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Cozy Christmas Morning Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Christmas morning cinnamon roll casserole - featured image
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A warm, sweet, and ridiculously easy make-ahead breakfast casserole made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, a creamy custard, and a buttery brown sugar topping. Perfect for a stress-free Christmas morning that lets you enjoy the moment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (e.g., Pillsbury Grands!)
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Icing from cinnamon roll cans
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional, for cream cheese icing)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for cream cheese icing)

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packets aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
  3. Scatter the cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly frothy, about 30 seconds. Pour evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. Gently press down with a spatula to help them soak up the liquid.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Drizzle evenly over the casserole. Sprinkle nuts on top if using.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
  7. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove casserole from fridge and let sit on counter for about 10 minutes while oven heats.
  8. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown on top and center is set (slightly jiggly in the middle). A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.
  9. Let casserole cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare icing: squeeze reserved icing packets into a small bowl. For cream cheese version, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and reserved icing. Drizzle icing over warm casserole.
  10. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For best texture, use room temperature eggs and cream. Do not soak rolls for more than 24 hours to avoid mushiness. Let refrigerated casserole rest 10-15 minutes before baking. If top browns too quickly, tent with foil. Let cool 10 minutes before serving to allow custard to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll casserole, Christmas breakfast, make-ahead breakfast, holiday brunch, easy breakfast casserole

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-christmas-morning-cinnamon-roll-casserole/