Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of fall, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole. Imagine tender cinnamon rolls soaked in a luscious pumpkin custard, bursting with the perfect blend of spices, and finished with a sweet drizzle of icing and frosting. This comforting casserole brings together all the best elements of a classic breakfast treat with a rich, autumnal twist that’s irresistible. It’s a show-stopping dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare and guarantees smiles at the breakfast table or brunch gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each one bringing a unique element of flavor, texture, or color. From the soft cinnamon rolls that create the base, to the pumpkin puree and spices that infuse the dish with fall magic, every component matters to make this casserole truly shine.

• Cinnamon roll dough (two 8-count tubes): The foundation of the casserole, providing gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness with built-in icing.
• Large eggs (3): These bind the casserole and create a custard that keeps each bite soft and rich.
• Pumpkin puree (3/4 cup): Adds natural moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor essential for this dish.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the custard, making it creamy and smooth.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings caramel notes and complements the pumpkin’s earthiness.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness for a perfectly rounded taste.
• Pumpkin pie spice (1 tablespoon): The superstar blend that layers cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices for that classic fall aroma.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Reinforces that cozy cinnamon flavor throughout the casserole.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon or to taste): Brings out the sweetness and balances flavors beautifully.
• Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): For the luscious frosting drizzle that finishes the casserole with a touch of sweetness.
• Cream or milk (2 tablespoons): To create a smooth, pourable frosting consistency.
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping (optional for serving): Adds an extra creamy, indulgent element that pairs perfectly.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Take your cinnamon roll dough tubes and cut each roll into three even strips, then cut those strips into three pieces each so you have 9 pieces per tube, or 18 pieces total. Scatter these pieces evenly in the prepared pan, making sure to separate them so they don’t stick together while baking. Don’t forget to set aside the icing from the package for later.

Step 2: Whisk the Pumpkin Custard Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This custard is the heart of the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole, bringing tender moisture and spices that make every bite a delight.

Step 3: Pour and Drizzle

Pour the pumpkin custard evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the pan, making sure all pieces are nicely soaked. Next, take the icing you set aside earlier and drizzle it over the top. If the icing is too cold or thick, warming it in the microwave for about 10 seconds will make drizzling much easier and prettier.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan on a baking sheet to catch any overflow—a handy tip that saves cleanup later! Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until the custard is set and the top of the casserole is lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool a bit on a wire rack as you prepare the finishing frosting.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Frosting

In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and cream or milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this frosting generously over your warm pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Optionally, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping for an extra-special treat. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, spicy sweetness of this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Garnishes

A little extra flair can brighten up your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole and elevate your presentation. Try sprinkling a pinch of extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice over the frosting drizzle for a pretty, aromatic touch. Chopped pecans or crushed gingersnap cookies add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rolls.

Side Dishes

This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries, adds a burst of brightness to your breakfast spread. A side of crispy bacon or savory sausage complements the sweetness with smoky, salty notes, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole for a special brunch or holiday breakfast, consider placing it in a decorative baking dish that matches your table’s theme. You can also portion it into individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation. Another fun idea is to top each serving with a cinnamon stick as a garnish—it adds a cozy vibe and makes it feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container to preserve freshness and moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy, the flavors meld together even more, making every bite delicious.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well, making it a great make-ahead breakfast option. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and place it inside a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When planning to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating.

Reheating

To warm up your refrigerated or thawed Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For single servings, reheating in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute works wonderfully without drying it out. A quick re-drizzle of frosting or a scoop of ice cream will refresh the lovely flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with plain pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which can throw off the flavor balance and sweetness of the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, simply mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in proportions you like—usually about 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of the others works beautifully.

Is it okay to use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls can make your casserole even more special, just make sure they are soft and not overly dense so the custard can soak in properly.

Can I make this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and cream with your favorite dairy-free alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free margarine or oil-based cooking spray to prepare the pan, and enjoy a lovely dairy-free brunch treat.

How do I get the frosting to drizzle evenly?

If your confectioners’ sugar frosting is too thick, just add a little more cream or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s pourable but not too runny. Warm the icing from the cinnamon roll package slightly in the microwave to make it easier to drizzle over the casserole.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend giving this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole a try enough. It’s cozy, flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make, perfect for warming up chilly mornings or impressing guests with minimal effort. Once you taste the tender rolls soaked in that spicy pumpkin custard, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a seasonal favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of this autumnal goodness!

Print