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Easy Overnight Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

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This overnight cinnamon roll casserole combines the soul-warming comfort of homemade cinnamon rolls with the convenience of refrigerated dough. A creamy brown sugar sauce soaks into the rolls overnight, creating a caramelized, custard-like breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (12.4 ounces each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing packets
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the melted butter, ensuring corners and sides are coated.
  2. Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and separate them. Reserve the icing packets. Arrange the 10 rolls in a single layer in the greased dish, leaving a little space between them.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
  4. Slowly and evenly pour the cream mixture over the arranged cinnamon rolls. Gently shake the dish to help the liquid settle between the rolls.
  5. If using optional toppings (pecans, walnuts, or dried fruit), scatter them evenly over the rolls and press down gently.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or up to 12 hours (overnight is ideal).
  7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes. The rolls should be puffed and the sauce bubbling.
  9. Carefully remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the edges are slightly caramelized. The internal temperature should reach about 190°F (88°C).
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. While still warm, drizzle or spread the reserved icing over the top.
  11. Serve warm, scooping portions with a large spoon to include the caramelized sauce from the bottom.

Notes

Don’t skip the overnight rest—it’s essential for the custard-like texture. Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent thermal shock. Watch the edges; if they brown too quickly, tent with foil. For a thicker icing, mix one icing packet with 2 ounces softened cream cheese and a splash of milk.

Nutrition

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