Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

There is something heartwarming about the smell of cinnamon drifting through the kitchen, especially when it comes from a dish as comforting as Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding. Every bite feels like a warm hug, filled with soft custard soaked bread and sweet cinnamon pockets that melt on your tongue. This is one of those desserts that brings a sense of nostalgia the moment the first spoonful hits the plate.

Behind the Recipe

Cinnamon rolls have always been a weekend favorite in my home, and bread pudding has long been my go to when I want something cozy without too much fuss. One day I found myself with leftover cinnamon rolls and instead of letting them go stale I tucked them into a baking dish, poured a creamy custard over the top, and watched something magical happen. Since then this recipe has become a simple luxury I love sharing.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Bread pudding dates back centuries and was originally created as a way to use up stale bread. Over time it has evolved into countless sweet and savory versions. Cinnamon rolls themselves have roots in Northern Europe, especially in Sweden and Germany. Combining these two classics gives you a dessert that feels both familiar and wonderfully indulgent.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

This recipe is pure comfort and every spoonful feels like a treat which makes it a dessert people fall in love with instantly.

Versatile: Enjoy it warm, room temperature, or chilled, and it fits beautifully as a breakfast, dessert, or holiday treat.
Budget-Friendly: Uses leftover cinnamon rolls which helps reduce waste and turns simple ingredients into something special.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and no complicated steps which means you get big flavor without big effort.
Customizable: Add nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, or flavored glazes to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: The warm cinnamon aroma alone gets everyone excited.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead and bake when ready.
Great for Leftovers: Stays soft and delicious for days which makes reheating a joy.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few simple tricks help you make a bread pudding that is custardy, soft, and packed with flavor.

1. Use slightly stale cinnamon rolls since they absorb custard better.
2. Let the rolls soak in the custard for at least 10 minutes before baking.
3. Cover with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent over browning.
4. Add extra cinnamon for deeper warmth.
5. Drizzle icing right after baking so it melts into every corner.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You do not need fancy equipment for this recipe which makes it great for any kitchen setup.

Baking Dish: A medium sized dish works perfectly to hold the pudding.
Mixing Bowl: For whisking the custard together smoothly.
Whisk: Helps blend eggs, milk, and sugar evenly.
Foil: To control browning while baking.
Spatula: For folding and arranging the cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

This combination of rich cinnamon rolls and a creamy custard brings together flavors that feel nostalgic and indulgent in every bite.

1. Cinnamon Rolls: 6 cups, cut into chunks. They provide the sweet, cinnamon filled base that soaks up the custard.
2. Eggs: 4 large, whisked to help bind the pudding and give it structure.
3. Whole Milk: 1 and 1/2 cups, adds richness and keeps the texture soft.
4. Heavy Cream: 1 cup, makes the custard extra silky and luxurious.
5. Granulated Sugar: 1/3 cup, gives light sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
6. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons, adds warm, cozy aroma.
7. Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, boosts the cinnamon roll flavor.
8. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, enhances all the sweetness and spices.
9. Icing or Glaze: 1/2 cup, drizzled on top for a sweet finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes little swaps make a big difference and help fit your pantry or dietary needs.

Whole Milk: You can use 2 percent milk for a lighter version.
Heavy Cream: Half and half works as a softer alternative.
Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds deeper caramel like sweetness.
Cinnamon Rolls: Brioche or challah bread with added cinnamon can be used.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract adds a soft nutty aroma.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cinnamon Rolls: These are the star of the show. Their layers of cinnamon and soft dough soak up the custard beautifully which creates pockets of sweetness in every bite.

Heavy Cream: This gives the custard its silky richness which transforms the bread into a cloud like texture.

Instructions for Making Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Making this recipe feels like building a little dessert treasure which makes the process just as enjoyable as the final bite.

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease your baking dish.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Arrange the cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the baking dish so every piece gets a little custard.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour the custard evenly over the rolls and let them soak for 10 minutes.
5. Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, uncover and bake for 20 to 25 more minutes until golden and set.
6. Finishing Touches: Drizzle icing over the warm pudding to let it melt into the layers.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with extra icing, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This bread pudding has the best of both worlds, a soft custardy center and lightly golden edges that add a gentle bite. The cinnamon becomes more fragrant as it bakes which creates a deep comforting aroma. The warm icing sinks into the cracks which gives every spoonful a silky, sweet finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

This dessert rewards patience and a little attention which helps the texture shine.

• Let the pudding rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to settle.
• Use day old cinnamon rolls for better absorption.
• Add raisins, pecans, or chocolate chips before baking for fun texture.

What to Avoid

Avoiding a few simple mistakes keeps your bread pudding tender and flavorful.

• Do not under soak the rolls or the pudding will be dry.
• Avoid baking at too high a temperature or the custard may curdle.
• Do not skip foil during the first bake, or the top may brown too quickly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 390
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dessert makes planning simple because it stores beautifully. You can assemble the entire dish the night before and refrigerate until baking time. Leftovers keep well for up to three days in the fridge. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. It also freezes well, just thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Serve it warm with icing, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or drizzle of caramel for an extra touch. It pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a hot cup of coffee.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers never go to waste because this pudding adapts beautifully.

• Make a breakfast parfait with yogurt and fruit.
• Turn it into cinnamon roll French toast by reheating slices on a skillet.
• Crumble it into ice cream for a bakery style treat.

Additional Tips

Use rolls with plenty of cinnamon filling for the best flavor. Let the custard rest before baking for even soaking. Try using both icing and caramel for a more decadent finish.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve it in individual ramekins for a fancy look or drizzle a glossy glaze over the whole dish for a dramatic table centerpiece. Add a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon to elevate the presentation.

Variations to Try

1. Add raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist.
2. Mix in chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
3. Add orange zest to the custard for brightness.
4. Use chocolate cinnamon rolls for a richer version.
5. Add a swirl of cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use canned cinnamon rolls?

Yes, bake them first then let them cool before turning them into bread pudding.

2. Can I make this dairy free?

Use dairy free milk and cream alternatives though the texture may be slightly softer.

3. Can I use fewer eggs?

Eggs help set the custard but you can reduce by one if needed.

4. What if my pudding is too wet?

Bake a little longer until the center is set.

5. Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes, warm in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

6. Can I freeze bread pudding?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.

7. Can I add nuts?

Absolutely, pecans and walnuts both work well.

8. Should I serve it warm or cold?

Warm is classic but cold gives it a firmer texture.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly.

10. Why is my pudding dense?

It may have been overbaked or the rolls were too fresh and not absorbent enough.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding brings together all the warm and cozy flavors you love in a dessert that feels both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying. Trust me, you are going to love this and once you try it it will become one of your go to comfort desserts. This one is truly worth every bite.

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