Nothing quite compares to the warm comfort of this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe, a delightful twist on two beloved classics. Imagine the soft, gooey cinnamon rolls soaked in a creamy custard, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. This dessert is a heartwarming hug on a plate, perfect for cozy mornings, brunch with friends, or as a charming finish to any meal. Every bite delivers that familiar cinnamon swirl flavor elevated by a luscious texture that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe, it will become your go-to indulgence anytime you crave something sweet and soulful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe lies in a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and tenderness. From the cinnamon rolls themselves to the cream and spices, these ingredients come together to make something truly memorable.
- 6 to 8 cinnamon rolls: The star of the show, providing that iconic cinnamon-sugar swirl and a soft, fluffy base.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the custard.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds creamy indulgence and a luscious texture.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the custard while keeping it smooth.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Offers depth and a hint of molasses sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brightens the flavors and adds warmth.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Boosts the classic cinnamon roll taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar: For the signature glaze that adds a sweet finish.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Used to create a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish — either 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch, depending on how deep you want your pudding. This step ensures every bite cooks evenly and the edges won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange Cinnamon Rolls
Next, cut each cinnamon roll into bite-sized pieces and place them evenly across the baking dish. This helps the custard soak in completely, so every piece becomes tender and bursting with that signature cinnamon sweetness.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. This custard mixture is where the magic happens — it infuses the bread pieces with moisture and flavor, creating that irresistible, custardy texture you’ll love.
Step 4: Pour Custard and Soak
Pour this heavenly custard over the cinnamon roll pieces, pressing gently to ensure all pieces soak up the liquid evenly. Let everything sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb as much flavor as possible — patience here will be rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the pudding is golden brown on top and just set in the center. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking perfectly.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While the bread pudding is still warm, mix powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk into a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over the top for that classic finishing touch. The glaze adds just the right amount of creamy sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the warm richness of this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe, try topping it with chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. A sprinkle of fresh powdered sugar or even a dollop of whipped cream can elevate its presentation and add a lovely contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or a simple fruit compote to balance the sweetness. If you want to turn it into a brunch feature, serve alongside crispy bacon or savory sausage for a perfectly balanced meal that pleases everyone around the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in pretty ramekins or mason jars to impress guests. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent twist that’s guaranteed to wow. This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert on the go.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your cinnamon roll bread pudding gently in the microwave or oven. To keep it soft and moist, cover the dish with foil if using the oven and heat at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Don’t forget a fresh drizzle of glaze to revive that just-baked charm!
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully for this recipe and add an extra layer of love and flavor. Just be sure they’re fully baked before cutting and soaking in the custard.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out the heavy cream and milk with your favorite dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. The texture might be slightly different but the flavor will still be delightful.
How long can I let the cinnamon rolls soak in the custard?
While 10 to 15 minutes is ideal for soaking, you can let it sit up to 30 minutes for even more custardy goodness. Just keep an eye on the texture to avoid overly soggy bread.
What type of cinnamon rolls works best for this recipe?
Store-bought cinnamon rolls are perfectly fine and convenient, but ones with a good amount of cinnamon sugar and a soft texture yield the best results in bread pudding.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before baking?
Yes! After assembling and pouring the custard over the cinnamon rolls, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for a delicious breakfast treat that tastes like it was made from scratch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert or breakfast that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls and bread pudding into one luscious, comforting dish that’s easy to make and share. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — your taste buds and loved ones will thank you!
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 is a delightful twist on traditional bread pudding, using sweet cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich, spiced custard and baked until golden and set. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze drizzle, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.
Ingredients
Bread Pudding
- 6 to 8 cinnamon rolls
- 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 the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut and arrange cinnamon rolls: Slice the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Soak the cinnamon rolls: Pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, pressing gently to ensure all pieces are soaked. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
- Bake the pudding: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Prepare and drizzle the glaze: While the pudding is warm, mix the powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the top and serve warm.
Notes
- Using slightly stale cinnamon rolls works well as they soak up the custard better.
- You can add raisins or chopped nuts to the custard mixture for extra texture.
- Ensure the bread pudding rests after pouring the custard to maximize flavor absorption.
- Cover with foil during baking if the top begins to brown too quickly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently before serving.
