Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe | Easy Breakfast Bake

This cinnamon roll casserole recipe is a warm, soft, gooey breakfast bake made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, a creamy vanilla egg mixture, cinnamon, and a simple sweet glaze.

Instead of preparing individual cinnamon rolls, everything is baked together in one dish. The result is tender pieces of cinnamon roll with golden edges, a soft cinnamon center, and a deliciously creamy finish.

It’s an easy make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for weekend mornings, Christmas breakfast, Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, holidays, or whenever you want a cozy cinnamon roll without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Easy one-dish breakfast
Uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls
No complicated dough preparation
Warm cinnamon flavor
Soft and gooey center
Golden caramelized edges
Great for holidays and brunch
Easy to prepare ahead
Family-friendly

Ingredients

For the Casserole

2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
4 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings

Chopped pecans
Chopped walnuts
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries
Extra maple syrup

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the cinnamon roll packages and separate the rolls.

Set the icing packets aside for later.

Cut each cinnamon roll into approximately 6 to 8 pieces.

The smaller pieces allow the egg mixture to soak into the cinnamon rolls more evenly.

3. Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls

Place the cinnamon roll pieces evenly throughout the prepared baking dish.

Try not to pack them too tightly because they will expand as they bake.

If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle some between the pieces.

4. Make the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Whisk until everything is completely combined.

5. Pour Over the Cinnamon Rolls

Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.

Make sure the mixture reaches different areas of the casserole.

Gently press a few pieces down with the back of a spoon so they absorb some of the mixture.

6. Add Butter

Drizzle the melted butter over the top.

For an extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a small amount of additional cinnamon over the surface.

7. Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

The top should become golden brown and the center should look set but still soft.

If the top begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the final part of baking.

8. Warm the Icing

While the casserole is baking, remove the icing from the cinnamon roll packages.

Place the icing in a small bowl.

If it’s very thick, warm it for a few seconds in the microwave until it becomes easier to drizzle.

Don’t overheat it.

9. Add the Icing

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Allow it to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Drizzle the reserved icing generously over the warm cinnamon roll casserole.

10. Serve

Slice or spoon the casserole onto plates.

Add chopped pecans, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a little maple syrup if desired.

Serve warm.

Can I Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes.

This recipe works especially well as a make-ahead breakfast.

Prepare the casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight.

When you’re ready to bake it, remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.

Because the casserole starts cold, it may require a few additional minutes of baking time.

Can I Use Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?

Absolutely.

Homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully in this recipe.

Use approximately the same amount of cinnamon roll pieces as the recipe calls for and adjust the baking time depending on the size and thickness of the pieces.

What Cinnamon Rolls Should I Use?

Refrigerated cinnamon rolls are the easiest option.

You can use regular-sized or larger cinnamon rolls, but baking time may vary slightly.

Choose cinnamon rolls that contain a generous amount of cinnamon filling for the best flavor.

Can I Add Pecans?

Yes.

Pecans are especially delicious with cinnamon roll casserole.

Add chopped pecans between the cinnamon roll pieces before pouring in the egg mixture.

You can also sprinkle them over the top before baking.

Can I Use Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes.

Cream cheese frosting is an excellent alternative to the icing that comes with refrigerated cinnamon rolls.

For a quick homemade topping, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a small splash of milk until smooth.

Drizzle it over the warm casserole.

How Do I Keep Cinnamon Roll Casserole From Becoming Soggy?

The key is using the correct amount of liquid and baking the casserole until the center is set.

Don’t pour significantly more milk or cream into the dish than the recipe calls for.

Also make sure the casserole has enough time in the oven for the egg mixture to cook through.

The finished center should be soft and moist, not liquid.

Can I Add Fruit?

Yes.

Fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, chopped apples, or sliced bananas can all work well.

For apples, use firm apples and cut them into small pieces so they soften during baking.

Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Variations

Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Add diced apples and a little extra cinnamon before baking.

Pecan Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Add chopped pecans throughout the casserole and over the top.

Blueberry Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Add fresh blueberries for a sweet and fruity variation.

Caramel Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished casserole before serving.

Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Replace the included icing with homemade cream cheese frosting.

Orange Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Add a little orange zest to the egg mixture and finish with an orange-flavored glaze.

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This casserole is filling on its own, but it pairs well with fresh and savory breakfast foods.

Try serving it with:

Fresh berries
Orange slices
Scrambled eggs
Bacon
Breakfast sausage
Greek yogurt
Fresh fruit salad
Coffee
Hot chocolate

For brunch, serve smaller portions alongside eggs, fruit, and coffee.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool before transferring leftovers to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat Cinnamon Roll Casserole

For individual portions, microwave for about 20 to 40 seconds.

For a larger portion, cover it loosely with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Add a little fresh icing after reheating if desired.

Can I Freeze Cinnamon Roll Casserole?

Yes, although the texture may be slightly softer after thawing.

Allow the baked casserole to cool completely.

Wrap it tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

The recipe already uses both milk and heavy cream. You can adjust the ratio slightly, but using only heavy cream will make the casserole significantly richer.

Can I make this without maple syrup?

Yes. You can replace it with an additional tablespoon or two of brown sugar or simply omit it.

Do I have to use the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls?

No. Homemade cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze works beautifully.

Why is the center still wet?

The casserole likely needs more baking time. Continue baking until the center is set but still soft and moist.

Can I make this in a smaller dish?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Don’t make the casserole excessively deep because the center will take longer to cook.

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