Serve this cinnamon roll casserole with my maple-ginger fruit salad or berry salad with honey-lime dressing and Eggs Benedict casserole to create a well-balanced and beautiful brunch spread.
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★ Why You’ll Love this Recipe ★
This cinnamon roll casserole made with Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, is essentially super easy, baked cinnamon French toast. This breakfast bake is easy to prep, can be made ahead, and tastes absolutely delicious!
Family-friendly
This cinnamon roll breakfast casserole is family-friendly so it's great for weekend breakfast, holiday mornings, a bridal or baby shower, or Mother's Day brunch.
This recipe makes a 9x12 pan so will feed a large family or a small crowd.
Can be made ahead.
This dish is also great for serving overnight guests without a lot of fuss. It can be made the night before then just popped in the oven to bake in the morning. This is also what makes it a great choice if you're wondering what to make for holidays. We like to make it for Easter and Christmas morning breakfast.
Super easy.
This French toast style casserole is made with ready-made cinnamon roll dough instead of bread. Bread tends to get soggy when you add eggs and a creamy-cinnamon topping. The cinnamon roll dough however, holds up like a champ! In fact, think about what happens when you bake cinnamon rolls straight-up, they get dry.
This is basically like the best of both worlds—a cross between cinnamon rolls and cinnamon french toast which results in a perfectly a moist, sticky and deliciously perfect breakfast treat. Nom!
★ Ingredients You'll Need ★
The shortcut to make this French-toast-like casserole, in no time flat, is starting with Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough.
Here's everything you'll need:
- Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough. Or use your favorite brand of cinnamon roll dough. You can use homemade dough if you're feeling ambitious! I like using the flaky Pillsbury Grand rolls but any kind works. Just keep in mind, cook time will vary depending on the type of dough you use, so best to keep an eye on these while they bake.
- Eggs. I prefer organic, corn-fed, hen-laid eggs. The corn feed produces a much more flavorful egg with a brighter yellow yolk.
- Flour. All purpose flour.
- Milk. You can use any percentage fat milk, half and half or even heavy cream. Your choice. The fattier, the creamier these will be. To reduce fat, go with skim milk.
- Butter. Real butter or you can substitute with margarine if that's what you prefer.
- Vanilla extract. Go with the real extract, not the imitation for the best flavor.
- Cinnamon. Ground cinnamon if what you want. The more fresh, the more flavor you'll get.
- Nutmeg (optional). This adds a nutty flavor. Feel free to leave it out if it's not your thing.
- Pecans (optional). Pecans add a nice earth flavor and some crunch. Feel free to leave these out though or do them on just half the casserole if you have picky eaters.
★ How to Make this Recipe ★
You can get the full recipe and also watch how to make this cinnamon roll casserole, start to finish, by viewing the video and the recipe below.
But here is a look at the basic steps. It's quick and easy!
- Mix together eggs, cream, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
- Cut cinnamon roll dough into pieces.
- Coat cinnamon roll pieces in egg mixture.
- Pour pieces into greased casserole dish and bake.
- Let cool then top with icing.
- Add nuts! (optional)
★ Why Others Love this Recipe ★
Recipe inspired by Pillsbury’s Cinnamon French Toast Bake
This recipe is a variation of Pillsbury's Cinnamon French Toast Bake recipe using canned Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls. I've made my own little tweaks over the years to make it non-soggy yet moist and extra cinnamony!
People always say that they love how easy it is and that their whole family enjoyed it.
Perfecting a Favorite Recipe
I started with the original recipe by Pillsbury at first then experimented from there. The final version I landed on differs in that I added extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour; and reduced the eggs and cream so it didn't get too soggy or overly eggy. The flour helps the egg stick to the cinnamon rolls, in case you get to that and you're thinking about leaving it out. Just keep this in mind.
Per a friend's recommendation, I also left off the maple syrup because it's plenty sweet enough without it. In my opinion. If you want to go all out and add it back, by all means, do it. If you just want a little hint of maple flavor, you could add a splash into the egg batter.
Rave Reviews on Pinterest!
This is one of the most popular recipes I've ever made and shared. I've been working on this recipe for a long time to make sure it's absolutely perfectly delicious!
This cinnamon french toast recipe has actually been pinned hundreds of thousands of times and has been "tried" on Pinterest with rave reviews so I'm pretty confident you'll love it, too!
Of course, I'm always open to improving so please let me know what you like best about it and if you changed anything to make it even better. All feedback welcome! You can review the recipe below and/or leave a comment.
Perfect for Christmas morning breakfast!
I get comments from lots of people who make this baked french toast every year for Christmas. I think it's such a big hit because it's quick and easy to prep and is popular with both the kids as well as the grown ups. 🙂
★ Variations ★
I've seen variations of cinnamon roll casserole and other french toast bakes like this one that also include pumpkin (perfect for fall!), cream cheese and apples. So, have fun with this. Add sprinkles and make it into a birthday breakfast if you want. It's really a very versatile and well-loved breakfast casserole.
The recipe below includes my tweaks after making and adjusting the ingredients many times over to get everything just right. It doesn't have any of the extras nor does it need anything extra but once you master this base recipe, you can get as creative as you want.
Choose regular icing or cream cheese icing.
Both options are delicious! Just choose cinnamon roll dough with the kind of icing you prefer — classic icing or cream cheese icing.
★ Tips & FAQs ★
Frequently asked questions and concerns addressed here! Read to be sure you have success on the first try. Skip if you're a pretty confident cook.
Use a pizza cutter. Quickly and evenly cut the cinnamon rolls into eight pieces. You can also cut each roll into six pieces but keep in mind, this may require a longer cook time.
Oven temperatures can vary greatly. For best results make sure your oven is calibrated to the correct temperature. Do this by using an oven thermometer and follow the directions for adjusting your oven temperature in your oven manufacture's user manual.
The size of your baking dish matters. This recipe calls for a 9x12 baking dish. This is important because it allows enough space for the pieces of dough to be spread out and cook evenly. If you are using a very different shape or size baking pan, that will change the amount of time needed to cook and may not cook evenly.
The size of your cinnamon rolls matters. Cinnamon rolls come in varying size packages. If you choose cans larger or smaller than the 12.4oz standard size, then be sure to keep an eye on the dough as it cooks to prevent under or overcooking.
The brand of your cinnamon rolls matters. You can opt for store brand or even choose a frozen cinnamon roll brand like Rhodes, just thaw them first. Pillsbury rolls are not mandatory. Just keep in mind the cook time may vary so check on the pieces of cinnamon roll dough often as they are baking and adjust your cook time as needed.
The material of your baking dish matters. For best results, use a glass baking dish. Ceramic baking dishes can be very thick or thin so the cook time can very greatly. If you don't have a glass baking dish, just check on the cinnamon roll dough piece and if it looks like they are not yet done, give them some additional bake time.
Keep an eye on things. The dough can go from raw to cooked in just minutes and from perfectly golden brown to burned very quickly. If this is your first time making this recipe, it's best to keep an eye on things especially towards the end of the cook time. If the dough starts to brown early, cover with foil to prevent overcooking.
Changing the ingredients may affect cook time and the taste. Using milk instead of half and half for example, may lengthen the cook time and sadly won't taste as good but it's a good way to cut fat if that's what you want to do. If you make adjustments to the recipe, just keep an eye on things when cooking and allow yourself some extra time in case it needs longer to bake.
★ More Recipes You’ll Love ★
Love cinnamon? You'll love these other baked treats:
Want more easy breakfast ideas?
Browse all my breakfast recipes
This easy cinnamon roll casserole recipe using Pillsbury cinnamon rolls has been featured on TikTok and on a number of websites! It's a viral fan-favorite.
Easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 17.5 oz Pillsbury Grands cinnamon roll dough (regular 12.4oz cinnamon rolls work too)
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoon flour
- 3 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- Icing from cinnamon rolls
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup if desired
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Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and oven. Melt butter and coat a 9x12 baking dish with the melted butter. Note: there will be a generous amount of butter!Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Make egg coating. In a bowl, beat together eggs, cream, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
- Slice dough. Open canned cinnamon rolls, slice each cinnamon roll like a pizza, into eighths.
- Coat dough. Place cinnamon roll pieces into the bowl of egg mixture and toss to thoroughly coat.
- Add dough to pan. Pour dough pieces, coated in egg mixture, into the greased baking dish and spread out evenly. Any remaining egg mixture. Pour or brush egg mxture on top of areas that look like they might get dry.
- Add pecans. (optional) Sprinkle dough with chopped pecans.
- Bake. Place casserole dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 18-25 minutes or until pieces of dough are light golden brown. (See notes)
- Add icing. When all dough is set, remove casserole from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes to prevent icing from absorbing into the dough.Warm icing from cinnamon rolls in microwave for 15 seconds; pour evenly over cinnamon roll pieces.
- Add extras. (optional) Sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with maple syrup if desired. Serve warm. Enjoy!
Susan says
If you're choosing to make the cinnamon roll dough yourself, at what point do you add all the ingredients? Do you let the dough rise twice or...
Thank you.
Angela G. says
Hi Susan, If making your own dough, complete the process of kneading and rising per the recipe you're using then cut dough into pieces and follow the recipe just like you would using store-bought dough.
LM says
I made 2 pans for a gathering and have one whole pan left(everyone liked it, I was worried one wouldn’t be enough so I made two). From what I ate of the first one, it was doughy. Can I put the other one in the oven to warm up/cook more?
Angela G. says
You can try to heat it again and cook it more. Cover with foil so it doesn't become dry and heat until the dough pieces in the center are fully baked. You may need to carefully cut into the center to check the inside of one of the pieces of dough.
RP says
Best and easiest recipe out there. I've been using this recipe for years!!
Michelle C. says
The recipe shows using 17.5 oz tubes of Pillsbury Grands Cinnamon Rolls, but under “The Size of your Cinnamon Rolls Matters” it says if you choose cans larger or smaller than the 12.4 oz standard size keep an eye on it since it can under or overcook. What size should I be using for the 18-25 minutes @ 350 degrees, the 12.4 oz or 17.5 oz?
Angela G. says
I've founds the Grands require about the same cook time as standard cinnamon rolls as long as you cut them into pieces and spread them out evenly. It's still good to check on them about 5 minutes earlier than the end of the bake time just to see how the dough is cooking. I break open a piece in the center of the casserole and if it's no longer doughy, it's time to come out of the oven. Hope this helps. Due to the nature of it being in pieces, it's not super precise.
Lisa says
Can I put this in a crock pot?
Angela G. says
You could, yes. Be sure the oil the inside of your crockpot with butter or cooking spray. Then cook on low for 2 hours or until dough balls are fully baked.
Ashley says
If you prepare this ahead of time to cook the next morning do you go ahead and put the liquid on the cinnamon rolls and let it sit like that? Just wondered if that would make it soggy. Thank you
Angela G. says
Hi Ashley, Yes, go ahead and add the cream mixture. The dough won't get soggy since it will not have been baked yet. Thanks for asking!
Diane says
Could I just use cinnamon french toast sticks instead? Do you have a recipe for french toast that is similar to this?
Angela G. says
Yes, you could use French toast sticks cut into pieces, instead. Or better yet, use pieces of fresh bread. You'll be coating the pieces in a cinnamon-egg mixture so you don't need to start with French toast already made. You could use any kind of white or wheat bread or even croissants would be very good. You can try using bakery sliced cake breads as well. Those come in many flavors so you can use what sounds good to you!
Shelly says
Will this be ok if it is baked the day before and then just heated up in a microwave? Thinking of making this for tailgating.
Angela G. says
Hi Shelly! I think it will be fine to make the day before to take tailgating. Just let it get to room (or outdoor) temp and serve. I wouldn't microwave it. Might get chewy.
Christina says
Can I make this the night before and just leave in the fridg to cook in the morning?
Angela G. says
Yes, you can make this the night before. Prepare it but don't bake it. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate then bake in the morning.
Kim says
How long for a bake time if preparing the night before?
Angela G. says
You may need to add just a minute or two more but since bake time varies greatly due to a variety of factors it's best to check a piece of dough in the middle of the casserole to make sure it's fully cooked before pulling from the oven. Thanks for asking!
Rebecca says
I’m currently making this recipe for the fifth time because all of my boys love it! But with it being so delicious and awesome, I have to make two casseroles. Either way, this is a hit! Thanks much!!!
Sarah Lawerance says
Is this something that you could make ahead of time and freeze? If so how would you do that?
Angela G. says
Yes. Prepare the recipe but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost then bake as directed.
A. Hill says
I have made this 4 times now. 2 were for a school breakfast and it was the first thing gone. I had so many mom’s asking me for the recipe. I also made it for my husbands work and those boys ate it up so fast.
Thank you for posting such and easy and awesome dish.
Angela G. says
So glad you have enjoyed this dish! Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
Donna Comstock says
Took to church breakfast, gone in 15 minutes, you know it’s good when you are asked for the recipe.
Donna Comstock says
Took this to church breakfast and I received rave reviews, thank you
The biggest compliment was 6 different people asked for the recipe.
Lisa S says
What do you do with the extra butter?
Angela G. says
All of the butter is melted and used to coat the pan. Any "extra" butter — anything that pools up in the pan — is fine to leave there. It's just a generous amount of butter so the casserole doesn't stick and also will add to the overall flavor of the dish.
Kay Harris says
These were delicious! I used Carmel Macchiato coffee creamer instead of heavy cream. Thanks for posting this recipe!