Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about cinnamon rolls. The soft, warm dough, swirled with sweet cinnamon and topped with creamy icing—what’s not to love? When I first came across the idea of a Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole, I was intrigued. I envisioned all the gooey goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls but in a warm, shareable dish that my family could enjoy together. When I finally made it, the aroma filled our home, and the moment it came out of the oven, I knew I had a winner on my hands. My family couldn’t resist digging in, and it quickly became a cherished breakfast and dessert option. This casserole combines the joy of cinnamon rolls with the ease of a bake-and-serve dish, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cans of cinnamon rolls (17.5 oz each), cut into quarters
• 2 oz milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
• Icing from the cinnamon roll cans

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Prepare Cinnamon Roll Pieces

2. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and set aside. This will help them soak up the flavors and bake evenly.

Prepare Soaking Mixture

3. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 oz of milk, 1 tbsp of vanilla extract, and ½ tbsp of ground cinnamon. Mix well to create a delicious soaking mixture.

Soak the Cinnamon Roll Pieces

4. Toss the quartered cinnamon roll pieces into the soaking mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let them soak for approximately 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the rolls to absorb the delightful flavors.

Microwave Icing

5. While the rolls are soaking, microwave the icing from the cinnamon roll cans for 10-15 seconds. This softens the icing, making it easier to drizzle over the casserole later.

Assemble the Casserole

6. Transfer the soaked cinnamon roll pieces to the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.

Pour Icing Over the Top

7. Drizzle the warmed icing evenly over the top of the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring every piece gets a touch of sweetness.

Bake

8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cinnamon roll pieces are golden brown and cooked through.

Serve Warm

9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve the dessert cinnamon roll casserole warm, and enjoy the gooey, delicious goodness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm right out of the oven for the best texture.
• Garnish with additional icing or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Pair with fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, for a balanced meal.
• Add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Offer a side of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy breakfast or brunch option.

Additional Tips

1. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cinnamon rolls for the best flavor and texture.
2. Let it Soak: Allow the cinnamon rolls to soak in the mixture for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of icing based on your sweetness preference.
4. Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
5. Check Doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole while baking; if it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Recipe Variations

• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the mixture for a delightful crunch.
• Fruity Twist: Mix in some diced apples or blueberries before baking for a fruity variation.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add chocolate chips to the cinnamon roll pieces for a chocolatey treat.
• Pumpkin Spice: Substitute some of the cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan cinnamon rolls and non-dairy milk for a plant-based version.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast or Brunch: Perfect for holiday breakfasts or weekend brunch with family.
• Dessert: Serve as a dessert after dinner with a scoop of ice cream.
• Potlucks: Ideal for sharing at potlucks or gatherings; everyone will love it!
• Special Occasions: Great for birthdays or celebrations where a sweet treat is needed.
• Leftovers: Perfect for reheating as a quick breakfast option during the week.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

• Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will work wonderfully in this recipe.

1. Can I make this casserole in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning.

1. What if I don’t have cinnamon rolls?

• You can use any pre-made sweet dough or even croissants as a substitute.

1. How do I know when it’s done baking?

• The casserole should be golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick should come out clean.

1. Can I add frosting instead of icing?

• Yes, you can use any type of frosting that you enjoy!

1. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

• Yes, use gluten-free cinnamon rolls for a gluten-free version.

1. How long does this casserole keep?

• It can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days.

1. Can I double the recipe?

• Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time slightly.

1. What kind of milk can I use?

• Any milk will work, including almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free options.

1. Is this casserole good for kids?
   • Absolutely! Kids love the sweet flavors and gooey texture.

Conclusion

The Dessert Cinnamon Roll Casserole is an incredible way to enjoy the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls in a new and exciting format. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. With its warm, gooey goodness and the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to indulge in a sweet treat that everyone will adore!

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