This Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe starts with frozen cinnamon roll dough that is covered in a rich, sweet, spiced custard topping and baked to golden perfection. Then, we finish it off with a thick, tangy, creamy cheese frosting, creating a breakfast worth dreaming about. Easy to make, it’s a crowd-pleasing option for holidays and weekend brunches!
What is Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
Besides delicious? This recipe for cinnamon roll casserole is like a cross between a classic French toast casserole and baked cinnamon rolls. It’s inspired by my infamous Cinnabon-copycat homemade cinnamon rolls recipe.
However, I keep it super quick and easy with the use of store-bought cinnamon rolls. All you have to do is layer the dough in a baking dish, cover it with a quick custard mixture, and bake. In the meantime, whip up a version of cream cheese frosting using the packets of icing that come with the rolls.
In no time, you’ll have your entire house smelling like a bakery, and everyone will be hovering around the kitchen, ready to eat!
Recipe Ingredients
Casserole
Frozen Cinnamon Rolls: I don’t recommend using homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe because we want the icing packets that come with storebought options!
Butter: This adds rich flavor to the custard mixture. Make sure it’s melted and slightly cooled.
Eggs: We’re using one whole egg and one egg yolk to create a rich custard that bakes up nicely and holds the casserole together.
Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the custard.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a subtle molasses flavor, tying it in with the taste of the cinnamon rolls. You can use light or dark brown sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Creates a cohesive flavor with the icing and adds a delicious vanilla flavor throughout the custard.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, cardamom, and salt add warmth and extra depth.
Orange Zest: This is optional but highly recommended! The bright citrusy flavor complements the warm spices and adds depth to the dish.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the best cinnamon roll icing recipe. Use a full-fat, brick-style cream cheese, and let it come to room temperature for easy mixing.
Cream Cheese Icing: Use the packets that come with the cinnamon rolls to sweeten the icing and create a bolder flavor. Note, you can add additional powdered sugar for more sweetness, but I find it’s not necessary.
Heavy Cream: This thins the cinnamon roll icing, making it easy to spread over the casserole without diluting the flavor.
Orange Juice: Again, this is optional but balances the warmth nicely. If you aren’t a fan, simply use more heavy cream instead.
Vanilla Extract: Elevates the frosting with delicious vanilla flavor.
How to Make an Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2. Next, open the cinnamon roll cans, and cut each roll into 4 equal-sized pieces.
Step 3. Place the cinnamon roll pieces in the greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
Step 4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, orange zest (if using), cardamom (if using), and salt until smooth.
Step 5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, making sure they’re well coated.
Step 6. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7. While the casserole is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. To begin, add the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls to a large bowl, along with the cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat on medium-low speed until the frosting is smooth.
Step 8. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. Then, spread the frosting evenly on top, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve this recipe as part of a breakfast or brunch spread or a breakfast-for-dinner situation with savory options like homemade turkey sausage, sausage breakfast casserole, or a sausage quiche.
You can never go wrong with fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, or scrambled eggs, either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add toppings to cinnamon roll casserole?
Sure! If you want even more flavor or a little extra texture, try sprinkling chopped cooked bacon, chopped nuts, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or sprinkles over the casserole just before serving.
Can I make a slow cooker cinnamon roll casserole?
Yes, just combine the cinnamon roll pieces and custard in a crockpot. Cover and cook on low heat for about 2 – 2 ½ hours or until the rolls are warmed through and the custard is set. Then, add the icing just before serving.
Can I make cinnamon roll casserole ahead of time?
It’s not necessary, but you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Then, bring it back to room temperature, or bake immediately, adding a few minutes of cooking time as needed. If the cinnamon roll casserole looks like the dough has soaked up the custard, you can add a bit more heavy cream (2-3 tablespoons) to it prior to baking. Alternatively, you can cut the cinnamon rolls into quarter pieces and store them and the custard separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake the casserole. Once you’re ready to bake, assemble it in a casserole dish per the recipe and bake.
How long does leftover cinnamon roll casserole last?
You can transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Or, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat in the microwave, covered in the oven, or in a slow cooker set to “warm.”
More Delicious Recipes
- Easy Banana Pancake Recipe
- Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes with Buttermilk
- Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe
- Easy Cheese Danish Recipe
- Delicious Buttermilk Pancakes
- Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
I hope you love this Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe! It’s rich, soft, and perfectly sweet! If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole w/ Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 12.4 oz/351 g refrigerated cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 3 large eggs + 1 egg yolk lightly beaten
- 3/4 c heavy cream
- 1/3 c brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cardamon optional
- 1 tsp orange zest optional
- pinch of salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 2 packets of cream cheese icing from cinnamon rolls
- 1 tbsp heavy cream to desired consistency
- 1 tbsp fresh orange juice optional (substitute with heavy cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with spray or cooking oil.
- Next, open the cinnamon roll cans and cut each roll into 4 equal pieces.
- Place the cut-up cinnamon rolls in the greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, orange zest (if using) and cardamom (if using), and salt.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, making sure the rolls are coated well.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the casserole is baking, add the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls in a large bowl with the cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Beat on medium low until the frosting is smooth.
- Once the casserole is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes. Then, add the frosting evenly.
- Serve the cinnamon roll casserole with fruit or bacon and eggs and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your ingredients are room temperature.
- If you are looking for a sweeter casserole, try using 1/2 cup of brown sugar as opposed to 1/3 cup. You may also want to add powder sugar to your icing (I recommend starting with a tablespoon and adjusting as needed).
- If you want to thin out your icing, add some heavy cream (I recommend starting with a tablespoon and adjusting as needed). Note, adding powdered sugar will thicken the icing if it becomes too thin.
- You can reheat this casserole, but it’s best served fresh out of the oven.
- Review the FAQs for more tips!
Nutritional Information
Recipe by: Chavez Adams / Butter, Love & Salt | Photography by: Meg McKeehan
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