Few things are more comforting than the smell of warm cinnamon rolls baking in the morning—except maybe turning those rolls into a decadent, golden breakfast casserole that’s made to share. If you’re searching for the ultimate breakfast recipe for a large group, this Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake is your go-to solution.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas morning breakfast, feeding the church group, or preparing sweet brunch casserole recipes for a weekend potluck, this dish checks every box: warm, gooey, sweet, and shockingly simple.
Using store-bought cinnamon rolls and a few everyday ingredients, this overnight sweet breakfast casserole is perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra love and flavor in the morning. Plus, you can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. Talk about a win!
Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe and all the ways you can customize it, serve it, and wow your guests.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake
- Feeds a Crowd: Great for holidays, family reunions, brunches, and breakfast for church events.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time using pre-made cinnamon rolls.
- Overnight Option: Assemble ahead of time and bake fresh in the morning.
- Versatile: Easily adjustable to include nuts, fruit, cream cheese, or icing variations.
- Kid-Friendly: Soft, sweet, and familiar flavors make it a crowd favorite with kids.
Pair this casserole with savory sides like Cottage Cheese Egg Salad or Garlic Parmesan Shrimp to create a balanced brunch table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this cinnamon roll breakfast casserole:
- 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing)
Want to go homemade? Swap canned rolls for scratch-made dough, or try a baked twist using Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls.
Kitchen Tools Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to whip this up:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Looking for more tools to enhance your baking game? Consider a stand mixer if you plan to make your own cinnamon roll dough or try this with Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread base for a seasonal twist.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for an unforgettable hot breakfast for a crowd:
- Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. - Cut and Layer Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Scatter the pieces evenly in the prepared dish. - Make the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup. Pour the mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. - Add Toppings
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top if using. Cover with foil. - Bake
Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden and set. - Drizzle Icing
While warm, drizzle the included icing packets over the top. You can also use homemade cream cheese icing or even try a glaze like the one from this Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip recipe. - Serve Warm
Slice and serve warm for best flavor. Perfect with coffee or a holiday punch!
This base also works well with fall flavors. Add chopped apples and a touch of nutmeg for an apple-cinnamon version that rivals any Apple Crisp Recipe.
Overnight Sweet Breakfast Casserole Instructions
Want to make this ahead of time? Here’s how to turn it into an overnight sweet breakfast casserole:
- Prepare all steps through Step 4.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, take it out while the oven preheats.
- Bake as directed (you may need to add 5–10 extra minutes since it starts cold).
It’s ideal for Christmas morning breakfast or any early brunch when you don’t want to fuss in the kitchen.
Customization Ideas for Any Occasion
This casserole is easy to customize for any taste or crowd:
- Add Cream Cheese: Layer in dollops of sweetened cream cheese for a cheesecake vibe.
- Go Fruity: Add blueberries, apples, or peaches before baking. Try pairing with Apple Pie Dip.
- Drizzle Options: Use maple glaze, powdered sugar icing, or caramel sauce.
- Spice It Up: Add pumpkin spice, cardamom, or orange zest for a seasonal upgrade.
- Holiday Vibes: Top with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles for Christmas.
This flexibility is what makes it one of the best sweet brunch casserole recipes out there.
Make It a Full Breakfast Spread
If you’re hosting brunch or need breakfast foods for a potluck, pair this dish with a variety of sides:
- Savory options: Try Witch’s Cauldron Beef Stew, Papás con Chorizo, or Hot Dog Chili.
- Fresh sides: Serve with Cucumber Dill Salad or a Healthy Veggie Egg Scramble.
- Light starters: Offer Fruit Dip, Mini Pancake Cereal, or Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups.
Mixing sweet and savory options ensures everyone at your table finds something they love.
Serving Tips for Large Groups
Need to feed 10+ people? This recipe scales beautifully:
- Double the recipe and bake in two 9×13 pans.
- Use a buffet-style setup and serve with labeled toppings.
- Offer warm syrups in small pitchers or squeeze bottles.
- Create a DIY toppings bar: nuts, syrups, whipped cream, fruit.
If you’re planning breakfast for church or a hot breakfast for a crowd, this casserole holds well in warmers or crockpots.
Need more hot brunch ideas? Check out Vegetarian Baked Ziti as a filling addition.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Microwave slices for 30–45 seconds, or reheat covered in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Want a microwave-friendly option? Try prepping individual servings in muffin tins, or explore other breakfast bakes like Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake.
Breakfast Ideas for a Crowd: Mix and Match Menu
Build your brunch buffet with these breakfast ideas for a crowd make-ahead style:
- Sweet dishes:
- Savory options:
Serving a large group has never been easier.
Tips for Hosting a Memorable Brunch
Make your gathering as sweet as this casserole with these pro tips:
- Serve a signature drink: Try Strawberry Cream Soda or Delicious Breakfast Punch.
- Use tiered trays: For a beautiful display of cinnamon roll slices, fruit cups, and muffins.
- Add décor: Use seasonal linens, floral centerpieces, and matching dishware.
- Create a themed menu: Coordinate with holidays like Easter, Christmas, or a baby shower.
Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake is just the beginning!
Final Thoughts: Make This Dish a New Family Tradition
There’s a reason this cinnamon roll breakfast casserole is such a hit—it’s nostalgic, comforting, and oh-so-easy. Whether you’re prepping for Christmas morning breakfast, feeding extended family, or hosting brunch for friends, this dish delivers every time.
Thanks to its simplicity and versatility, it’s sure to become one of your go-to sweet brunch casserole recipes for years to come.
Looking for more brunch-worthy inspiration? Check out these favorites:
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
- Banana Zucchini Muffins
- Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
- Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread
Happy baking, and don’t forget to save or print this recipe to share with friends and family!
PrintEasy Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake : A Sweet Brunch Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake is a sweet, cozy casserole made with store-bought cinnamon rolls, eggs, cream, and warm spices. Perfect for Christmas morning breakfast, church potlucks, or holiday brunches, it’s gooey, custardy, and topped with icing for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. Simple to make ahead and versatile with tasty variations, it’s a must-have for festive mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (12.4 oz each)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: chopped pecans, raisins, or cream cheese drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans and cut each roll into quarters. Arrange evenly in the dish.
- Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and melted butter until smooth.
- Combine: Pour custard mixture over the cinnamon rolls. Toss gently to coat.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until golden and center is set. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
- Finish & Serve: Drizzle with warmed icing from the cinnamon roll cans. Add extra toppings if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Prep the casserole the night before for easy morning baking.
- Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
- Try variations like apple cinnamon, cream cheese dollops, or chocolate chips.
- For potlucks, serve small squares in cupcake liners for grab-and-go portions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Holiday
- Method: Baking, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll breakfast bake, sweet breakfast casserole, christmas morning breakfast, holiday brunch recipes, breakfast foods for potluck