Last updated on August 7, 2025
There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of warm cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. It takes me back to chilly autumn mornings, huddled under blankets, the warmth of freshly baked pastries setting a cozy mood for the day. One of my favorite ways to capture that warm, nostalgic essence is with a delightful twist on a classic favorite—Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole. If you’ve ever found yourself craving something sweet, warm, and a little bit different for breakfast or brunch, this casserole is a delicious answer.
And don’t worry! This recipe is super simple and stress-free, perfect even if you’re a first-time baker. With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that feels homemade but takes minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe of Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole
There’s just something so special about transitioning flavors in the fall. As the leaves turn and the days grow cooler, I often crave the warming spices of pumpkin and cinnamon. This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines both in a way that is not only practical for serving a group—think gatherings with friends or a family brunch—but also deeply comforting.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. It’s sweet, satisfying, and surprisingly rich, yet it remains approachable even for those who might feel a little uncertain in the kitchen. With this recipe, I want to invite everyone to experience the joy of a freshly baked treat without the fuss of rolling dough or perfecting a cinnamon swirl. It’s an emotional boost on those crisp mornings and an invitation to slow down and enjoy a moment shared over food.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole
As I’ve come to appreciate, a few key ingredients can open up a world of cozy flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole a reality:
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Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines the irresistible flavors of pumpkin spice and gooey cinnamon rolls into one warm, crowd-pleasing breakfast bake. It’s incredibly easy to make with refrigerated dough, a spiced pumpkin custard, and a sweet icing drizzle. Perfect for cozy weekends or holiday brunches.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 2 (8-count) tubes refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing included)
- Pumpkin Custard:
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Frosting:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp cream or milk
- Optional Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×9-inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each cinnamon roll into 9 pieces and scatter in the prepared pan.
- Make Pumpkin Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Drizzle Packaged Icing: Microwave icing from cinnamon rolls for 10 seconds if needed, then drizzle over the casserole.
- Bake: Place pan on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
- Cool: Let cool for a few minutes on a wire rack.
- Frost: Mix confectioners’ sugar with cream or milk until smooth, then drizzle over the casserole.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and dairy-free cream.
- Substitute Pumpkin: Try applesauce or mashed bananas instead of pumpkin for a different flavor.
- Sugar Swap: Use coconut sugar in place of brown and granulated sugars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole, fall breakfast recipe, easy holiday brunch, pumpkin breakfast bake, cinnamon roll casserole
Essentials
Cinnamon Roll Dough: Two 8-count tubes of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with icing included) serve as the base for this casserole. It’s the shortcut that makes this dish easy and delightful!
Eggs: Three large eggs help give the casserole structure and richness.
Pumpkin Puree: ¾ cup of pumpkin puree (be sure to avoid pumpkin pie filling!) is what brings the seasonal flavor to life.
Milk: ½ cup of milk adds creaminess and helps blend the flavors together.
Light Brown Sugar: ½ cup of packed light brown sugar provides that lovely depth of flavor and sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Just ¼ cup will round out the sweetness without being overwhelming.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A tablespoon of this blend really enhances the pumpkin flavor, making every bite taste like fall.
Vanilla Extract: Two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract add warmth and sweetness.
Cinnamon: One teaspoon of ground cinnamon reinforces that comforting spice profile.
Salt: A sprinkle of ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste) brings balance to the sweetness.
Confectioners’ Sugar: For drizzling over the top, 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar helps create a smooth frosting.
Cream or Milk: Two tablespoons of cream or milk to mix with the confectioners’ sugar for the frosting.
Optional Add-Ons
- Ice Cream or Whipped Topping: Consider serving your casserole warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped topping for an extra treat.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
If you’re looking to make a few simple adjustments, here are some ideas:
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk or any dairy-free substitute, and opt for dairy-free cream for the frosting.
Pumpkin Puree Alternative: If pumpkin isn’t your favorite, you can experiment with applesauce or mashed bananas, though it will change the cinnamon roll experience quite a bit.
Sugar Alternatives: Use coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener; just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.
Now that you have all the ingredients in front of you, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of putting our Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole together!
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole Step-by-Step
Making this luscious casserole may just become one of your favorite kitchen projects, not only because it’s simple, but because the aroma alone is enough to make your heart skip a beat.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This is a little trick that makes the final serving much easier, allowing you to lift the casserole right out of the pan.
Step 3: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Next, take the refrigerated cinnamon roll dough and cut each roll into three even strips. Then, chop those strips into smaller pieces, resulting in nine small pieces per cinnamon roll. Scatter these pieces in the prepared pan. Be sure to separate them a bit; they will stick together if piled up.
Step 4: Whisk the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together three large eggs, ¾ cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of milk, packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, two teaspoons of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk it all until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Step 5: Pour the Mixture Over the Cinnamon Rolls
Gently pour the egg and pumpkin mixture evenly over the scattered cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring that every piece gets coated with that rich, flavorful liquid.
Step 6: Drizzle the Icing
Now, you should drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon roll package over the top. If your icing is cold, simply microwave it for about 10 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
Step 7: Bake Your Casserole
Place the pan onto a baking sheet (this is a preventive measure against any overflow) and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden brown and set in the center.
Step 8: Cool and Frost
Once baked, place the pan on a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. While it’s cooling, you can prepare the frosting by mixing 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar with two tablespoons of cream or milk in a medium bowl until smooth.
Step 9: Drizzle the Frosting
Drizzle your freshly made frosting over the warm casserole, then serve your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole immediately. If you want to go the extra mile, offering vanilla ice cream or whipped topping alongside makes for a fabulous combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole
When making this delicious casserole, there are a few common pitfalls that you’ll want to be aware of:
Not Preparing the Ingredients
Make sure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go before you start. This will make the process smoother and minimize the risk of forgetting something crucial.
Overloading the Cinnamon Roll Dough
When cutting and placing the cinnamon roll pieces in the pan, make sure they are adequately separated. If they’re too close together, they might clump up during baking, leaving you with oversized dough blobs instead of nicely baked rolls.
Failing to Check for Doneness
Every oven is different, so while 40 minutes is generally accurate, keep an eye on your casserole. The top should be set and lightly golden; an undercooked center will result in a soggy finish.
Rushing the Frosting Process
If the icing from the cinnamon roll package is cold, it may be hard to drizzle. Don’t skip the microwave step if it’s too stiff; it makes layering the flavors so much tastier.
Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole
This casserole is delicious right out of the oven, but there are a few different serving suggestions that can elevate your experience:
Breakfast Treat
Serve it for a cozy family breakfast on lazy weekends or a special occasion brunch. The large portions allow everyone to dig in without any fuss.
Dessert Delight
Make it a comforting dessert for dinner! Pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serving it warm with whipped topping transforms this breakfast dish into a delightful sweet treat.
Brunch Buffet Special
For gatherings, consider creating a brunch buffet and adding this casserole to the mix. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or other baked goods—from muffins to quiches!
Morning Office Meetings
Bring along a batch to your next work meeting for everyone to share. It’s sure to be a hit and gives the office a cozy fall vibe.
Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready
Once you make this Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole once or twice, you might feel more inclined to get a little adventurous. Here are a few pro-level tips to consider:
Adding Extras
Don’t hesitate to mix things up! Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a lovely crunch. You might also consider tossing in some chocolate chips to make it even more indulgent.
Customize the Spices
While pumpkin pie spice is delightful, consider freshening things up with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for something a little different, or to suit your own taste preferences.
Make It Ahead of Time
You can prepare the casserole the night before by assembling it (without baking) and sticking it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven the next morning—the flavors will meld overnight!
Experiment with Toppings
Feel free to play with different frostings or toppings. A maple glaze, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar and extra cinnamon can take this dish to an entirely new level.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Making a Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole may look complicated, but trust me; it’s easier than it seems! Once you get the hang of it, you can customize it in ways your family will love. It’s a cozy dish that perfectly captures the flavors of fall and can be enjoyed in so many ways.
I would love to see your creations, too! When you try this recipe, consider taking a moment to share your experience or variations with friends and family. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for your next autumn gathering.
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FAQs About Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough for the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole?
Yes! Feel free to use any homemade cinnamon roll dough if you’re up for the task. Just follow the same cutting and layering process.
Can I prepare the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge overnight. Simply bake it in the morning.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just wrap them tightly and store in the freezer. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut cream.
What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?
If you want to experiment, swap out pumpkin puree for applesauce or mashed bananas, although this will alter the flavor profile significantly.
With these insights, tips, and tasty adaptations, your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole is sure to be a new favorite. Happy baking!