Name: Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491324H42M33S
Total time: PT-491324H42M33S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls (16 rolls), cut into about 8 pieces per roll (Pillsbury brand recommended); 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1/4 cup maple syrup; Icing from the cinnamon roll tubes

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If you love cinnamon rolls but wish they were a bit more hands-off for a crowd, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s like breakfast and dessert got together for the ultimate cozy dish that’s perfect for lazy weekends or holiday mornings. I first stumbled on this recipe during a family gathering, and it instantly became one of those classics I keep coming back to because it really hits that sweet spot between easy and indulgent.

What makes this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe truly special is how effortlessly it pulls together—no kneading or waiting for dough to rise, just simple ingredients transforming into a fluffy, rich breakfast bake. It’s perfect when you want to wow guests but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist all that gooey cinnamon goodness swirled through a warm, buttery casserole? Trust me, you’ll want to try this out for your next brunch or special treat morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully for that classic cinnamon roll flavor in an effortless casserole form. Here’s what to gather so you can have it ready to mix and bake in no time.

Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps coat the cinnamon roll pieces for that golden crust.
Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: I always go with Pillsbury for their perfect swirl and icing, making this recipe super convenient.
Eggs: These bind everything together and give the casserole a light, custardy texture.
Milk: Helps to create that creamy base that softens the cinnamon rolls while baking.
Vanilla: Just a touch deepens all the flavors and adds a lovely aromatic touch.
Cinnamon: Adds an extra punch to amplify that warm cinnamon goodness.
Maple syrup: Drizzled into the mixture, this balances the sweetness and adds a subtle natural flavor.
Icing from the cinnamon roll tubes: The ultimate finishing touch, drizzled across the top for gooey, sweet perfection.

Variations

I love making this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients depending on the mood or occasion. Don’t be afraid to tweak it—you’ll find tons of ways to make it suit your taste or dietary needs perfectly.

Fruit Add-In: I sometimes toss in fresh berries or diced apples to add a little brightness and texture. It’s a delicious way to balance the sweetness with freshness.
Diet-Friendly: For a lighter take, try swapping regular milk for almond or oat milk and use a sugar-free maple syrup. Great if you want to keep it indulgent but mindful.
Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger along with cinnamon amps up the warmth and complexity, which I love especially in cooler months.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls if you can find them, or try making your own ahead of time. This casserole still bakes beautifully without the gluten.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cinnamon Rolls

Start by greasing your casserole dish well—that butter will help create a beautiful crust and make cleanup easier. Then grab your refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each one into about eight pieces. This makes sure every bite of the casserole has those classic cinnamon swirls. I find cutting them small helps the casserole bake evenly and soak up the custard mixture perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup until fully combined. The eggs and milk form a custard that’s going to soak into the cinnamon rolls, making the whole dish soft and luscious once baked. Make sure you whisk well so the cinnamon gets evenly distributed and every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Drop your cinnamon roll pieces evenly into the buttered casserole dish, then pour the custard mixture over the top. Let it sit for a few minutes so the rolls absorb the custard a little before baking. This soak time makes a big difference in texture—don’t skip it! Then drizzle your melted butter over the top for that gorgeous richness and to help everything brown beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Bake and Drizzle Icing

Bake your casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes until golden and set in the middle. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start to get golden and the center is puffed but still soft. Once out of the oven, generously drizzle the icing that comes with your cinnamon rolls on top—it melts slightly and creates that luscious, sweet glaze that makes cinnamon rolls so irresistible.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white marbled surface with various baking ingredients neatly arranged. There is a white tray with eight white eggs on the top left, below it a white square dish filled with amber-colored honey. To the right of the honey, a clear measuring cup holds milk. At the center, two stacks of uncooked cinnamon rolls with a light beige dough and darker cinnamon swirls are placed. Nearby is a small glass jar filled with dark vanilla extract. To the right are a glass bowl of white creamy yogurt, a cinnamon spice jar with a black label, and two white round solid ingredients. At the bottom right, a wooden spoon with a short handle holds chopped pecans. The light and clean layout highlight each ingredient distinctly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a drizzle of the icing and sometimes a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a little crunch. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries on the side really freshens up the rich casserole. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch too.

Side Dishes

Since this Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is quite rich and sweet, I like pairing it with savory sides like crispy bacon or sausage links. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with citrus dressing can also balance the heaviness perfectly and brighten your brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch parties, I’ve served this casserole in smaller ramekins for individual portions—super fun and elegant! Another idea is to layer the cinnamon roll pieces with the custard in a glass baking dish so you can see those swirls. Adding a splash of caramel sauce or toasted pecans on top can also take presentation (and flavor!) to the next level.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Roll Casserole keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I wrap mine tightly with foil or plastic wrap before storing to help keep moisture in. When you’re ready to eat more, it’s still soft and tastes just as good—such a nice bonus for busy mornings!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times—just assemble it as usual, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When you want it, pop it in the fridge the night before to thaw and then bake fresh. Freezing can change the texture of the icing a bit, so I recommend adding fresh drizzle right after baking if you’re freezing it.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes so it warms evenly without drying out. Covering the casserole loosely with foil helps keep the moisture in. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine for a quick warm-up, just watch the time so it doesn’t get rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this casserole?

Absolutely! Using homemade cinnamon rolls can add a wonderful personalized touch. Just make sure they’re slightly firm (not overly gooey) so they hold up when soaked in the custard. You might want to adjust baking time slightly depending on how soft your rolls are.
Do I have to use the icing from the cinnamon roll tubes?

You don’t have to, but it does add that signature creamy sweetness that makes the dish feel like a real cinnamon roll experience. You can substitute with cream cheese glaze or a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it fresh in the morning. This saves you time on busy mornings and the casserole will have plenty of time to soak up the custard.
What’s the best way to avoid sogginess?

Letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before baking allows cinnamon rolls to absorb just enough custard without becoming mushy. Also, don’t over-soak the rolls before baking. Keeping an eye on baking time ensures the casserole sets nicely and gets a bit of a crust.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I genuinely get excited about every time I make it. It’s cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to pull together, making it perfect for both special occasions and relaxed weekends. I hope you give it a whirl—you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with that warm cinnamon aroma and how it brings smiles around the table. Once you try it, it might just become a new tradition in your home as it is in mine.