If you’ve ever wished you could turn classic cinnamon rolls into a warm, scoopable, crowd-feeding breakfast… this is it. Cinnamon Roll Casserole takes everything you love about soft, gooey rolls and transforms it into a cinnamon breakfast bake that’s ridiculously simple and perfect for sharing.
We’re talking golden tops, fluffy centers, ribbons of cinnamon swirl, and creamy icing melting into every bite. It tastes like a cinnamon roll French toast casserole and a sticky sweet breakfast treat had the coziest little breakfast baby.
Whether you’re planning a holiday breakfast dish, hosting a weekend brunch, or just want a make-ahead cinnamon breakfast that feels special without being complicated, Cinnamon Roll Casserole checks every box.
Meanwhile, the best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep.
Let’s get into it.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Ingredients You’ll Need
Cinnamon Roll Casserole keeps things beautifully simple. No complicated steps. No fancy techniques. Just pantry staples and refrigerated dough doing the heavy lifting.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing included)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk works great, but any milk will do)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
That’s it. Seven ingredients for a sweet breakfast casserole that tastes like you spent all morning in the kitchen.
If you prefer from-scratch dough, you can swap in soft homemade cinnamon rolls for brunch. Just bake them slightly underdone before cubing so they finish perfectly in the casserole.
Next, let’s talk about turning these simple ingredients into a warm cinnamon swirl casserole masterpiece.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Step-By-Step Instructions
Making Cinnamon Roll Casserole is one of those “why didn’t I try this sooner?” experiences.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Now grab your cinnamon rolls. Open the tubes (brace yourself for that dramatic pop). Cut each roll into quarters. Don’t worry about perfection here. Rustic is charming.
Spread the cinnamon roll pieces evenly across your baking dish.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
This mixture creates a custard base that turns the dish into something between a cinnamon roll bake and a French toast casserole.
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon pieces. Make sure every chunk gets some love. Gently press the pieces down so they soak up the liquid.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and slightly puffed.
After that, let it cool for about 5–10 minutes. Warm up the included icing and drizzle it generously over the top. This is where the sticky sweet breakfast magic happens.
Scoop, serve, and watch everyone hover near the dish for seconds.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the biggest reasons Cinnamon Roll Casserole is such a brunch crowd-pleaser? It’s incredibly flexible.
For a make-ahead cinnamon breakfast:
Assemble the entire casserole the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.
It’s perfect for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any holiday breakfast dish where you’d rather sip coffee than rush around the kitchen.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Freeze baked Cinnamon Roll Casserole tightly wrapped for up to 1 month.
This makes it a fantastic dessert-style breakfast option you can prep in advance and enjoy throughout the week.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Variations and Flavor Twists
Now here’s where things get fun.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is basically a blank canvas for sweet breakfast creativity.
Apple Pie Style
Add chopped apples tossed in cinnamon and brown sugar before baking. Or spoon over warm apple topping inspired for serious fall vibes.
Banana Bread Twist
Fold in sliced bananas and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts. If you love creative spins, you’ll adore the banana bread cinnamon rolls twist
Caramel Drizzle
Top with caramel sauce for an even more indulgent sticky sweet breakfast feel.
Cream Cheese Boost
Mix softened cream cheese into the custard for a richer cinnamon egg custard bake texture.
Citrus Brightness
Add a little orange zest to the custard for a subtle brightness that balances the sweetness.
Meanwhile, if you’re building a full brunch table, pair this sweet breakfast casserole with savory options for contrast.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole Serving Ideas for Brunch
Cinnamon Roll Casserole shines at:
- Holiday mornings
- Weekend family brunch
- Baby showers
- Potlucks
- Overnight guest breakfasts
Serve it warm with:
- Coffee Cake Muffins (Moist, Buttery & Loaded with Cinnamon Streusel)
- Chocolate Chia Pudding: The Easy, Creamy Treat You Need in Your Life
This cinnamon swirl casserole also works beautifully as a dessert-style breakfast after dinner when you want something comforting but easy.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole FAQs
Can I use homemade dough instead of canned cinnamon rolls?
Yes. Just partially bake homemade rolls before cubing them so they don’t turn soggy.
Can I make this overnight breakfast casserole without eggs?
You can substitute a plant-based egg alternative, though the texture will be slightly less custardy.
How do I know when Cinnamon Roll Casserole is done?
The center should be set, not jiggly. A knife inserted in the middle should come out mostly clean.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use two baking dishes instead of overcrowding one.
Cinnamon Roll Casserole: The Easiest Sweet Breakfast Bake for Brunch Lovers
Description
If you’ve ever wished you could turn classic cinnamon rolls into a warm, scoopable, crowd-feeding breakfast, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole is it. Golden tops, fluffy centers, ribbons of cinnamon swirl, and creamy icing melting into every bite. It’s a sweet breakfast casserole that feels special but comes together with just minutes of prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing included)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
- Spread cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and melted butter.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Gently press pieces down so they absorb the liquid.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool for 5–10 minutes.
- Warm the included icing and drizzle generously over the casserole before serving.
Notes
For make-ahead preparation, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Why Cinnamon Roll Casserole Is a Must-Try Breakfast Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Casserole brings together everything people love about classic cinnamon rolls:
- Soft, fluffy texture
- Sweet cinnamon flavor
- Creamy icing
- Cozy comfort food vibes
But instead of baking individual rolls, you get a cinnamon breakfast bake that feeds a crowd with half the effort.
It’s warm. gooey. nostalgic. And it’s one of those easy brunch ideas you’ll come back to again and again.
If you’ve been searching for the perfect sweet breakfast casserole that feels special but doesn’t stress you out, Cinnamon Roll Casserole is it.
And once you make it? Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to holiday breakfast dish every single year.
For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page at virlerecipes. Happy cooking!