Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

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Imagine waking up to the aroma of gooey cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich, custardy base, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a warm, creamy glaze. This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding is the ultimate comfort food-meets-breakfast-dessert hybrid. Whether you’re making it for a cozy brunch or an indulgent dessert, it has all the elements of a crowd-pleaser: soft centers, caramelized edges, and an irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl.

What makes this dish extra special is its use of cinnamon rolls in place of traditional bread. That signature cinnamon filling and fluffy texture create a decadent base that absorbs the custard beautifully. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make with minimal prep—perfect for holidays, weekends, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic.

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Can I Use Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls or Should I Make Them Fresh?

Both options work beautifully, depending on your time and preferences. Store-bought cinnamon rolls (like Pillsbury) offer convenience and consistent results, while homemade cinnamon rolls add a personal, artisanal touch. If you have leftover cinnamon rolls, this is also a brilliant way to repurpose them. The key is using rolls that are slightly stale or at least cooled—this helps them absorb the custard better without turning to mush.

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Ingredients for the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Cinnamon Rolls: These are the star of the show. Their soft, buttery texture and cinnamon swirls make for an indulgent base. Use 6 to 8 rolls, either homemade or from a can.

Eggs: You’ll need them to create the custard that binds everything together. Eggs give the pudding its rich structure.

Heavy Cream + Milk: This combo creates a luxuriously creamy custard that soaks into the cinnamon rolls.

Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses note that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and enhances the caramelized finish.

Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and enhances all the cozy flavors.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg: A little extra spice amplifies the cinnamon roll flavor.

Salt: Just a pinch helps balance the sweetness and elevate the flavors.

Powdered Sugar + Milk (for glaze): Mixed together to create a quick drizzle that finishes the dish with a touch of sweet creaminess.

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How To Make the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Step 1: Prep Your Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This helps the pudding release easily and creates a slightly crispy edge.

Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Chop the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces. If they’re fresh, let them sit out for a few hours or bake them briefly to slightly dry out. Arrange the pieces evenly in your prepared dish.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Soak and Rest

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the chopped cinnamon rolls, pressing down gently with a spatula or clean hands to ensure every piece gets soaked. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes so the rolls absorb the liquid.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but slightly jiggly. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

While the pudding is baking or cooling, mix powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of milk until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Once the pudding is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

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How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Serve this warm, gooey bread pudding straight from the oven for the most comforting experience. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee in the morning or a scoop of vanilla ice cream in the evening. The glaze adds a creamy sweetness, but you can also take it up a notch with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.

To store leftovers, let the pudding cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 2 months—just wrap well and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the bread pudding is fully baked?

You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle but is no longer wet. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Can I use different types of milk?

Yes! You can use whole milk, 2%, or even a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk. Just note that the richness may vary.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just bake as directed. Perfect for holiday mornings or brunches.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute it with half-and-half or use more milk. The result will still be creamy, just a bit lighter in texture.

Can I add toppings or mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, raisins, or even mini chocolate chips make great additions. Fold them in before baking for extra texture and flavor.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

You can skip it if you prefer a less sweet finish, but the glaze adds a lovely creaminess that balances the warm spices.

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Want More Sweet Treat Ideas?

If you’re all about indulgent comfort bakes like this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, you’ll definitely want to explore these reader-favorite recipes too:

• Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls for a surprise twist inside every bite.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding when you’re craving fruit-meets-cream heaven.
• Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies for a citrusy treat without the oven.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls if you want a bakery-style bake at home.
• The Best Homemade Cinnamon Roll Icing Recipe to elevate any sweet roll or bread pudding topping.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you’ll have it handy for every cozy weekend or holiday brunch.

And if you try this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, leave a comment! Did you add pecans, skip the glaze, or sneak in some chocolate chips?

I love hearing your twists on the classics. Feel free to ask questions or share tips—let’s keep the sweet inspiration going.

Looking for even more delicious ideas? Visit my Pinterest where I share daily recipes: Life with Nina on Pinterest

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