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Best Easy Make-Ahead Christmas Morning Cinnamon Roll Casserole

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This make-ahead cinnamon roll casserole is assembled the night before and baked fresh on Christmas morning, creating a soft, gooey, caramelized breakfast that tastes like effort but takes almost none. It’s the perfect low-stress holiday breakfast that lets you enjoy the morning with your family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Open both cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packets aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters (about 40 pieces total).
  3. Scatter the quartered cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out as much as possible.
  4. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour evenly over the entire dish.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, up to 24 hours.
  7. The next morning, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes while the oven heats.
  8. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Microwave the reserved cream cheese icing packets for 10-15 seconds to loosen, then drizzle generously over the top.
  10. Serve warm, scooping portions with a large spoon to include the caramelized bottom.

Notes

Do not over-soak the rolls beyond 24 hours. Use full-fat heavy cream for best texture. Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before adding icing to prevent it from melting. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and full-fat coconut cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon rolls.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll casserole, make-ahead breakfast, Christmas breakfast, overnight casserole, holiday breakfast, cinnamon rolls

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