If you love the irresistible aroma and comforting sweetness of cinnamon rolls but want to serve something a little easier and show-stoppingly delicious, this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining soft cinnamon roll bites soaked in a rich, creamy custard with a golden baked finish, it’s an effortless treat that wakes up your taste buds and makes any gathering feel special. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or just because you deserve a little indulgence, this casserole brings cinnamon rolls to a whole new level of cozy satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is how simple yet perfectly balanced the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role, from lending sweetness and spice to creating that luscious custard texture that transforms these rolls into a dreamy casserole.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans, 8-count each): Provides the soft, gooey cinnamon base, easy and ready to go.
- Large eggs (4): Helps bind the casserole together with a smooth custard consistency.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and a velvety texture for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the cinnamon.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star spice that brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely aromatic touch.
- Maple syrup (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a subtle natural sweetness and complexity, but feel free to skip it.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a slightly crisp, buttery finish on top.
- Powdered sugar or reserved icing: For that final sweet drizzle or dusting that makes every serving irresistible.
How to Make Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cinnamon Rolls
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Next, cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. This creates perfect bite-sized pieces that will soak up the custard beautifully. Spread these pieces evenly across the dish, making sure to fill every corner so each serving has a bit of that soft cinnamon goodness.
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup if using, and melted butter until everything is fully combined and smooth. This mixture is what will infuse the casserole with creamy sweetness while binging the cinnamon rolls into one glorious dish. The cinnamon’s warmth mixed with the vanilla and buttery richness creates an irresistible custard base.
Step 3: Combine and Bake to Perfection
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, gently pressing the rolls down so they soak up as much of the mixture as possible. This step ensures softness and an even custard texture throughout the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center feels set when gently shaken. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool just slightly to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Before serving your Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe, drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top or dust with powdered sugar. This adds a final layer of sweetness and makes your casserole look as inviting as it tastes. Serve warm for the ultimate cozy treat.
How to Serve Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dessert, consider adding fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries on top. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a lovely crunch, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will melt deliciously into the warm casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. If serving for brunch, crispy bacon or sausage links bring a savory contrast that makes this dish even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake individual portions in ramekins to create personal-sized casserole servings. You can also layer the cinnamon roll pieces and custard in a clear glass dish or trifle bowl for an elegant presentation showing off all the cinnamon layers. These ideas add flair whether you’re serving a family breakfast or a holiday brunch spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover dessert cinnamon roll casserole can be covered with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain softness without drying out the custard.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to make it ahead. After baking and completely cooling, wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the casserole moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully and will add a personalized touch, just cut them into quarters the same way and follow the recipe.
Is it necessary to add maple syrup to the custard?
The maple syrup is optional but recommended if you want a deeper sweetness and a subtle layer of flavor. It complements the cinnamon perfectly but feel free to omit it if you prefer.
Can this casserole be made vegan or dairy-free?
You can try using plant-based milk alternatives and egg substitutes, but the custard texture might be a bit different. Vegan cinnamon rolls would be best in that case to maintain overall flavor and consistency.
How can I make the casserole crispier on top?
Adding a little extra melted butter on top before baking or broiling for a minute or two at the end can create a crispier, golden crust that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
What’s the best way to serve this casserole for brunch?
Serve it warm with coffee or mimosas alongside fresh fruit and savory breakfast items like eggs or bacon to make a complete and satisfying brunch spread.
Final Thoughts
This Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is one of those glorious dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s incredibly simple to put together, yet delivers that comforting, sweet cinnamon flavor in a perfectly baked custardy casserole. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. Give it a try—you’re going to love how it brings classic cinnamon rolls into a delightful new form!
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Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and indulgent Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole perfect for brunch or dessert. Soft cinnamon roll pieces are soaked in a rich, spiced custard mixture, baked until golden, and topped with sweet icing or powdered sugar for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Topping
- Powdered sugar or reserved icing for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cut cinnamon rolls: Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and place the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish, distributing them as uniformly as possible.
- Mix custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, maple syrup (if using), and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine and soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press gently on the cinnamon roll pieces to help them soak up the custard.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly to firm up. Drizzle the reserved icing over the top or dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
- Serve warm with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- This casserole is also perfect as a sweet brunch dish.
- Use the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls for a richer topping or substitute with powdered sugar as desired.
