Imagine the comforting aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home as you gather around the table, ready to indulge in a warm and delicious treat. That’s exactly what you can expect with this easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, a delightful dessert that transforms store-bought cinnamon rolls into a decadent, custardy masterpiece. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy family dessert night, this recipe is not only a taste of nostalgia but also a fantastic way to use up leftover cinnamon rolls. It solves the all-too-common dilemma of wanting a satisfying dessert without extensive baking skills or time — and believe me, everyone will be asking for seconds! Trust me, there’s something magical about the combination of soft, spiced bread nestled in a rich custard, crowned with a sweet glaze that truly takes it over the top. Ready to make this warm and easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding? Here’s exactly how to make it.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding
- 16 ounces cinnamon rolls, baked and cubed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
Substitution note: You can use almond milk or oat milk in place of whole milk for a dairy-free option, but the flavor and texture may vary.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Entertaining — With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can impress your guests without breaking a sweat.
- Custardy Comfort — The combination of soft, cubed cinnamon rolls soaked in rich custard results in a warm, comforting texture that’s irresistibly satisfying.
- Make-Ahead Marvel — Perfect for brunch gatherings, this dish can easily be assembled in advance, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.
- Kid-Approved Goodness — Kids (and adults) love the familiar flavors of cinnamon rolls, making this a sure-fire hit for family dessert nights or get-togethers.
- Delicious Leftovers — Any extra slices can be saved for later; simply heat them up for a delightful breakfast treat!
Recipe At a Glance
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 servings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch casserole baking dish.
- Cut the baked cinnamon rolls into bite-sized cubes.
- Spread the cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Place the eggs in a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk the eggs until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and whisk until well combined.
- Pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, then add the vanilla extract.
- Add the ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg to the mixture.
- Pour in the melted unsalted butter and whisk the custard mixture until completely combined.
- Pour the custard mixture slowly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Press the cinnamon roll pieces gently into the custard to ensure they absorb it.
- Allow the mixture to rest for 15 minutes to absorb the custard.
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.
- Allow the bread pudding to cool for 10 minutes.
- In a small mixing bowl, place the powdered sugar and add 2 tablespoons of whole milk.
- Stir until a smooth glaze forms.
- Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm bread pudding.
- Allow the glaze to settle for 5 minutes before serving.
- Cut the bread pudding into squares and serve warm.
- Store any remaining Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding covered in the refrigerator.
What to Serve With This
- Fresh Berries — The bright acidity of strawberries or raspberries provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the bread pudding.
- Spiced Chai Latte — The warm spices in the chai beautifully complement the cinnamon flavor of the bread pudding, enhancing the overall warmth of the meal.
- Vanilla Ice Cream — A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the sweetness with a cool, smooth texture that contrasts nicely with the warm bread pudding.
- Coffee or Espresso — The bold, robust flavors of coffee or espresso serve as a perfect counterpoint, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the overall experience.
Recipe Tips
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Cube the Cinnamon Rolls Evenly — Ensure that your cinnamon rolls are cut into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and absorption of the custard. This prevents some pieces from becoming overly soggy while others remain dry.
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Rest to Absorb — Don’t skip the 15-minute resting period after pouring the custard over the bread. This allows the cinnamon roll pieces to thoroughly soak up the liquid, resulting in a moist and flavorful pudding.
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Check for Doneness with a Toothpick — Instead of relying solely on the baking time, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread pudding. It should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, indicating that the pudding is set without being overcooked.
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Melt Butter in a Separate Bowl — For added efficiency, consider melting the butter in the microwave in a separate bowl before combining it into the custard mixture. This helps avoid any potential splatter and allows you to measure the melted butter accurately.
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Don’t Skip the Glaze Resting Time — After drizzling, let the glaze sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, creating a beautiful finish and preventing it from soaking too much into the bread pudding.
Substitutions & Variations
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Dairy-Free Option — Replace both whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or oat milk. This provides a dairy-free version while still ensuring a moist texture, though the creaminess may be slightly lessened.
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Egg Substitute — For a vegan option, use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg (1 cup total for 4 eggs). This swap will maintain the moisture and help bind the ingredients together without using eggs.
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Sugar Variation — Substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower glycemic index option. While this might change the color slightly, it will still provide the sweetness needed.
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Nutty Addition — Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon roll pieces for an extra crunch and depth of flavor. This works well with the existing cinnamon and nutmeg spices.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply remove a portion and allow it to come to room temperature before reheating.
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Freezer: This dish does freeze well. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread pudding in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to avoid over-browning, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry. Enjoy warm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of bread instead of cinnamon rolls?
While cinnamon rolls provide a specific flavor and texture, you can substitute them with brioche or challah bread for a delicious twist, but the lack of cinnamon and icing from traditional cinnamon rolls will alter the final taste.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the bread pudding up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Is it possible to use a different type of milk for the custard?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but be aware that the flavor and texture may differ, potentially resulting in a slightly less rich custard.
What if I accidentally let the bread pudding sit in the oven too long?
If overcooked, the bread pudding can become dry. To avoid this, rely on the toothpick test to check for doneness and remove it from the oven as soon as it comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs.