Effortless Indulgence: The Ultimate Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole for Any Occasion
Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm, sweet cinnamon and fresh-baked dough, all without lifting a finger early in the morning. This dream becomes a delicious reality with our easy-to-make Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole! This recipe takes the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls and transforms them into a stress-free, slow cooker breakfast sensation, perfect for special occasions, lazy weekends, or a truly memorable holiday breakfast tradition.
Crafted with convenient refrigerated cinnamon rolls, a rich heavy cream custard, and just a handful of simple ingredients, this slow cooker breakfast casserole promises a decadent start to any day. It’s an ideal solution for those busy holiday mornings, like Christmas, when oven space is precious and time is short. Prepare it the night before or first thing in the morning, and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to enjoy the festive atmosphere and company of loved ones.
Why You Need This Slow Cooker Cinnamon Roll Casserole in Your Life
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls but dreads the morning prep. Here are a few compelling reasons why this Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole will become a staple in your kitchen:
- A Guaranteed Family Favorite: This casserole is universally loved by both children and adults. Its sweet, comforting flavors make it an instant hit, and the best part is, no one needs to know just how little effort went into creating such a spectacular dish! It’s the kind of breakfast that brings smiles and happy chatter around the table.
- Incredibly Simple Ingredients: Thanks to the genius of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, there are no complicated steps or obscure ingredients. You’ll use pantry staples and a couple of fresh items, making shopping and assembly a breeze. Just slice, mix, and set your slow cooker, then sit back and let the magic unfold.
- The Perfect Holiday Tradition: Many families cherish the tradition of enjoying cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning or other special holidays. This slow cooker version offers a fresh, incredibly convenient way to continue that beloved practice. Free up your oven for other dishes, reduce stress, and wake up to the most enchanting holiday aroma. It creates new, delicious memories with minimal fuss.
- Ultimate Crock Pot Convenience: The “set it and forget it” nature of the slow cooker means you can literally prepare this dish and walk away. Imagine waking up, assembling it in minutes, and then going back to bed, or opening presents, while your breakfast cooks itself to perfection. It’s all about maximizing your relaxation and minimizing your kitchen time during peak moments.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful casserole is straightforward. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfectly sweet, soft, and satisfying texture.
- Cinnamon Rolls: For ultimate ease, we highly recommend using canned refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Brands like Pillsbury Grands are fantastic because their larger size creates a more substantial casserole, but any favorite brand will do. If you’re feeling adventurous or have extra time, homemade cinnamon roll dough can also be used, though it will require more prep. Remember to reserve the icing packet that comes with the rolls!
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to a truly decadent, rich, and moist casserole. Heavy whipping cream provides unparalleled richness and helps create a luscious custard that infuses every piece of dough. While milk can be used as a lighter alternative, we strongly encourage using heavy cream for the best possible results.
- Eggs: You’ll need about 3 large eggs. These are crucial for forming the quick, custardy base that binds the cinnamon roll pieces together and adds a wonderful, soft texture to the finished dish. They also help the casserole set beautifully.
- For Sweetness (Honey & Maple Syrup): We love the combination of both honey and maple syrup. Honey contributes a floral, rich sweetness, while maple syrup adds a distinct warmth and depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Feel free to use all honey or all maple syrup if you prefer, or even a mix of brown sugar for a different twist.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of good quality vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma and flavor, adding a gourmet touch that elevates the pre-prepared cinnamon rolls to something truly special.
- Ground Cinnamon: While the canned rolls already have cinnamon, a little extra ground cinnamon in the custard mixture intensifies that classic, comforting spice profile, making the casserole even more fragrant and delicious.
- Icing: Don’t forget the icing! The packets that come with your refrigerated cinnamon rolls are perfect for drizzling over the warm casserole. For an extra special treat, consider buying or making additional cream cheese frosting or a simple vanilla glaze to serve on the side, allowing everyone to add as much as they desire.
Equipment You’ll Need
This recipe is designed for maximum convenience, primarily relying on your trusty slow cooker.
- Slow Cooker: For optimal cooking time and even results, a 6-quart slow cooker is recommended. Its size allows the cinnamon roll pieces to spread out nicely, ensuring they cook through evenly without becoming too crowded. You can also use a 5-quart, but cooking time might vary slightly.
- Sharp Knife: For easily slicing the cinnamon rolls.
- Medium-sized Bowl and Whisk: For preparing the custard mixture.
- Spatula or Spoon: For spreading the icing.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
One of the many joys of this recipe is its incredible simplicity. This easy breakfast delight comes together quickly, allowing the slow cooker to handle all the “magic” while you focus on other important things—like sipping coffee, enjoying your family, or perhaps even opening gifts on a holiday morning!
- Lightly spray the insert of your 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Carefully slice each of the refrigerated cinnamon rolls into quarters (four pieces). This ensures they cook evenly and allows the custard to seep into every nook and cranny.
- Arrange the cut cinnamon roll pieces in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s perfectly fine if the pieces aren’t in a single, perfect layer; a slight overlap is okay.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), extra cinnamon, vanilla extract, honey, and maple syrup. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the custard is smooth.
- Pour the prepared custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the slow cooker. Make sure all the pieces are generously coated, as this will ensure a moist and flavorful casserole.
- Cover your slow cooker and cook on the “low” setting for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the dough is beautifully golden brown on top and thoroughly set in the center. Cooking times can vary, so check for doneness around the 2.5-hour mark.
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid. While still warm, spread the reserved icing from your cinnamon roll cans evenly over the top of the casserole using a spatula or the back of a spoon. The warmth of the casserole will help the icing melt slightly and spread smoothly.
Serving Your Decadent Casserole
- Once iced, slice the casserole into generous squares and serve immediately while warm.
- For an extra special touch, offer warm maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or additional icing on the side. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also make delightful garnishes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This casserole is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still wonderfully delicious! Proper storage ensures they stay moist and flavorful for days.
- Storage: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Alternatively, you can wrap the entire slow cooker insert (if removable) tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: For individual servings, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For larger portions, you can place the casserole back in the slow cooker on low for about an hour, or in an oven preheated to 250°F (120°C) until heated through, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Prefer the Oven? Here’s How to Bake It!
While this recipe shines in the slow cooker for its hands-off convenience, it can absolutely be made in a traditional oven if you prefer. For those who enjoy a slightly crispier edge or need a quicker bake, the oven method is a fantastic alternative. My original Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe is oven-baked and just as delightful.
Here’s how to convert this recipe for oven baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and arrange the pieces evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the custard mixture as directed in step 4 of the slow cooker instructions (whisking eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and maple syrup).
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll layer, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 28-33 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately spread the reserved icing over the hot cinnamon rolls.
- Slice into squares and serve warm. Enjoy the delightful contrast of soft interior and slightly crispier edges!
Creative Variations to Try
This Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole is wonderful as is, but it’s also incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking and add even more flair:
- Apple Pie Filling Delight: For a fruity twist, add one can of apple pie filling on top of the cinnamon roll pieces before pouring in the custard. The apples will soften and blend beautifully with the cinnamon, creating a comforting apple-cinnamon fusion. After baking, drizzle with the icing as usual. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg before cooking would also be delicious!
- Caramel Pecan Extravaganza: Elevate your casserole by sprinkling about half a cup of chopped pecans over the cinnamon rolls before baking. Once the casserole is cooked and iced, warm up some caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) and generously drizzle it over the top. The combination of sweet caramel, crunchy pecans, and soft cinnamon rolls is absolutely divine.
- Brown Sugar Streusel Topping: If you love a crumbly topping, combine ¼ cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Crumble this mixture over the cinnamon rolls before pouring the custard. This creates a delightful streusel-like crust on top, adding texture and an extra layer of sweetness. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the streusel.
- Berry Blast: Stir in a cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries) with the cinnamon roll pieces before adding the custard. The berries will burst and release their juices, adding a bright, tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the casserole.
Tips for a Perfect Cinnamon Roll Casserole Every Time
Achieve slow cooker perfection with these handy tips and tricks:
- Icing Matters: While the reserved icing from your canned cinnamon rolls is perfectly fine, don’t hesitate to elevate your casserole with homemade cream cheese icing or your favorite vanilla glaze for an extra luxurious touch. You can also make a little extra icing for those who love to pile it on!
- Warm Icing for Easy Spreading: If your icing is too stiff to spread smoothly, microwave it for 10-20 seconds (depending on your microwave power) until it’s slightly warm and easily spreadable. Be careful not to overheat it, or it will become too runny.
- Embrace Heavy Cream: As mentioned, heavy whipping cream is the MVP here. It adds unmatched richness and ensures your casserole is incredibly moist and tender. If you only have milk, it will still work, but the heavy cream truly makes a difference in texture and flavor.
- Combat Excess Moisture: Slow cookers can sometimes trap moisture, leading to a slightly wet top layer. To prevent this, wedge a few paper towels under the lid during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. The paper towels will absorb excess condensation, helping the top of your casserole achieve a more desirable texture.
- Line for Easy Cleanup: For even easier cleanup, consider using a slow cooker liner. This will save you scrubbing time, especially after a sticky, sweet casserole!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your cinnamon roll pieces are in a relatively even layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, with some pieces being undercooked and others overcooked.
What to Serve with Your Cinnamon Roll Casserole
While this casserole is a complete treat on its own, pairing it with complementary beverages and savory sides can create a truly balanced and satisfying breakfast or brunch spread.
Beverage Pairings:
- A Hot Cup of Coffee: The robust flavor of coffee beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
- Cappuccino or Lattes: For a more indulgent coffee experience, a creamy cappuccino or latte makes a perfect match.
- Hot Chocolate: A classic choice, especially for holidays, adding another layer of comforting sweetness.
- Eggnog: A festive and rich drink that pairs wonderfully with the spice of cinnamon rolls, especially during the Christmas season.
- Milk: A simple, classic pairing, especially loved by children.
- Orange Juice or Fruit Smoothies: For a refreshing contrast, a glass of tangy orange juice or a fresh fruit smoothie can brighten the meal.
Savory Sides:
- Scrambled Eggs: A fluffy plate of scrambled eggs offers a savory, protein-rich counterpoint.
- Breakfast Sausages: Whether you prefer pork, chicken, or vegetarian sausages, the savory, meaty flavor is a great complement. The air fryer method is my absolute favorite for perfectly cooked sausages with minimal effort.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon is always a welcome addition to any sweet breakfast.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a fresh, natural sweetness and a healthy balance to the richer casserole.
- Greek Yogurt: For a lighter side, a bowl of plain Greek yogurt can offer a creamy, tangy contrast.
More Breakfast Casserole Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of breakfast casseroles, you’re in luck! Here are more fantastic recipes to add to your repertoire:
- Slow Cooker Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole)
- Crock Pot French Toast Casserole
- Brioche French Toast Casserole
- Easy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe Card
This delicious and decadent Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the perfect easy breakfast casserole for special occasions. Made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, heavy cream, and just a few basic ingredients, this slow cooker breakfast casserole is sure to become a holiday tradition!
Yields: 6 servings | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 3 hours
Equipment
- 6-Quart Slow Cooker
- Sharp knife
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (17.5oz/496g each, 5 count), icing reserved
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Icing reserved from the canned cinnamon rolls, plus extra for topping (if desired)
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 6-quart slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and place the pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer (it’s okay if it’s not a single layer).
- Add the eggs, heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, cinnamon, honey, and maple syrup to a medium-sized bowl. Whisk well until completely combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook on “low” for 2 ½-3 hours, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid. Spread the reserved icing from the cinnamon roll cans on top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Slice into squares and serve with additional icing (if desired).
Notes
- Tip for moisture: If you have extra moisture in your slow cooker, wedge a few pieces of paper towel under the lid to help absorb the liquid during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.
- Oven instructions: To bake in an oven, preheat to 350ºF (177ºC). Place cinnamon roll pieces in a greased 9×13” (23x33cm) baking dish, pour over the custard, and bake for 28-33 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Nutrition Information (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 387kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 162mg
- Potassium: 95mg
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 47g
- Vitamin A: 428IU
- Vitamin C: 0.2mg
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
If you loved this recipe for Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole, please consider leaving a 5-star review below! Your feedback helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these delicious recipes. You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner to share your beautiful creations!
Please note that some of my blog posts here at Dash for Dinner may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.