You won't believe how simple it is to create a breakfast masterpiece that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Turn a humdrum can of store-bought cinnamon rolls into a heavenly breakfast cinnamon casserole recipe! A family favorite!
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and make sure to generously grease or butter a 9x13 inch baking dish, or split it into two smaller 9x9 baking dishes.
Next, grab your cinnamon rolls and cut each one into four pieces. Don't forget to set aside the frosting packets for later!
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and maple syrup. This will be the base for your custard mixture.
Add the chopped-up cinnamon rolls to the egg batter and gently toss to make sure each piece is fully coated. Then, pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Place your dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll want to keep an eye on it after about 20 minutes, and if the cinnamon rolls are browning too quickly, cover the dish lightly with a sheet of aluminum foil.
Once the rolls have sprung back lightly and the custard is cooked in the middle, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before glazing.
If you'd like to add some extra sweetness, pour the contents of the frosting packets into a small bowl. Add an additional teaspoon of vanilla for some extra flavor! Whisk it all together and drizzle it over your warm cinnamon roll casserole.
Whip up a half batch of my Cinnabon Cream Cheese Frosting and serve it alongside your casserole and let your breakfast eaters slather it on or see notes to augment the canned frosting.
Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container on the counter for two days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months if stored correctly in an airtight container.
Reheat single portions for 20-30 seconds in the microwave or place in an oven-safe dish covered with aluminum foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes in a 350° F (177° C) oven until soft and warmed. Add a little pat of butter or an extra slather of cream cheese icing.
Variations
Apples and cinnamon rolls. Layer fresh sliced apples (tossed with a little sugar and cinnamon) between the cinnamon roll layers, or stir in a can of apple pie filling.
Make up a quick topping of 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup pecans and 1/2 -1 tsp of cinnamon and sprinkle before baking for extra cinnamon flavor and crunch.
Replace the heavy cream with half and half, whole milk, or even coconut milk or other plant-based options.