If you’re anything like me, mornings where you can wake up to something delicious and effortless feel like a dream come true. That’s exactly why I adore this Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole recipe. It combines the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the heartiness of a baked breakfast, all without the fuss of rolling dough or waiting for yeast to rise. Perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings when you want to impress without the stress.
What makes this casserole truly special is how it bakes up golden, puffy, and fragrant, with that gooey cinnamon goodness baked right in—and the sweet drizzle of frosting right on top? That’s the cherry on this already mouthwatering dish. Trust me, once you try this Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole recipe, you’ll want to make it a staple in your breakfast lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless to Make: Uses pre-made cinnamon rolls, so you can whip it up in no time without any dough prep.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combines cinnamon roll sweetness with custardy French toast vibes that everyone adores.
- Perfect for Any Morning Occasion: Great for a holiday brunch or lazy weekend breakfast.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples and a few cans of cinnamon rolls are all you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, I love how simple and straightforward the ingredients are—everything plays nicely together to create a rich, sweet, and slightly spiced breakfast treat. You’ll want to shop for quality canned cinnamon rolls since they’re the star of the dish.
- Grands Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls: The base of the casserole; grab the classic cinnamon rolls with icing, the frosting will be used for drizzling on top.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the custard rich and creamy, giving the casserole that French toast texture inside.
- Large Eggs: These bind everything together and help create the puffiness when baked.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Cinnamon: A must-have for that signature cinnamon roll taste throughout the dish.
- Maple Syrup: Sweetens the custard naturally, adding a hint of pure maple flavor that elevates the casserole.
Variations
I like to tweak this Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole recipe sometimes depending on the season or who I’m serving. It’s super adaptable, so I encourage you to make it your own and experiment with add-ins or swaps!
- Fruit Add-ins: I’ve tossed in fresh blueberries or sliced apples before baking, which adds a nice fruity freshness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap the cinnamon roll brand for a vegan-friendly option. I’ve done this for a friend, and it still turned out amazing.
- Extra Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture and nuttiness—my family goes crazy for this twist!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the custard mix to make it feel extra cozy in the fall or winter months.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray. Remove your cinnamon rolls from the cans and pull out the frosting—set that aside for later because you’ll be drizzling it on top after baking. Cutting the rolls into bite-sized chunks makes every nook filled with custard and magic.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined. I like using a whisk because it helps incorporate a little air, making the custard nice and fluffy when baked. This custard is the secret that transforms the cinnamon rolls into a layered breakfast casserole.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Place the chopped cinnamon roll pieces in your prepared pan and pour the custard evenly over the top, gently pressing the pieces down to soak up the mixture. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the casserole is puffed up and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when it’s set in the middle but still moist and custardy.
Step 4: Frost and Serve
Once out of the oven, pop the reserved frosting in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds just to warm it up and thin it out. Drizzle it generously over the warm casserole, letting it melt into those nooks and crannies. Serve it immediately because this dish is best enjoyed warm and fresh!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the cinnamon roll pieces a little space so the custard can fully soak in and the casserole bakes evenly.
- Watch the Baking Time: Oven temps vary, so start checking at 35 minutes to avoid drying it out—you’re aiming for puffed and golden, not burnt.
- Warm Frosting Trick: Heating the frosting just until pourable lets it glide perfectly over the casserole instead of clumping.
- Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh eggs make a big difference in the custard texture, resulting in a fluffier, creamier casserole.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I often add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to elevate the look and add a bit of crunch. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, also brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness, which my kids surprisingly love!
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage links to bring a savory component. A fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfait also complements the richness beautifully if you want to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked the casserole in mini ramekins to create individual portions—these are perfect for brunch guests and look so festive on the table. Another fun idea is layering with fresh fruit between cinnamon roll chunks for a colorful surprise inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and find they keep well for 3 to 4 days. The casserole is still delicious reheated, though I recommend warming it gently to keep it moist.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the casserole before baking. Just assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—this is a lifesaver for busy mornings!
Reheating
I reheat slices in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain that slightly crisp top and soft center. Adding a quick drizzle of warmed frosting before serving brings back all that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned for this casserole?
Absolutely! If you have homemade cinnamon rolls, especially unbaked ones, you can chop and use them just like the canned version. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on their size and dough consistency, but it works beautifully and adds a homemade touch.
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Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for a full-fat coconut milk or another creamy non-dairy alternative, and find dairy-free cinnamon rolls to keep it fully dairy-free. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
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Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely! Assembling the casserole the evening before and refrigerating it overnight lets the cinnamon roll pieces soak up the custard nicely. Then, pop it in the oven in the morning for a fresh and effortless breakfast.
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How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
Look for a puffed-up casserole with a golden-brown top. You can also insert a knife or toothpick in the center—if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Avoid overbaking to keep it custardy and soft inside.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and smiles to the table with hardly any effort. I love how it brings the indulgent flavors of cinnamon rolls into a convenient baked dish that’s perfect for family breakfasts or special mornings. If you’re looking for a show-stopping but simple breakfast option, I truly recommend giving this a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and your friends and family will thank you for it!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole combines the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a creamy custard base, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a weekend or holiday breakfast, it features tender pieces of cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich mixture of eggs, cream, maple syrup, and cinnamon, then topped with a sweet frosting drizzle for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 3 cans (17 oz. each) Grands Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with frosting
Custard Mixture
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and carefully set aside the included frosting packets. Remove the cinnamon rolls from the tubes and cut each roll into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Custard Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, beaten eggs, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Place the cut cinnamon roll pieces into the prepared baking pan. Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown, puffy, and cooked through.
- Add Frosting and Serve: Warm the reserved frosting in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds until slightly softened. Drizzle the warmed frosting generously over the hot casserole before serving immediately for a deliciously sweet finish.
Notes
- This casserole combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with a French toast-style custard, making it both indulgent and satisfying.
- Best enjoyed fresh from the oven for the perfect balance of gooey and fluffy texture.
- Ideal for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or special holiday mornings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 829 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 59 mg
