Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding: A Decadent Brunch Delight

Bread pudding. The name itself conjures images of cozy kitchens, comforting aromas, and the simple satisfaction of transforming humble ingredients into something extraordinary. Now, imagine elevating this classic dessert by infusing it with the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls. That’s precisely what this recipe achieves: a cinnamon roll bread pudding that’s guaranteed to become a brunch staple, a holiday favorite, or simply a delightful treat any time of the year.

This recipe combines the soft, pillowy texture of bread pudding with the warm spice of cinnamon and the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon roll frosting. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor impact. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to be foolproof and rewarding.

Why Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this particular bread pudding variation is so special:

* **Cinnamon Roll Magic:** The obvious reason is the inclusion of cinnamon rolls. Their inherent sweetness, spiced aroma, and soft texture elevate bread pudding to a whole new level of decadence. It’s like having dessert within a dessert!
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Got some stale bread or leftover cinnamon rolls? This recipe is the perfect solution! It transforms these ingredients into a completely new and exciting dish, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Cinnamon roll bread pudding is a guaranteed hit at brunch gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations. Its comforting flavors and impressive presentation will wow your guests.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice level, and toppings to suit your personal preferences.
* **Relatively Easy:** Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. Most of the work involves combining ingredients and letting the oven do its magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable cinnamon roll bread pudding:

* **Bread:** The foundation of any good bread pudding is, of course, bread. We recommend using stale or day-old bread for the best texture. Good options include:
* Challah bread
* Brioche bread
* French bread
* Even regular white bread will work in a pinch, but the richer breads provide a superior flavor and texture.
You’ll need approximately 8-10 cups of cubed bread. This equates to about half of a large loaf.
* **Cinnamon Rolls:** The star of the show! You can use store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls. If using store-bought, we recommend choosing a high-quality brand with a good amount of cinnamon filling and frosting. You’ll need about 6-8 cinnamon rolls, depending on their size.
* **Eggs:** Eggs are essential for binding the bread pudding together and creating its creamy texture. You’ll need 6 large eggs.
* **Milk:** Milk provides moisture and richness to the bread pudding. Whole milk is preferred for the best flavor and texture, but you can also use 2% milk.
You’ll need 2 cups of milk.
* **Heavy Cream:** Heavy cream adds a touch of luxury and richness to the bread pudding. It helps create a custard-like texture. You’ll need 1 cup of heavy cream.
* **Sugar:** Sugar sweetens the bread pudding and helps create a caramelized crust. You’ll need 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a touch of warmth. You’ll need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
* **Cinnamon:** For an extra boost of cinnamon flavor, we’ll add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the custard. This complements the cinnamon in the cinnamon rolls and creates a more complex flavor profile.
* **Nutmeg:** A pinch of ground nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the cinnamon and vanilla. It’s optional, but highly recommended.
* **Salt:** A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors of the bread pudding.
* **Optional Toppings:** The possibilities are endless! Here are some topping suggestions:
* Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
* Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
* Chocolate chips
* Caramel sauce
* Fresh berries
* A dusting of powdered sugar

Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch baking dish:** This is the standard size for bread pudding. Make sure it’s oven-safe.
* **Large bowl:** For mixing the custard ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For blending the custard ingredients until smooth.
* **Knife and cutting board:** For cubing the bread and slicing the cinnamon rolls.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Aluminum foil (optional):** To prevent the top of the bread pudding from browning too quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the cinnamon roll bread pudding!

**Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Cinnamon Rolls**

1. **Cube the bread:** Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a large bowl.
2. **Slice the cinnamon rolls:** Slice the cinnamon rolls into 1-inch thick pieces. You can also tear them into smaller pieces if you prefer. Add the cinnamon roll pieces to the bowl with the bread cubes.

**Step 2: Make the Custard**

1. **Whisk the eggs:** In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt until smooth and well combined.

**Step 3: Combine Bread and Custard**

1. **Pour the custard over the bread:** Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread and cinnamon roll cubes in the bowl.
2. **Press down gently:** Use a spoon or your hands to gently press the bread and cinnamon rolls into the custard, ensuring that they are fully submerged.
3. **Let it soak:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the mixture soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the bread to absorb the custard and become soft and pillowy. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful and moist the bread pudding will be.

**Step 4: Bake the Bread Pudding**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Grease the baking dish:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. **Pour the mixture into the dish:** Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. **Add toppings (optional):** If desired, sprinkle your favorite toppings over the bread pudding. Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips are all great options.
5. **Cover with foil (optional):** To prevent the top from browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. Remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes to allow the top to brown and caramelize.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

**Step 5: Cool and Serve**

1. **Cool slightly:** Let the bread pudding cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly and makes it easier to slice.
2. **Serve:** Slice the bread pudding into squares and serve warm. Drizzle with caramel sauce, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries for an extra touch of decadence.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

* **Use stale bread:** Stale bread absorbs the custard better than fresh bread, resulting in a more flavorful and less soggy bread pudding.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry and tough bread pudding. Bake until it’s just set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
* **Adjust the sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet bread pudding, reduce the amount of sugar in the custard. You can also omit the sugar altogether if your cinnamon rolls are very sweet.
* **Experiment with flavors:** Feel free to add other spices to the custard, such as cardamom, ginger, or cloves. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum for an extra kick.
* **Make it ahead of time:** Bread pudding can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply bake it according to the instructions when you’re ready to serve it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
* **Add a streusel topping:** For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding a streusel topping to the bread pudding before baking. Combine flour, sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a bowl and crumble it over the top of the bread pudding.
* **Serve with ice cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream is the perfect complement to warm cinnamon roll bread pudding.
* **Reheat leftovers:** Leftover bread pudding can be reheated in the microwave or oven. To reheat in the microwave, heat individual slices for 30-60 seconds. To reheat in the oven, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations and Adaptations

This cinnamon roll bread pudding recipe is a fantastic base for endless variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Apple Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding:** Add diced apples to the bread pudding mixture for a fall-inspired treat. You can also add a splash of apple cider to the custard for an extra burst of apple flavor.
* **Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding:** Add chocolate chips to the bread pudding mixture for a decadent chocolatey twist. Use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
* **Caramel Pecan Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding:** Add chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce to the bread pudding for a rich and nutty flavor. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum to the custard for an extra layer of warmth.
* **Savory Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding:** Believe it or not, cinnamon rolls can also be used in savory bread puddings! Try using them as a component in a breakfast casserole with sausage, cheese, and vegetables.
* **Vegan Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding:** To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based milk, eggs, and butter. There are many great vegan substitutes available that work well in bread pudding.
* **Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding:** Use gluten-free bread and cinnamon rolls to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon roll bread pudding is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with the right accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of warm caramel sauce is the perfect complement to the warm spice of the cinnamon rolls.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
* **Fresh Berries:** Fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, add a bright and refreshing contrast to the richness of the bread pudding.
* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture.
* **Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream is the ultimate indulgence.
* **Coffee or Tea:** A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect beverage to enjoy with cinnamon roll bread pudding.
* **Brunch Buffet:** Cinnamon roll bread pudding is a great addition to any brunch buffet. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover bread pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezer:** Bread pudding can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and toppings)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 8-10g

*Note: This is an approximate nutritional estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll bread pudding is a truly decadent and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft, pillowy texture, warm cinnamon spice, and sweet, gooey frosting, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate bread pudding indulgence!