You’ll love this easy sweet breakfast casserole! Cinnamon roll casserole is so delicious, can be made ahead, and is the perfect breakfast or brunch for Christmas morning (or any holiday)!
Cinnamon Roll Casserole
As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy recipes that my family will love. That’s why I’m so excited to share this amazing Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe with you!
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the delicious aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. This cinnamon roll french toast bake is not only perfect for the holidays, but it’s also a great dish to serve at any weekend brunch or special family gathering.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is so much easier to make than homemade cinnamon rolls, and the result is a mouth-watering treat that your family won’t be able to resist.
It’s packed with flavor and gooey cinnamon goodness, and the best part is that you can even prepare the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning, making holiday breakfasts a breeze.
I love how this recipe combines the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls and French toast in one delicious casserole. The golden brown, soft, and moist cinnamon rolls are baked with a creamy, cinnamon, and vanilla egg mixture, giving you that comforting French toast experience. The buttery base and sweet maple syrup topping make every bite a delight, and the aroma that fills your home while it bakes is incredible.
Ingredients
Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: Using canned Pillsbury cinnamon rolls is the secret to making this recipe quick and easy. They’re convenient and provide a delicious base for the casserole.
Butter: Melted butter not only adds richness and flavor to the dish, but it also helps ensure that the cinnamon rolls don’t stick to the bottom of the casserole dish.
Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating a custard-like texture in the casserole. They help to bind the ingredients together and give the dish a creamy, tender consistency.
Heavy Cream: Also known as heavy whipping cream, this ingredient adds a luxurious creaminess to the casserole. The cream helps to create a velvety texture that sets this dish apart from traditional cinnamon rolls.
Cinnamon: Saigon cinnamon is the best choice for this recipe, as it provides a bold, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavors in the casserole and adds a subtle depth to the dish.
Maple Syrup: Drizzling maple syrup over the top of the casserole before baking adds a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of caramelization when it bakes.
How To Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Preheat and prepare: Begin by preheating your oven. Spread the melted butter evenly across the bottom and around the sides of a casserole dish. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)
Cut and arrange the cinnamon rolls: Open the tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing cups. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut each roll into quarters. Distribute the quartered cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the butter layer in the casserole dish.
Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract together. Make sure the egg whites are fully incorporated to avoid visible cooked egg white pieces in the finished dish.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls. Follow this by drizzling the maple syrup on top of the casserole.
Bake and cool: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the tops of the cinnamon rolls are fluffy and golden brown. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool a bit before serving.
Add the icing: While the casserole is cooling, heat the frosting from the cinnamon roll tubes in the microwave. Drizzle the warmed icing over the top of the cooled casserole.
Serve and enjoy: Slice the Cinnamon Roll Casserole into individual servings and enjoy this delicious, easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish with your family and friends. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: For even baking and optimal texture, allow your eggs and heavy cream to come to room temperature before mixing.
- Check for doneness: To ensure the casserole is fully cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the casserole is ready.
- Let it rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
What Does Pouring Heavy Cream On Cinnamon Rolls Do?
Pouring heavy cream on cinnamon rolls adds a rich, velvety texture to the dish. The cream also helps to create a custard-like consistency, making the casserole tender and moist. This step sets the Cinnamon Roll Casserole apart from traditional cinnamon rolls and creates an irresistible, creamy treat that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
How Do You Dress Up Canned Cinnamon Rolls?
Dressing up canned cinnamon rolls is easy and fun! You can get creative and add your favorite ingredients to the casserole, such as:
- Apple pie filling: Spread a layer of apple pie filling on top of the cinnamon roll pieces before pouring the egg mixture for an apple-cinnamon twist.
- Blueberries: Scatter fresh or frozen blueberries over the cinnamon roll pieces for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the cinnamon roll pieces to create a chocolatey, indulgent treat.
- Pecans: Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans before baking gives the dish an extra crunch and a touch of nuttiness.
- Cream cheese frosting: Instead of using the icing that comes with the canned cinnamon rolls, you can make a homemade cream cheese frosting to drizzle over the baked casserole for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or create your own unique combinations to personalize your Cinnamon Roll Casserole and make it a family favorite.
Can I Use Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?
Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls in this recipe. Simply replace the refrigerated cinnamon rolls with your favorite homemade recipe, cut into quarters, and follow the recipe instructions as written.
Make Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the casserole the night before by following the steps above, then covering with plastic wrap and refrigerating overnight. In the morning, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Prepare the casserole in a slow cooker by layering the ingredients as directed. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the cinnamon rolls are cooked through and the egg mixture is set.
Individual Servings Instructions
Divide the cinnamon roll pieces and egg mixture among greased muffin cups for individual servings. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Can I Freeze Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the fully baked and cooled casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Keep In Touch
I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime
Breakfast Ideas
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other recipes that are perfect for breakfast or brunch. They’re all amazing for holiday breakfasts, especially on Christmas morning! Some reader favorites are:
- Overnight Crockpot French Toast Casserole
- Banana Nut Bread
- Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
- Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- Bisquick Coffee Cake
- Bisquick Cinnamon Rolls
BEST Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
You’ll love this easy sweet breakfast casserole! Cinnamon roll casserole is so delicious and can be made ahead for Christmas morning!
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons butter (42 grams, melted)
- 2 (12.4-ounce) cans refrigerated Pillsbury cinnamon rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Spread the melted butter evenly across the bottom and around the sides of a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Open the tubes of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing cups. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into quarters.
- Distribute the quartered cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the butter layer in the casserole dish.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, and mix well, ensuring the egg whites are fully incorporated to avoid visible cooked egg white pieces in the finished dish.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, then drizzle the maple syrup on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the tops of the cinnamon rolls are fluffy and golden brown, about 28-32 minutes.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. While the casserole is cooling, heat the frosting from the cinnamon roll tubes in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Drizzle the warmed icing over the top of the casserole.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll Casserole!
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/8Amount Per Serving: Calories: 428Total Fat: 20.4gCarbohydrates: 55.1gFiber: 1.5gSugar: 24.6gProtein: 6.5g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
This scrumptious cinnamon roll casserole is perfect for breakfast or brunch, served alongside a fresh fruit salad or your favorite morning beverages. The combination of tender cinnamon rolls, rich custard, and sweet icing creates a delightful dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
