There is nothing quite as welcoming on a weekend morning as the warm sweetness and cozy aroma of a Sticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls. This delightful dish takes the beloved cinnamon roll to a whole new level by transforming it into a gooey, nutty breakfast casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Imagine biting into soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls soaked with a luscious buttery glaze and crunchy pecans, all baked into one irresistible breakfast masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving a sweet start to the day, this casserole offers the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls lies in its simplicity. With just a few essential ingredients, each adds its own special touch — from the rich brown sugar butter glaze to the tender cinnamon rolls and the crunch of toasted pecans. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this rich, flavorful dish to life:
- Cinnamon rolls (2 cans, quartered): The star of our dish, providing soft, sweet layers with that classic cinnamon swirl.
- Butter (½ cup): Adds rich creaminess for the glaze and helps everything brown to golden perfection.
- Brown sugar (½ cup): Offers deep caramel sweetness that melts into the butter creating that delicious sticky bun effect.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup): Brings a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind everything together and add a fluffy, custardy component.
- Milk (½ cup): Lightens the egg mixture and adds moisture, making the casserole tender and soft.
How to Make Sticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare the Sticky Base
Begin by melting your butter over medium heat and stirring in the brown sugar until it dissolves into a smooth, bubbling syrup. Toss in the chopped pecans and let them toast just briefly in this luscious glaze to unlock their nutty aroma. This sticky base is truly what elevates simple cinnamon rolls into a decadent breakfast casserole.
Step 2: Assemble the Cinnamon Rolls
Lightly grease your baking dish, then spread the warm pecan-butter mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, arrange the quartered cinnamon rolls on top, making sure they nestle into the sticky syrup. This layer will soak up all the buttery goodness as it bakes, creating pockets of soft sweetness in every bite.
Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined and slightly frothy. This simple custard will soak into the cinnamon rolls and bake into a tender, cake-like texture. Pour it evenly over the cinnamon rolls and sticky base, allowing the liquid to settle in between all those swirled layers.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled casserole into a preheated oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. Be sure to keep an eye on it towards the end—just the right amount of baking will give you that lovely mix of soft, gooey insides with a lightly crisped top.
How to Serve Sticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls
Garnishes
While this casserole shines on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese icing takes it from amazing to unforgettable. You might also want to sprinkle extra chopped pecans for added crunch or a few fresh berries to add a burst of freshness and color.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is so rich and sweet, pairing it with savory sides works beautifully. Consider serving with crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the sweetness. A glass of freshly brewed coffee or a tangy citrusy mimosa makes the meal feel extra special too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, try baking the Sticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls in individual ramekins to give each guest their own personal delight. Another fun presentation idea is layering in bits of cream cheese or sliced apples between the cinnamon rolls before baking for extra surprise flavors. Whether plated with a fork or served buffet-style, this casserole invites smiles and seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this sweet casserole, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep deliciously for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a perfect next-day breakfast treat.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it fully (but do not bake), cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive leftover Sticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or place the whole casserole in a 325-degree oven until heated through and bubbling. Reheating brings back that gooey, freshly baked feel everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a personal touch and can elevate the flavors even more. Just make sure to cut them into quarters so they soak in the custard and sticky base evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or coconut oil, and swap the milk for any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk. The texture and flavor will still be deliciously rich.
Can I add fruit to this casserole?
Definitely! Adding chopped apples, pears, or even dried fruit between the cinnamon roll layers complements the sticky bun flavor and adds an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
What makes the pecans important in this recipe?
Pecans add more than just crunch—they bring a warm, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness and adds depth to the sticky glaze. If you’re allergic or prefer another nut, walnuts or even toasted almonds can be used instead.
How should I store leftover casserole if I want to eat it the next morning?
Cover the leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. When you reheat in the morning, it will taste almost as fresh as when first baked.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Sticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls that brings comfort, sweetness, and a hint of nostalgia to the breakfast table. This recipe is incredibly simple but yields impressive results that will delight your family and guests alike. I encourage you to try making this at home soon — it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to return to again and again for weekend mornings filled with cozy smiles and full plates.
PrintSticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls
This Sticky Bun Breakfast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful and indulgent morning treat that combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with a rich, buttery pecan topping. Easy to prepare and perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, this casserole bakes up golden and sticky, offering layers of soft, cinnamon-spiced dough with a luscious caramel-pecan glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 2 cans cinnamon rolls, quartered
Topping
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Egg Mixture
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Melt the Topping: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat along with the brown sugar and chopped pecans, stirring until the mixture is smooth and combined to form a caramel-like sauce.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour and evenly spread the melted butter, brown sugar, and pecan mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form the sticky base.
- Add Cinnamon Rolls: Place the quartered cinnamon rolls evenly over the pecan topping in the baking dish to create the main layer of the casserole.
- Mix Egg Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined, then pour this mixture uniformly over the cinnamon rolls to soak them in the custard.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the assembled casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the egg mixture.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to help it set for easier slicing.
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heating and best results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in a microwave or oven.