Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a delicious, indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that takes the classic cinnamon roll to a whole new level. With its warm, gooey cinnamon swirls, fluffy texture, and a rich, buttery glaze, this casserole is the perfect way to start your morning or treat guests during a special occasion. It’s essentially a deconstructed cinnamon roll baked in casserole form, making it both easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re craving a cozy weekend breakfast or planning a holiday brunch, this Cinnamon Roll Casserole is guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and decadence with a simple twist on the traditional cinnamon roll recipe.
1. What Is Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a dish that combines the flavors and textures of a traditional cinnamon roll with the ease of a casserole. Instead of rolling up individual cinnamon rolls, the dough is cut into pieces and placed in a baking dish, then topped with a rich, sweet cinnamon and sugar mixture. The casserole is then baked until golden and crispy on top, while the inside remains soft and gooey.
To make this casserole even more delicious, a glaze or icing is often drizzled on top, just like with traditional cinnamon rolls. It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The beauty of this casserole is that it’s quick to make and incredibly easy to serve a crowd, without the fuss of rolling out dough or individually baking each cinnamon roll.
2. How to Make Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing, about 8 rolls)
- Eggs (3 large eggs)
- Milk (1 cup, whole milk or a milk alternative)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional, for extra flavor)
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, for sweetness)
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted)
- Maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish. The pieces don’t have to be perfectly arranged—just spread them out as evenly as possible.
- Make the Casserole Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and brown sugar until fully combined. Pour this mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure each piece is soaked with the egg mixture.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. This will give the casserole a rich, buttery flavor as it bakes.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown on top and the cinnamon rolls are cooked through. You can insert a toothpick to check—if it comes out clean, the casserole is done.
- Glaze and Serve: While the casserole is baking, set aside the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. Once the casserole is out of the oven, drizzle the icing over the top while it’s still warm. If you want an extra touch, drizzle some maple syrup over the top for additional sweetness.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven, and can be served with additional syrup or fresh fruit on the side.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole:
- Use a variety of cinnamon rolls: You can use flavored cinnamon rolls (like those with cream cheese icing or apple cinnamon rolls) for different tastes.
- Add-ins: Add fruit such as apples, berries, or bananas to the casserole before baking for added flavor and nutrition.
- Make it in advance: You can prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next morning for an easy breakfast option.
3. Health Benefits of Cinnamon Roll Casserole
While Cinnamon Roll Casserole is certainly a treat, it does have some health benefits, especially when made with fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what it offers:
Rich in Protein:
The eggs and milk in the casserole provide a good source of protein, which is important for muscle repair and immune function. Protein also helps keep you full for longer, making this casserole a more filling breakfast option than traditional pastries.
Calcium:
Milk provides calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. A slice of Cinnamon Roll Casserole offers a small but meaningful contribution to your daily calcium intake.
Antioxidants from Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is known for its antioxidant properties. It helps fight oxidative stress in the body and can support overall health. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to better heart health.
Low in Added Sugars:
Since this recipe uses the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls, you have control over how much sweetness you add. You can adjust the amount of glaze or syrup to suit your preferences, making it a more controlled option compared to store-bought cinnamon rolls that can be loaded with sugar.
4. Creative Variations of Cinnamon Roll Casserole
While the basic Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it for different tastes or dietary preferences.
Fruit-Infused Cinnamon Roll Casserole:
Add fresh fruit like diced apples, strawberries, or blueberries to the casserole before baking. The fruit adds natural sweetness and helps balance out the richness of the cinnamon rolls.
Caramel Cinnamon Roll Casserole:
For a richer dessert-like option, drizzle caramel sauce over the casserole before baking, or stir some into the egg mixture. You can also top it with a layer of pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Casserole:
For chocolate lovers, try adding mini chocolate chips to the casserole before baking or swirl in some Nutella for a decadent touch.
Savory Cinnamon Roll Casserole:
For a twist on the classic, you can make a savory version by swapping out the cinnamon for garlic powder and adding cooked sausage, cheese, and herbs to the casserole mixture. It’s an unexpected but delicious savory option for breakfast or brunch.
Vegan Cinnamon Roll Casserole:
To make this casserole vegan, use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a dairy-free cinnamon roll dough. Substitute flax eggs for regular eggs and dairy-free butter for a completely plant-based breakfast.
5. Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is great on its own, but it can be even better when paired with other dishes. Here are some suggestions:
Serve with Fresh Fruit:
Fresh fruit like berries, banana slices, or citrus fruits are a great complement to the sweetness of the casserole. The fruit adds freshness and a burst of vitamins.
Pair with a Hot Beverage:
Cinnamon Roll Casserole pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The warm drink balances the richness of the casserole and adds an extra comforting touch.
Serve with Bacon or Sausage:
For a heartier breakfast or brunch, serve Cinnamon Roll Casserole alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage. The salty, savory flavors of the meat pair nicely with the sweet cinnamon casserole.
Topped with Whipped Cream:
For an extra indulgent treat, top your Cinnamon Roll Casserole with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect dessert for a special occasion!
6. Tips for Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Cinnamon Roll Casserole can be made in advance, and leftovers store well if you have any.
Storage:
- Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds, or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Casserole
1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade cinnamon rolls. Just cut them into pieces and proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next morning when you’re ready to enjoy it.
3. Can I use other types of bread dough?
Yes, you can use other types of dough, such as biscuit dough or croissant dough, for a different texture and flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free alternatives for the milk, butter, and cream cheese in the recipe to make it dairy-free.
5. Can I add nuts to the casserole?
Yes, you can add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the casserole before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
6. How do I make the casserole less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of icing or glaze used and skip the extra maple syrup to make the casserole less sweet. You can also use a less sugary dough.
7. Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
8. How do I make a savory version of this casserole?
To make it savory, omit the cinnamon and add savory ingredients like garlic, cheese, and sausage for a delicious, non-sweet casserole.
9. Can I add fruit to the casserole?
Yes, adding fruit like diced apples, strawberries, or blueberries will enhance the sweetness and make the casserole even more flavorful.
10. How can I make the casserole fluffier?
For a fluffier texture, you can add a bit of baking powder or soda to the egg mixture, or increase the amount of eggs in the recipe.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Casserole is an indulgent yet easy-to-make breakfast or brunch dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or get creative with fruit, chocolate, or savory variations, this casserole is sure to delight. It’s a comforting, flavorful way to enjoy the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls without all the hassle of rolling them up individually. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.