Irresistible Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

The smell of warm cinnamon and gooey icing filling the kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning? Pure bliss. This irresistible overnight cinnamon roll casserole is the ultimate breakfast treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether it’s a holiday morning or just a cozy weekend at home, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You can prep it the night before, so all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven and wait for the magic to happen!

I discovered this recipe during a hectic holiday season when I wanted something special for breakfast without the stress of last-minute prep. It’s become a staple ever since! The combination of tender cinnamon rolls, creamy custard, and a drizzle of icing makes every bite heavenly. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds—and thirds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep everything the night before and wake up to an easy, ready-to-bake breakfast.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for holiday mornings, brunch with friends, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or even a caramel drizzle to make it your own.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet, cinnamon-y flavor and soft, gooey texture make it a hit with little ones.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is warm, cozy, and just the right amount of indulgent—like a hug in breakfast form.

What sets this cinnamon roll casserole apart is the custard mixture that soaks into the rolls overnight, creating a rich and creamy texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, plus a couple of store-bought helpers to cut down on prep time. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cinnamon Rolls: 2 cans (8-count each) of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. These are the base of your casserole, so choose a brand you love.
• Eggs: 6 large eggs to create the rich custard that binds everything together.
• Milk: 1 cup of whole milk for creaminess. You can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if desired.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup for an extra indulgent custard.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for that warm, sweet flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon to enhance the cinnamon flavor.
• Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons for a touch of natural sweetness.
• Icing: Use the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls for the perfect finishing touch.

Optional toppings can include chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or fresh fruit like berries or bananas. Want a little extra sweetness? Keep a bottle of maple syrup or caramel sauce handy for drizzling.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: This size is perfect for evenly baking the casserole.
• Whisk: For mixing the custard ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl to prepare the custard mixture.
• Plastic Wrap or Foil: To cover the casserole while it chills overnight.
• Rubber Spatula: Handy for spreading the icing evenly over the casserole.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, you can use two smaller dishes or even a deep oven-proof skillet. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packets aside. Cut each roll into quarters and spread the pieces evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup until well combined.
3. Pour the Custard: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring everything is well-coated. Gently press down any pieces that are sticking out so they can soak up the custard.
4. Cover and Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 6 hours). This allows the rolls to absorb the custard for a soft, creamy texture.
5. Preheat and Bake: In the morning, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
6. Add the Icing: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before drizzling the reserved icing over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
7. Serve: Serve warm and enjoy! Add optional toppings like fresh fruit or extra syrup if desired.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole after 25 minutes. Overbaking can dry it out; you want the center to be set but still soft.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing the custard. This helps everything blend smoothly.
• Troubleshooting: If the top starts browning too quickly, tent the dish with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
• Make It Extra Gooey: Add a drizzle of melted butter or more maple syrup over the rolls before baking for an even richer flavor.
• Prep Ahead: If you forgot to prep overnight, let the casserole sit for at least 1 hour before baking to absorb some of the custard.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free cinnamon rolls and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cinnamon rolls, almond or coconut milk, and a non-dairy cream substitute.
• Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds over the top before baking for extra crunch.
• Fruity Twist: Add a layer of fresh or frozen berries between the cinnamon roll pieces for a fruity burst in every bite.
• Caramel Lovers: Swap the icing for a drizzle of caramel sauce or add it alongside the icing for double the indulgence.

I once tried adding a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips before baking, and it was a game-changer for my chocolate-loving family!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cinnamon roll casserole is best served warm, right out of the oven. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or even a mimosa for a special brunch treat.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds or cover the whole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

If you want to freeze it, wrap the baked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed above.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is a delightful indulgence, but it also offers some nutritional perks. Eggs provide protein, while cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help stabilize blood sugar.

While this dish is definitely a treat, you can lighten it up by using low-fat milk and reduced-sugar cinnamon rolls. Be mindful if serving those with gluten or dairy sensitivities and adjust ingredients as needed.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a no-fuss breakfast that feels fancy but is easy to pull off, this irresistible overnight cinnamon roll casserole is the way to go. I love how I can prepare it the night before and still impress my family with a warm, comforting dish in the morning.

Why not give it a try this weekend? I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your variations, toppings, or even just your family’s reactions in the comments below! And don’t forget to bookmark this recipe—you’ll want to make it again and again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Just prepare the cinnamon rolls as directed in your recipe, cut them into quarters, and proceed with the rest of the steps.

What if I don’t have time to refrigerate it overnight?

No problem! Let the casserole sit for at least 1 hour to absorb some of the custard before baking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free milk substitute like almond or oat milk and opt for non-dairy cinnamon rolls and cream alternatives.

Can I add extra toppings?

Definitely! Fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce are all great options.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

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