Cinnamon rolls are a beloved breakfast treat, offering a warm, comforting sweetness that’s hard to resist. But what if you could transform that familiar flavor into something even more indulgent and easy to make? This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines all the goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls into a simple and delicious casserole form. It’s the perfect dish for those lazy weekends, family gatherings, or even holiday mornings when you want to treat your loved ones to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

With just a handful of ingredients, this casserole bakes up into a fluffy, sweet, and slightly gooey treat that’s reminiscent of cinnamon rolls, but much quicker and easier to prepare. No need for the hassle of rolling dough and shaping individual rolls — simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, bake, and enjoy! Topped with a rich glaze, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast or brunch rotation. Whether you’re serving it at a festive event or just want a sweet breakfast, this easy cinnamon roll casserole is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick

This recipe cuts out all the complicated steps of making traditional cinnamon rolls. With minimal prep time, you can have a decadent breakfast or brunch on the table in less than an hour.

2. No Rolling or Shaping

Forget the time-consuming work of rolling dough and shaping individual cinnamon rolls. This casserole comes together with ease by layering pre-made cinnamon rolls and baking them to perfection.

3. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

The combination of sweet cinnamon swirls, soft dough, and creamy glaze makes this dish a hit with both kids and adults. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, holidays, or brunch parties.

4. Versatile

You can easily customize the casserole with different toppings, fruits, or even nuts to suit your preferences. It’s a flexible recipe that allows for creativity in the kitchen.

5. Perfect for Make-Ahead

This casserole is great for prepping the night before. You can assemble it ahead of time, let it sit in the fridge overnight, and bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.

Ingredients

Cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade)
Eggs
Milk
Sugar
Cinnamon
Butter
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Cream cheese (optional, for added richness)

Variations

Fruit Add-ins

Add sliced apples, berries, or bananas to the casserole for a burst of fresh flavor. Apples pair particularly well with cinnamon, creating a warm, comforting taste.

Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the casserole before baking for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

Maple Glaze

Swap the standard glaze for a maple-flavored glaze to give your casserole a more indulgent, breakfast-inspired twist.

Cream Cheese Filling

For an extra creamy texture, swirl some cream cheese into the layers of cinnamon rolls before baking for a richer, more decadent dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the can of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Arrange the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they are fully coated.

Step 4: Add Butter

Dot the casserole with small pieces of butter on top of the cinnamon rolls. This will add richness to the dish as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While the casserole is baking, mix together the powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Once the casserole is done, drizzle the glaze over the warm dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

For a fluffier texture, be sure not to overmix the egg mixture. Stir just until combined.
If you’re using store-bought cinnamon rolls, choose the ones with icing included for extra flavor.
To prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy, be sure to drain any excess liquid before baking.
If you prefer a firmer texture, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this easy cinnamon roll casserole warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, or enjoy it on its own with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also great with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezing

You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the casserole in the oven rather than the microwave to keep it from becoming soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Yes! Homemade cinnamon rolls will work just as well as store-bought ones. Just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces before layering them in the baking dish.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.

3. How long does it take to bake the casserole?

Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely! You can swap the standard glaze for a maple glaze, cream cheese glaze, or even a chocolate drizzle for a different flavor.

5. Can I add fruit to this casserole?

Yes! You can add fruit like apples, berries, or bananas for a fresh and flavorful twist.

6. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.

7. How should I store leftover casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

8. Can I make this casserole without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a dairy-free alternative, such as flax eggs, if you need to make this casserole egg-free.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free to make this casserole gluten-free.

10. What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?

Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a delicious and fuss-free way to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls without all the work. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend breakfast or a dish to serve at a family brunch, this recipe delivers on flavor, ease, and versatility. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and indulge in the sweet, gooey goodness of this cinnamon roll casserole today!