Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Cinnamon roll casserole is an easy and mouthwatering recipe that turns ordinary cinnamon rolls into a warm, comforting dish perfect for brunch or breakfast gatherings. Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough gets soaked in a creamy custard and topped with buttery streusel—the combo makes this ooey-gooey cinnamon roll recipe irresistible. The decadent breakfast casserole makes a perfect holiday morning treat.

Cinnamon Roll Casserole Ingredients

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: Prepared dough is a shortcut with this dish. The better the cinnamon rolls, the tastier the results will be, so choose the best store-bought cinnamon rolls when making this cinnamon roll casserole recipe.
• Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk adds creaminess to the casserole without making it too heavy. Evaporated milk is richer than regular milk, making the dish’s texture smooth and tender.
• Maple syrup: Maple syrup brings natural sweetness and complements the cinnamon flavor, creating a warm and cozy taste profile.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla gives the recipe for cinnamon roll casserole a comforting and aromatic touch.
• Ground cinnamon: Adding extra cinnamon boosts the spice level and creates a rich cinnamon aroma that fills your kitchen as the casserole bakes.
• All-purpose flour: Flour forms the base of the streusel topping, helping it become crispy and crumbly as it bakes.
• Brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds depth and richness to the streusel topping, as well as a caramel-like sweetness.
• Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly, crunchy, buttery texture in the streusel topping.
• Pecans (optional): Chopped pecans add a wonderful nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to the casserole. Don’t skip this optional ingredient if you enjoy a little texture contrast.
• Icing packets: The icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls serves as the perfect finishing touch, adding sweetness and a glossy presentation to the cinnamon roll casserole recipe.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the cinnamon rolls

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Cut the refrigerated cinnamon rolls into quarters, and spread the pieces evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare and pour the custard

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

In a small bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Pour the mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls. The mixture will soak into the rolls as they bake, keeping them moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Add the streusel topping

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

In another small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the pecans, if you’re using them.

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.

Step 4: Bake the casserole

Bake the dish, covered with foil, until the casserole is golden brown and the rolls are fully cooked, 20 to 25 minutes. The top should be crisp and the middle should be soft and gooey.

Let the casserole cool slightly, then drizzle it with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. Serve the casserole warm.

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Cinnamon Roll Casserole Variations

• Add fruit: Toss chopped apples, berries or dried fruit into the baking dish along with the cinnamon rolls before adding the custard. Fruit will add freshness and natural sweetness to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Use different nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, swap in walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free cinnamon rolls and substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the streusel topping.
• Try cream cheese frosting: Replace the icing packets with homemade cream cheese frosting or store-bought cream cheese frosting for a rich, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon rolls.

How to Store a Cinnamon Roll Casserole

If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Can you freeze cinnamon roll casserole?

You can freeze the casserole before adding the icing. Let the recipe for cinnamon roll casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in storage wrap, followed by foil. Freeze it for up to two months.

How do you reheat cinnamon roll casserole?

To reheat the frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it at 350° until it’s warm. Drizzle it with the icing before serving.

Cinnamon Roll Casserole Tips

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can I make this recipe for cinnamon roll casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Assemble it as instructed, then cover and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, pop it in the oven and bake it as directed. This is perfect for a stress-free brunch or holiday morning breakfast.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Even better! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, use it instead of the refrigerated rolls. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces for even baking.

What can I serve with cinnamon roll casserole?

Cinnamon roll casserole is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with fresh fruit, a side of scrambled eggs or savory breakfast sausages to balance out the sweetness.