If you adore the warm, comforting smell of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven but want an easier, crowd-pleasing way to enjoy them, this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine all the gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness baked in one glorious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. It’s like cinnamon rolls met a casserole and created magic, transforming simple canned rolls into a warm, cozy delight that everyone will rave about. You won’t believe how effortlessly you can turn a few pantry staples into this scrumptious treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity, using just a handful of ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays an important role, from the soft, buttery cinnamon rolls to the creamy, spiced soaking mixture that makes the casserole extra tender and flavorful.
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls (17.5 oz each): The star of the show, providing that classic cinnamon swirl and cinnamon-sugar sweetness.
- 2 oz milk: This lightens the soaking mixture, helping soften the rolls without making them soggy.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic warmth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- ½ tbsp ground cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon spice for extra depth and that irresistible cozy scent.
- Icing from the cinnamon roll cans: The finishing touch, melted for easy drizzling and that extra hit of sweetness.
How to Make Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and ready when your casserole is assembled. Greasing your baking dish with cooking spray or butter ensures the casserole won’t stick and cleans up easily.
Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters—this helps them soak up the flavorful mixture evenly and bake into soft, pillowy chunks that meld beautifully together in the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare Soaking Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This simple combo infuses the rolls with extra moisture and sweetness, giving the casserole a rich, custard-like quality.
Step 4: Soak the Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Toss the quartered rolls into the soaking mixture and gently coat them. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes, so the dough absorbs all those tasty flavors without falling apart.
Step 5: Microwave the Icing
While the rolls soak, warm the icing in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This makes it easier to drizzle over the casserole later, turning it into a luscious glaze.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the soaked cinnamon roll pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish. This helps them bake uniformly and form that delightful casserole texture.
Step 7: Pour Icing Over the Top
Drizzle the warmed icing generously over the top of the rolls, ensuring every bite gets that signature sweetness and that beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and the rolls are cooked through, bubbling with cinnamon goodness. Remove and let it cool slightly before diving in.
How to Serve Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your casserole with a little powdered sugar or some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and a touch of elegance. Fresh berries also add a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweet cinnamon flavors.
Side Dishes
This Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert twist or a side of crispy bacon and fresh fruit if you’re serving it as a brunch centerpiece.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personal portion or layer it with dollops of whipped cream and drizzle extra icing tableside for an interactive experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole tastes just as delightful when reheated, with all the cinnamon and vanilla flavors still shining through.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. The icing will melt back into that irresistible glaze.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this casserole?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and add a personal touch, just cut them into quarters and follow the same soaking and baking steps.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe?
Yes, substitute the milk with any plant-based milk you like, such as almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free margarine for greasing the pan.
Can I make this Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe vegan?
With a few tweaks, yes! Use vegan cinnamon rolls and plant-based milk and vanilla extract. Just make sure your icing is vegan-friendly or prepare a simple glaze with powdered sugar and almond milk.
How can I make this casserole less sweet?
Reduce the amount of icing you drizzle on top, or try tossing the rolls in just milk and vanilla without adding cinnamon to the soaking mixture.
Can I add fruit to this casserole?
Definitely! Fresh or frozen berries, diced apples, or even sliced bananas mixed in with the rolls before baking bring a delightful fruity twist to the dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe really is a fantastic crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, quick, and brings that unbeatable flavor of cinnamon rolls in a whole new, shareable form. Give it a try for your next breakfast, brunch, or sweet treat—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole is a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, transforming them into a warm, gooey baked treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Cut cinnamon rolls are soaked in a spiced vanilla milk mixture, baked until golden brown, and topped with a luscious drizzle of icing, creating a comforting casserole that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cans of cinnamon rolls (17.5 oz each), cut into quarters
Soaking Mixture
- 2 oz milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- Icing from the cinnamon roll cans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Roll Pieces: Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and set them aside for soaking.
- Prepare Soaking Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 oz of milk, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Soak the Cinnamon Roll Pieces: Toss the quartered cinnamon roll pieces into the soaking mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Let them soak for approximately 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Microwave Icing: While the cinnamon rolls soak, microwave the icing from the cinnamon roll cans for 10-15 seconds to soften and make it easier to drizzle over the casserole later.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the soaked cinnamon roll pieces to the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Pour Icing Over the Top: Drizzle the warmed icing evenly over the top of the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish for added sweetness and an appealing glaze.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the warm, gooey, cinnamon-infused goodness!
Notes
- Make sure the baking dish is well greased to prevent sticking.
- Allowing the cinnamon roll pieces to soak for full 15 minutes will enhance flavor absorption.
- The icing can be warmed slightly, but avoid overheating as it may become too runny.
- Serve with additional fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
