This quick and easy cinnamon roll breakfast bake is a game-changer! It’s the perfect dish for busy mornings or weekend brunch, and it only takes a few ingredients to create a fluffy, gooey treat your whole family will love. My kids request this all the time, and it’s no wonder why — it’s soft, sweet, and packed with cinnamon flavor. Plus, using Pillsbury cinnamon rolls makes it incredibly simple!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a decadent breakfast in no time.
- Kid-Approved: This sweet and gooey dish is always a hit with kids — they’ll be asking for seconds (and maybe thirds)!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion brunch, this recipe makes enough to feed a crowd.
- Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra twist. Plus, you can use any extra frosting you have on hand for even more indulgence!
- Comfort Food Heaven: The combination of fluffy cinnamon rolls, buttery brown sugar, and rich cream creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that tastes like a hug in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans Pillsbury cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- Heavy cream (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- Optional: extra cream cheese frosting (if you want more decadence!)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the rolls: Place the cinnamon rolls snugly in a greased baking dish.
- Add the cream: Pour enough heavy cream into the dish to just cover the bottom. This step makes the rolls incredibly soft and fluffy as they bake.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the icing: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and spread the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls on top. If you have extra cream cheese frosting, now’s the time to add it!
- Serve: Let the rolls cool for a few minutes, then serve warm.
How to Serve:
- Serve warm, straight from the dish.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a side of crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
How to Store:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Tips to Make the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bake:
- Don’t skip the heavy cream — it makes the rolls ultra-soft!
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist.
- Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Use a glass baking dish for even baking.
- Let the rolls sit for 5 minutes after baking to help the icing melt perfectly.
- Double the recipe for a crowd!
- Use flavored coffee creamer instead of heavy cream for a unique twist.
- Add a pinch of salt to the butter-sugar mixture for balance.
- Experiment with flavored icing, like vanilla or maple.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
- Pumpkin Spice: Swap brown sugar for pumpkin puree and sprinkle pumpkin spice.
- Strawberries & Cream: Add sliced strawberries before baking.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Toss in mini chocolate chips.
- Caramel Pecan: Drizzle caramel sauce and add chopped pecans.
- Lemon Blueberry: Add blueberries and top with lemon glaze.
- Maple Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits and drizzle maple syrup.
- Peach Cobbler: Layer canned peaches and sprinkle with cinnamon.
- S’mores: Add crushed graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
- Churro Style: Roll baked rolls in cinnamon sugar.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different brand of cinnamon rolls? Yes! Any refrigerated cinnamon roll dough works.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze individual portions and reheat as needed.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? Try half-and-half or whole milk.
- Can I add cream cheese directly to the bake? Yes, add dollops of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- How do I know when the rolls are done? The tops should be golden brown, and the center should feel set.
- Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough? Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time.
- What size pan should I use? A 9×13 pan works well for this recipe.
- Can I add spices? Yes! Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? You can, but butter gives the best flavor.
- Why use heavy cream? It adds moisture and makes the rolls fluffy.
- Can I use flavored syrup? Yes! Maple or caramel syrup adds a twist.
- How do I avoid soggy rolls? Don’t overdo the cream — just enough to cover the bottom.
- Can I use brown butter? Yes, it adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- Should I cover the dish while baking? No, bake uncovered for a crispier top.
- Can I add fruit? Yes, berries, peaches, or bananas work well.
- What frosting works best? Cream cheese or vanilla glaze are great options.
- Can I make smaller portions? Yes, use a muffin tin for individual servings.
- Can I add nuts? Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or almonds are delicious.
- What’s the best way to reheat? Microwave for a quick warm-up or use the oven for a crispier texture.
This cinnamon roll breakfast bake is a guaranteed hit for any morning. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a weekend brunch, it’s a simple, decadent recipe that brings everyone to the table. Let me know if you’d like me to tweak anything or add more variations!