If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but want to enjoy them in a wonderfully cozy new way, this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. It takes that soft, gooey cinnamon roll goodness and transforms it into a luscious, custardy bread pudding that is rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you want to indulge in a sweet, cinnamon-scented hug on a plate, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that tastes truly special and homemade with heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that the ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe are straightforward yet essential, each one playing a key part in building that tender texture, deep flavor, and irresistible aroma. From the comforting spice of cinnamon to the creamy custard base, everything works together to create magic in your oven.
- 6 to 8 cinnamon rolls: These provide the soft, sweet foundation packed with cinnamon and swirl goodness.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind the pudding and create that luscious custard texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the custard and helps soak the bread evenly.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a warm sweetness and depth to the custard mixture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet aromatics boost.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Amplifies the signature spice that cinnamon rolls are loved for.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty warmth, complementing cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar: Used for making a smooth, sweet glaze to drizzle over.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk: Mixed into the powdered sugar glaze to create the perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish generously. This will make sure nothing sticks and your bread pudding can brown beautifully on the edges without any fuss.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Next, take your cinnamon rolls and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Arrange these pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish so every spoonful has that luscious cinnamon swirl. This is where the base of your bread pudding starts to take on that satisfying, layered texture.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This custard mixture is what transforms those cinnamon roll bites into a rich, custardy delight by soaking into every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Pour and Soak
Pour the custard mixture slowly over the cinnamon roll pieces, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure each bite absorbs those warm spices and creamy flavors. Let the dish sit for 10 to 15 minutes; this resting time helps the cinnamon rolls soak up all the goodness for an incredibly moist pudding.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your creation in the oven for about 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll want the top to turn a beautiful golden-brown shade and for the custard to be just set in the center. If you notice the pudding browning too fast, loosely cover it with foil to prevent overbaking while the middle cooks through.
Step 6: Make the Glaze and Serve
While the bread pudding is still warm, combine the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and drizzle-able. Pour this sweet glaze over the top, adding that classic cinnamon roll icing touch that pulls the whole dish together flawlessly.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds wonderful texture and visual appeal. Fresh berries can add a burst of color and a mild tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly. For an extra special touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will turn this bread pudding into an unforgettable dessert.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe is a showstopper on its own but pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads or a crisp green salad for brunch. For a cozy breakfast spread, serve it alongside scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage to provide a nice contrast between sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch during gatherings. You can also layer the bread pudding in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fruit for a beautiful layered dessert. Going rustic? Serve it hot out of the baking dish with small plates and spoons for a family-style experience everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. This bread pudding stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying later or reheating for a quick treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the baked bread pudding in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 to 45 seconds or warm the whole portion in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered with foil until heated through. Adding a little extra glaze or a scoop of ice cream when serving really brings it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe is actually a fantastic way to breathe new life into day-old or leftover cinnamon rolls, turning them into a decadent dessert or breakfast treat.
What type of cinnamon rolls work best?
Store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls both work wonderfully. If you’re using refrigerated cinnamon rolls, no need to fully bake them first; just cut and soak as directed.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with more milk or half-and-half for a lighter custard, but keep in mind it might be slightly less rich and creamy than the original.
How do I make the bread pudding less sweet?
To adjust sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the custard or use less glaze. You can also serve with unsweetened whipped cream or fresh fruit to balance flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for feeding a crowd?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to scale up the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe—it’s perfect for holiday brunches or family dinners.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a warm, inviting dish that combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls and bread pudding, you really can’t go wrong with this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe. It’s simple to make, endlessly comforting, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share a plate. I encourage you to give it a try soon; once you do, you’ll find it hard to go back to regular cinnamon rolls. Happy baking and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a warm, comforting dessert perfect for breakfast or brunch. Soft bites of cinnamon roll are soaked in a sweet custard infused with vanilla and warm spices, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with a smooth powdered sugar glaze, this easy-to-make bread pudding offers a delightful twist on two beloved favorites.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- 6 to 8 cinnamon rolls
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Glaze
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Cut the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
- Make Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Soak Cinnamon Rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish. Gently press the pieces down to ensure they absorb the custard. Let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes to soak thoroughly.
- Bake the Pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes until the pudding is golden brown on top and set in the center. If the bread pudding starts browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: While the pudding is baking, mix the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth to create a glaze. Once the pudding is warm out of the oven, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Letting the bread pudding sit before baking helps the custard soak into the cinnamon rolls for better texture and flavor.
- If using larger cinnamon rolls, 6 should suffice; use 8 for smaller rolls to fill the dish.
- Cover with foil during baking if the top browns too fast to prevent burning.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
