add some natural sweetness and fiber.
- Can I freeze leftover cinnamon roll casserole? Yes, you can freeze leftover cinnamon roll casserole! After baking and cooling it completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the ultimate shortcut to a warm, gooey, and sweet breakfast treat. Made with pre-made cinnamon rolls and a creamy custard, it’s perfect for holidays, brunch, or any morning when you want a special treat without much effort!
Ingredients
- 2 (12.4 oz) cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cinnamon rolls:
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Spread the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the custard mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring all pieces are coated. Gently press the rolls down into the custard.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Drizzle with icing:
- While the casserole is baking, warm the icing from the cinnamon roll packages. Once baked, drizzle the icing over the warm casserole.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the custard mixture.
- This dish can be made ahead by assembling it the night before, covering it, and refrigerating. Bake fresh in the morning.