Cinnamon Roll Casserole for a Crowd

Name: Cinnamon Roll Casserole for a Crowd
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls; 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Festive Gathering Dishes

I love hosting brunches, and this Cinnamon Roll Casserole for a Crowd has become my go-to dish. It's not only super easy to prepare, but it also offers the delightful taste of cinnamon rolls without the fuss of individual servings. Each bite is warm, gooey, and topped with a rich icing that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether it's a holiday gathering or a casual weekend with friends, this dish will surely impress everyone at the table.

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-02-20T15:22:19.237Z

This Cinnamon Roll Casserole for a Crowd has been a favorite of mine since I first tried it at a friend's brunch. I was amazed at how six simple ingredients could transform into such a comforting, rich dish. What I love most is how the casserole captures the essence of traditional cinnamon rolls, but it’s baked in a way that allows for easy serving and sharing.

One key tip I discovered is to let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps it set a bit, making it easier to slice without falling apart. Plus, drizzling the icing while the casserole is still warm allows it to soak in just the right way, creating that perfect sweet topping that everyone loves!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly decadent and fluffy texture
Easily feeds a large group with minimal effort
Brings the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon to your kitchen

Preparing the Cinnamon Rolls

Opening the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls might seem straightforward, but it’s essential to handle them carefully. Once you cut each roll into quarters, ensure they are not too small, as larger pieces help maintain a gooey texture. If you desire a bit of crunch in your dish, consider tossing the quartered rolls in some cinnamon sugar before adding them to the egg mixture; this can elevate the flavor and aroma significantly.

It’s also important to let the cinnamon rolls sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes after cutting them. This not only allows for easier mixing with the egg mixture but also helps in ensuring an even rise during baking. If you notice any excess dough from the rolls, feel free to incorporate that into your mixture for added texture.

Baking to Perfection

When transferring the mixture to the baking dish, be mindful to spread it evenly. Use a spatula to gently press down the mixture into the dish so that it cooks uniformly. If the mix is uneven, some parts may end up undercooked while others become overly browned. I recommend checking the casserole around the 25-minute mark for visual clues; it should be just set in the center and have a lovely golden hue around the edges.

To avoid a soggy bottom, ensure your baking dish is well greased—this will not only help with cleanup but also promote a golden, slightly crispy base for the casserole. If you prefer a firmer texture overall, you can bake it for an additional 5 minutes but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overbake.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
4 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Icing

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

9x13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Set aside.

Make the Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

Add the quartered cinnamon rolls to the egg mixture. Gently fold to combine, ensuring the rolls are coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.

Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden brown.

Prepare the Icing

In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Drizzle and Serve

Once baked, let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before drizzling with icing. Cut into squares and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding fresh fruit or chocolate chips to the batter before baking. You can also substitute almond extract for vanilla for a different twist!

Enhancing Flavor

You can elevate this Cinnamon Roll Casserole with a simple addition of spices or zest. For example, adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or some lemon zest can bring a refreshing twist that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Furthermore, using different types of nuts can create delightful textures and flavors; walnuts or almonds can work exceptionally well in place of pecans.

If you want to introduce a caramel note, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over the top before baking. It will create a delicious sticky layer that complements the sweetness of the rolls without overwhelming them.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare the mixture the night before, combine the cinnamon rolls with the egg mixture, and store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven for a quick breakfast treat. Just ensure to add an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the mixture will be cold from the fridge.

If you have leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, covered to retain moisture. For a delicious twist, serve leftover portions with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cinnamon rolls?

Yes, frozen cinnamon rolls can be used; just allow them to thaw and rise according to package instructions before cutting them up.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it in the morning.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with fresh fruit, yogurt, or breakfast meats like bacon or sausage.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.