Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
Published Dec 21, 2020 Updated Dec 14, 2024
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Need a sweet weekend breakfast idea that will very quickly become a family favorite? This cinnamon roll breakfast casserole will impress your whole family and the best part is that it’s a super simple recipe. With store-bought cinnamon rolls baked in a rich, custardy base and topped with frosting, this dish combines everything you love about traditional cinnamon rolls into one simple, shareable casserole. It’s perfect for a Christmas morning breakfast, brunch gatherings, or any special occasion.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
The holiday season is the best time to create a menu packed with easy recipes that keep things stress-free. What sets this recipe apart is the combination of simplicity and indulgence. Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls saves time, while the rich custard mixture ensures every bite is moist and flavorful. It’s a one-pan casserole that feels special without the hassle of baking from scratch.
If you love versatile recipes like my eggs benedict casserole or gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake, this cinnamon roll breakfast casserole is right up your alley! Plus, you can easily customize it with toppings like nuts, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra touch of sweetness. Whether you’re serving kids or adults, it’s sure to be a hit at any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Grands Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls: These are the star of the show, giving the casserole that soft, fluffy texture with swirls of cinnamon goodness. If needed, you can swap with another brand or even homemade cinnamon rolls.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish, keeping everything moist and indulgent. Half-and-half or canned coconut milk works as a lighter substitute.
- Eggs: Helps bind the casserole together, giving it a custardy base. No real substitute here – eggs are key!
- Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, sweet flavor that ties all the ingredients together. You could use almond extract for a twist.
- Cinnamon: Feel free to adjust to your spice preference or add a pinch of nutmeg for depth.
- Pure maple Syrup: Honey or agave could work, but maple syrup is my favorite here.
See the full recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.
How to Make This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Open the cinnamon roll tubes, setting the frosting aside for later – it’s perfect for drizzling over the finished casserole. Remove the cinnamon roll dough from the tube and cut into pieces.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, maple syrup, eggs, and ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Evenly pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring every bite gets coated. Bake for 35 – 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and puffy.
Step 4: Heat the frosting for 5-10 seconds in the microwave, then drizzle over the warm casserole. Serve immediately.
Mac’s Pro Tips
Expert Tips
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the top of the casserole for crunch, or toss in diced apples for a fruity twist.
I use the GRANDS Pillsbury cinnamon rolls instead of the regular-size ones because they cut better. These cans usually have 5 jumbo cinnamon rolls.
I buy the canned cinnamon rolls that have the traditional icing. You can use the cream cheese icing if you prefer.
For the crockpot version, you will follow the exact recipe from above. Add everything to a crockpot. Put a lid on and cook on low heat for 2.5 – 3 hours.
Serving Suggestions
- For extra sweetness sprinkle some brown sugar on top before baking.
- Serve with a cup of hot chocolate for a rich and sweet breakfast or brunch.
- For the perfect breakfast, pair with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve with a side of crispy bacon, sausage, and/or eggs.
Storage Tips
For best results, cover your cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Make the recipe according to the recipe instructions and then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, then bake as the recipe reads. I recommend adding an extra 5 minutes or so for baking time.
Yes, you absolutely can! Follow the exact recipe below but add everything to a crockpot. Put the lid on and cook on low heat for 2 1/2-3 hours.
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Easy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 17 oz. cans Grands Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls*
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 4 large eggs beaten
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray. Open the cinnamon roll tubes and set aside the frosting. You'll use this to drizzle over the baked casserole.
- Remove the cinnamon rolls from the tube and cut into pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, maple syrup, eggs and ground cinnamon.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cut up cinnamon rolls. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and puffy.
- Heat the frosting for 5-10 seconds in the microwave, then drizzle over the warm casserole. Serve immediately.
Notes
- I use the GRANDS Pillsbury cinnamon rolls instead of the regular size ones because they cut better. These cans usually have 5 jumbo cinnamon rolls.
- I buy the canned cinnamon rolls that have the traditional icing. You can use the cream cheese icing if you prefer.
- For the crockpot version, you will follow the exact recipe from above. Add everything to a crockpot. Put a lid on and cook on low heat for 2 1/2-3 hours.
- You can also prep this the night before. Make the recipe according to the recipe instructions and then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature, then bake as the recipe reads. I recommend adding an extra 5 minutes or so for baking time.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze in the freezer up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is the second year I made this recipe. My teenagers asked me to make it again. They said it was “Bussin, Bussin” that means it was extra good! This will be our Tradition for many years. Thank you! Merry Christmas to you and yours !
So happy to hear. Thank you
Can I substitute skim milk for the whole cream? Or almond milk?
I would recommend canned coconut milk. You can use skim or almond milk but it won’t be near as rich and it will change the consistency a bit.
So good! I made this Christmas morning and it was something the whole family enjoyed. We’ll definitely be making it again. 🙂
So happy you enjoyed
I prepped this last night for a friends-mas brunch this morning and it was a total hit… easy and delicious! I gave the recipe to three different people before the morning was over! Thank YOU!
This is great to hear. Thank you for the feedback.
Looking 4ward to tryin your Cin Roll Casserole. Thank u BUNCHES for that. Happy Holidays to you & yours. 🎅 🎄 🎁
Just wondering why you have to use eggs instead of just the heavy cream? Probably a silly question 🤦♀️.
These are so delicious! I’m making them again for Easter weekend.
When u made this for Christmas morning my Mother-in-Law could not stop talking about how delicious these are. Thanks for an easy and SO delicious recipe!
Thank you for taking the time to share this! I’m so happy you loved it!
Sometimes you just need a recipe that is simple, delicious, and a bit traditional. This has become a favorite in my family for special occasions. We will be making it over the holidays for sure.
Made this morning, Christmas morning!
Our boys ages 7 and 5 LOVED it.
This turned out perfectly, following her precise recipe. Quick to prep. Used half-and-half and couldn’t tell a difference. Yum!!!!
That’s so great to hear! Thank you for trying it and letting me know your thoughts.