Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A Delicious & Simple Breakfast or Dessert!

Recipes Italian Chef

Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole: A Delicious & Simple Breakfast or Dessert!

Cinnamon rolls are a classic comfort food, but sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to make them from scratch. That’s where this easy cinnamon roll casserole comes in! It’s a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing way to enjoy the flavors of cinnamon rolls without all the fuss. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses pre-made cinnamon rolls, so it’s incredibly simple and quick to put together. No kneading or rolling required!
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese frosting is irresistible.
* **Customizable:** You can easily add your own personal touch with different toppings and variations.
* **Perfect for a Crowd:** This casserole is ideal for feeding a large group, whether it’s a holiday brunch or a potluck.
* **Minimal Prep Time**: This recipe is perfect for those busy mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy cinnamon roll casserole:

* **2 (12.4 oz) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls:** I typically use the standard size, but you can use the jumbo size if you prefer a thicker casserole.
* **1/2 cup heavy cream:** The heavy cream soaks into the cinnamon rolls and makes them extra moist and decadent.
* **1/4 cup butter, melted:** Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole.
* **1/4 cup brown sugar:** Brown sugar enhances the caramel-like flavor of the cinnamon rolls.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** For an extra boost of cinnamon flavor.
* **Optional toppings:** Chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, cream cheese frosting (from the cinnamon roll package or homemade), powdered sugar, maple syrup.

### Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Cinnamon Rolls:** Feel free to experiment with different brands of cinnamon rolls. Some brands are sweeter than others, so adjust the amount of added sugar accordingly. You can even use gluten-free cinnamon rolls if you have dietary restrictions.
* **Heavy Cream:** You can substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, but the casserole will be less rich and moist. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or almond milk.
* **Butter:** You can use salted or unsalted butter. If using salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe slightly. Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
* **Brown Sugar:** Light or dark brown sugar can be used. Dark brown sugar will give the casserole a deeper, more molasses-like flavor.
* **Nuts:** Pecans and walnuts are popular choices, but you can use any nuts you like, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
* **Frosting:** You can use the frosting that comes with the cinnamon rolls, or you can make your own cream cheese frosting. If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can simply dust the casserole with powdered sugar.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect cinnamon roll casserole:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly.
* Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.

**Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls**

* Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 6-8 pieces. Cutting them into smaller pieces allows them to absorb the cream and butter mixture better, resulting in a more moist and flavorful casserole.

**Step 3: Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls in the Baking Dish**

* Spread the chopped cinnamon rolls evenly in the prepared baking dish. Try to distribute them in a single layer so they cook evenly. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly.

**Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. This mixture will soak into the cinnamon rolls and create a delicious, gooey texture.

**Step 5: Pour the Wet Ingredients Over the Cinnamon Rolls**

* Pour the butter mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish. Make sure to coat all of the cinnamon rolls so they are evenly moistened.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through. The center should be set and not too jiggly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

**Step 7: Frost and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting too much.
* Frost with the included cream cheese frosting or your favorite homemade frosting. If using the included frosting, you may want to warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to spread.
* Sprinkle with your favorite toppings, such as chopped pecans, walnuts, or powdered sugar.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Casserole

* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry casserole. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s golden brown and cooked through.
* **Let it cool slightly before frosting:** This will prevent the frosting from melting too much.
* **Use a sharp knife to cut the cinnamon rolls:** This will prevent them from getting squished.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking dish:** If the cinnamon rolls are too crowded, they won’t cook evenly.
* **Add a layer of cream cheese:** For an extra decadent casserole, spread a layer of cream cheese over the cinnamon rolls before pouring on the butter mixture.
* **Use a bundt pan:** For a more elegant presentation, bake the casserole in a bundt pan.
* **Prepare it the night before:** You can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it in the morning. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings. Just cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

## Variations and Add-Ins

This cinnamon roll casserole is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to your liking with different variations and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:

* **Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole:** Add diced apples and apple pie spice to the casserole for a fall-inspired treat.
* **Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Casserole:** Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the casserole for a festive autumn dessert.
* **Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Casserole:** Add chocolate chips to the casserole for a chocolatey twist.
* **Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Roll Casserole:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the casserole and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
* **Cream Cheese Swirl:** Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla extract, then swirl it into the cinnamon roll mixture before baking.
* **Berry Cinnamon Roll Casserole:** Add fresh or frozen berries to the casserole. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries all work well.
* **Maple Glaze:** Instead of cream cheese frosting, drizzle the casserole with a homemade maple glaze. Combine maple syrup, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract for a delicious and easy glaze.
* **Nuts**: Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or any nuts you enjoy can be added for texture and flavor.
* **Dried Fruit**: Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates can add a chewy sweetness.
* **Orange Zest**: Adding orange zest to the wet ingredients can give the casserole a bright, citrusy flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This cinnamon roll casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

* Serve it with a side of fresh fruit.
* Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
* Drizzle it with maple syrup or caramel sauce.
* Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea.
* **Brunch Buffet**: Include this casserole as part of a larger brunch spread, alongside other breakfast favorites like bacon, eggs, and fruit salad.
* **Dessert**: Serve it as a warm and comforting dessert after dinner.
* **Holiday Gathering**: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter brunch.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about this cinnamon roll casserole is that you can make it ahead of time. Here’s how:

* **Assemble the casserole:** Follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake the casserole:** When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will help it bake evenly. Bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
* **Frost and serve:** Frost the casserole after baking and cooling slightly.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store leftovers:** Store leftover cinnamon roll casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal due to the frosting, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

* **Overbaking:** This is the most common mistake. The casserole should be golden brown but still slightly soft in the center. Overbaking will result in a dry, tough casserole.
* **Not greasing the baking dish:** This will cause the casserole to stick to the dish and be difficult to remove.
* **Adding too much liquid:** Adding too much heavy cream or butter will make the casserole soggy.
* **Not distributing the cinnamon rolls evenly:** This will result in some parts of the casserole being more cooked than others.
* **Frosting while too hot:** Frosting the casserole while it’s still too hot will cause the frosting to melt and become runny.

## Recipe Card

**Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole**

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 (12.4 oz) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Cream cheese frosting (from cinnamon roll package or homemade)
* Optional toppings: Chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, powdered sugar, maple syrup

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 6-8 pieces.
3. Spread the chopped cinnamon rolls evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
5. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before frosting.
8. Frost with the included cream cheese frosting or your favorite homemade frosting.
9. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

## Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

*Calories: Varies based on brand, approximately 300-400
*Carbohydrates: Varies based on brand
*Fat: Varies based on brand
*Protein: Varies based on brand

***

This easy cinnamon roll casserole is a guaranteed hit! It’s simple to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!

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