Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding: A Decadent Breakfast or Dessert

Prepare to elevate your brunch and dessert game with our incredible Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding. This delightful recipe takes two beloved classics – fluffy cinnamon rolls and comforting bread pudding – and marries them into one extraordinary dish. It’s wonderfully versatile, equally at home gracing your breakfast table or starring as a decadent dessert after dinner. Simple to prepare yet impressively delicious, this casserole is bound to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Casserole

There’s something truly magical about a dish that effortlessly transitions from a hearty breakfast or brunch centerpiece to a luxurious dessert. Our Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, often affectionately called a Cinnamon Roll Casserole, is precisely that kind of recipe. It’s an ideal choice for feeding a crowd, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or even a special weeknight treat.

This recipe stands out among other beloved brunch casseroles for its simplicity and undeniable appeal. While we adore savory options like Italian Breakfast Strata, Mexican Breakfast Casserole, or a hearty Sausage, Egg & Waffle Breakfast Casserole, sometimes a sweet, comforting dish is exactly what the occasion calls for. And when it comes to cinnamon-flavored delights, this bread pudding holds its own alongside favorites like Snickerdoodle Cupcakes, a moist Cinnamon Banana Cake, or a classic Snickerdoodle Cake.

What truly makes this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding a standout is its ease of preparation. You can whip this up quickly using refrigerated cinnamon rolls, making it a fantastic last-minute option. It’s also a brilliant way to utilize leftover homemade cinnamon rolls or even those extra pastries from your local bakery, transforming them into something new, exciting, and incredibly special. We particularly love serving this for Easter brunch, but its cozy warmth and sweet flavors are perfect for any time of year. Don’t feel you have to wait for a special holiday to enjoy this indulgent creation!

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding: Essential Ingredients & Savvy Substitutions

Crafting the perfect Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding requires a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or what’s available in your pantry:

Key Ingredients:

• Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: The star of our show! Using two 16 oz. tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls makes this recipe incredibly convenient and fast. You can also certainly use any leftover baked cinnamon rolls, whether they’re store-bought or lovingly homemade. Just ensure they are already baked before chopping.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create those delightful crispy edges. Both salted or unsalted butter will work beautifully. If using salted butter, you might consider slightly reducing any added salt in the custard, though it’s usually not necessary in sweet recipes like this.
• Raisins (Optional): A classic addition to many bread puddings, raisins offer a chewy texture and a burst of natural sweetness. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit them entirely or substitute with other dried fruits like cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Large Eggs: These are crucial for forming the rich, custardy base that binds everything together. Eggs create a silky texture and contribute significantly to the overall structure of the pudding. Make sure they are slightly beaten before mixing to ensure a smooth, uniform custard.
• Milk: The liquid foundation of our custard. You can use any neutral-flavored dairy milk, such as whole milk, 2%, or even skim. For a dairy-free option, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk can be substituted successfully, just choose unsweetened varieties to control the sugar content.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness to our luscious custard. If you prefer, you can experiment with your favorite sugar substitute, keeping in mind that the texture might vary slightly. Brown sugar can also be used for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is essential for adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Don’t skimp on quality here; a good vanilla extract truly enhances the flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: While cinnamon rolls already contain cinnamon, adding an extra two teaspoons of ground cinnamon to the custard amps up that wonderful, spicy warmth. This ensures every bite is infused with a comforting cinnamon flavor, making it truly irresistible.
• Maple Syrup (Optional): A fantastic optional drizzle if you’re serving this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding for breakfast or brunch. Its rich, sweet notes pair perfectly with the cinnamon. Other topping options include a simple dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if serving as dessert.

Quick Preparation Overview:

Making this bread pudding is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s a brief look at the process:

1. Begin by baking your cinnamon rolls (if not already baked). Once cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces and spread them in your prepared baking dish. If desired, scatter some melted butter and raisins over them.
2. Next, prepare the creamy custard by whisking together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and extra cinnamon.
3. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the chopped cinnamon rolls in the baking dish.
4. Bake until golden and set.
5. Once baked, drizzle generously with the reserved cinnamon roll icing before serving warm.

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Wondering about storage, freezing, or reheating your delicious Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding? We’ve got you covered with these frequently asked questions:

Exciting Recipe Variations & Customizations

While delicious on its own, this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding is also a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to customize it:

• Fruity Additions: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a can of apple pie filling (or another flavor you like, such as cherry or peach) to the casserole before baking. Gently fold it in with the chopped cinnamon rolls for a burst of fruitiness. Fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries, or sliced bananas, can also be a wonderful addition.
• Chocolate Indulgence: Replace the raisins with chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white chocolate work equally well) for a truly decadent treat. The melting chocolate adds a gooey richness that is simply irresistible. 😍
• Nutty Crunch: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle in a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the cinnamon rolls. Toasting the nuts lightly beforehand can bring out even more depth.
• Different Glazes: While the classic cinnamon roll icing is perfect, consider making a homemade cream cheese glaze, a caramel sauce, or even a bourbon-vanilla glaze for an adult-friendly dessert.
• Spiced Up: Enhance the warmth by adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice to the custard mixture along with the cinnamon.
• Boozy Twist: For a grown-up version, add a tablespoon or two of rum, bourbon, or brandy to the custard mixture. This creates a sophisticated depth of flavor perfect for an evening dessert.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and irresistible Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding is easy with these simple tips:

• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of a moist bread pudding. The pudding is done when the top springs back lightly when tapped in the center, and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The edges should be golden brown and slightly caramelized.
• Allow for Soaking Time: After pouring the custard over the cinnamon rolls, let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes before baking. This allows the bread to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a more uniform and moist pudding. If making ahead overnight, even better!
• Evenly Distribute Rolls: Make sure the chopped cinnamon rolls are spread in a single, relatively even layer in the baking dish. This ensures every piece gets adequately soaked in the custard and bakes evenly.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the custard, using eggs and milk that are closer to room temperature can help them combine more smoothly and integrate better, leading to a silkier custard.
• Cool Slightly Before Icing: While you want to serve it warm, allowing the bread pudding to cool for a few minutes before drizzling with icing prevents the icing from melting too quickly and running off. This ensures a beautiful presentation.
• Serve Warm or at Room Temperature: This bread pudding is delicious both warm from the oven and at room temperature. For an extra treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you loved this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, you might also enjoy these other delightful recipes:

• Cinnamon Roll Crumb Cake
• Classic Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
• Decadent Chocolate Bread Pudding
• Rich Homemade Chocolate Pudding
• Bright Lemon Pudding Cookies

Rating: 4.50 from 18 votes

Servings:

10 servings

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe

By
Jamie Sherman

This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on two classic recipes, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the richness of bread pudding. You can serve this easy, versatile dish at breakfast, brunch, or as a decadent dessert.

Prep:

30 mins

Cook:

45 mins

Total:

1 hr
15 mins

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Equipment

• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

• 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls, 16 oz. each
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup raisins, optional
• 8 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• maple syrup, optional, for serving

Instructions

1. Carefully remove the frosting from the cinnamon roll tubes and set it aside in the refrigerator for later use. Bake the cinnamon rolls according to the package directions, but without applying the frosting at this stage. Once baked, allow the rolls to cool completely.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3. Once cooled, cube the baked cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces and evenly distribute them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the chopped cinnamon rolls. If you’re using raisins, sprinkle them over the rolls at this point.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the slightly beaten eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the extra 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Carefully pour this custard mixture over the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish, ensuring they are all moistened. Gently press the cinnamon rolls down with the back of a spoon to help them absorb the custard.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back lightly when gently tapped in the center. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
6. Remove the bread pudding from the oven. While it’s still warm, spread the reserved cinnamon roll frosting generously over the entire surface. The warmth of the pudding will soften the frosting slightly, creating a delicious glaze.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, drizzle individual portions with maple syrup, especially if enjoying for breakfast or brunch.

Notes

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• For a fruity twist, try adding a can of apple pie filling (or any fruit pie filling) to the casserole along with the cinnamon rolls.
• Swap out the raisins for chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) for an extra indulgent treat.
• To make ahead, assemble the entire pudding (without frosting) and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next day, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 520kcal,
Carbohydrates: 72g,
Protein: 11g,
Fat: 22g,
Saturated Fat: 10g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g,
Trans Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 170mg,
Sodium: 653mg,
Potassium: 289mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 40g,
Vitamin A: 476IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 122mg,
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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Originally published on November 25, 2013. Updated and re-published on January 12, 2022.