Print

Cozy Christmas Morning Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Easy Recipe

cinnamon roll casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This overnight cinnamon roll casserole transforms ordinary refrigerated rolls into impossibly soft, pudding-like layers with a golden, slightly crisp top. Perfect for a stress-free Christmas morning, it’s a crowd-pleasing breakfast that will convert even the biggest cinnamon roll skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (Pillsbury Grands! recommended)
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Icing packets from the cinnamon roll cans
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional, for extra icing)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for extra icing)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packets aside. Cut each roll into 6 pieces (irregular, bite-sized chunks). Scatter the pieces evenly in the prepared dish without pressing them down.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
  4. Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. Gently press down any pieces sticking up with a spatula to coat everything. Do not stir.
  5. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight (up to 18 hours).
  6. The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  7. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too fast, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  8. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack. Microwave the reserved icing packets for 10-15 seconds to loosen, then drizzle evenly over the warm casserole. For extra icing, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk and drizzle on top.
  9. Let rest for another 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, let the casserole soak overnight (at least 6 hours). Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the custard. If using a glass dish, you may need to add 5 extra minutes to the bake time. For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream and milk with full-fat oat milk or canned coconut milk. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll casserole, Christmas breakfast, overnight casserole, holiday brunch, easy breakfast recipe, cinnamon roll bake

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/cozy-christmas-morning-cinnamon-roll-casserole-easy-recipe/