Name: Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding for Irresistible Mornings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 6 Cinnamon Rolls (Cut into bite-sized pieces.); 4 Eggs (Large, for structure.); 2 cups Milk (Can substitute with half-and-half.); 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can be replaced with whole milk.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust to taste.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Use pure for best flavor.); 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (Adjust based on preference.); 0.25 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional, or substitute with almonds.); 1 cup Raisins or Chocolate Chips (Optional, choose according to taste.); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Ensures thick consistency.); 2 tablespoons Milk (Adjust for desired thickness.); 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Recommended for optimal taste.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s a cozy, nostalgic feel that washes over me every time I think of warm cinnamon rolls. Now, imagine if you could capture that feeling in a delightful dessert—welcome to the world of Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding! This recipe sprang to life one Sunday morning when I had leftover cinnamon rolls staring at me from the counter, begging for a delicious reimagining.

As I whisked together eggs, cream, and sugar, I could already smell the comforting aroma filling my kitchen. This indulgent treat is perfect not just for dessert, but also as a sumptuous breakfast or brunch dish that will certainly impress your friends and family. Each bite brings a wonderful blend of gooey cinnamon goodness and soft custard-like texture, making it an ideal way to turn yesterday’s leftovers into today’s star attraction.

So grab those leftover cinnamon rolls and join me in creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and memories—one that will surely become a beloved staple in your home!

Why Choose Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding?

Comforting and Familiar: This recipe transforms leftover cinnamon rolls into a warm, nostalgic delight, making it feel like a hug in dessert form.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for brunch or dessert, it’s sure to impress guests or loved ones with its scrumptious flavor.
Versatile Ingredients: Adapt the recipe by adding nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for a personal touch!
Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this up quickly, making it a stress-free option for busy mornings.
Delightful Glaze: A sweet, creamy glaze beautifully drizzled on top adds an extra layer of indulgence that elevates the entire dish!
This recipe is reminiscent of classic flavors, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make the most out of their leftovers.

Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Ingredients

For the Pudding

Cinnamon Rolls – Essential for the dish, providing the signature cinnamon flavor. Use store-bought or homemade; cut into bite-sized pieces.
Eggs – Acts as a binding agent and adds richness. 4 large eggs are needed for structure.
Milk – Provides a creamy base for the pudding. You can substitute with half-and-half for a richer taste.
Heavy Cream – Adds richness and a velvety texture. Can be replaced with whole milk for a lighter version but will alter the texture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the pudding. Adjust according to taste preference.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and flavor. Use pure vanilla for the best taste.
Ground Cinnamon – Intensifies the cinnamon flavor of the pudding. Add more or less based on preference.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors. 1/4 teaspoon is sufficient.

For the Topping

Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional) – Adds a crunchy texture. Feel free to omit or substitute with almonds.
Raisins or Chocolate Chips (optional) – Provides additional flavor and sweetness. Choose according to taste.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the glaze. 1 cup ensures a thick consistency.
Milk – Adjusts glaze consistency. Use 2-3 tablespoons to achieve the desired thickness.
Vanilla Extract – Flavor enhancer for the glaze. 1/2 teaspoon is recommended for optimal taste.

This Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding is a delightful way to utilize your leftovers while creating a warm, comforting dish that’s sure to be cherished by everyone at your table!

How to Make Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your pudding won’t stick.
Prepare Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, ground cinnamon, and salt until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
Assemble: Gently fold in the bite-sized cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated with the egg mixture. If you’re using optional toppings like nuts or raisins, stir them in at this stage.
Pour & Settle: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes so the cinnamon rolls can soak up the delicious custard.
Bake: Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and a knife inserted should come out clean.
Cool: Once baked, let your decadent bread pudding cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
Glaze Preparation: In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth glaze. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if necessary.
Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm bread pudding. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Optional: Garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain a soft texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Consider adding a splash of milk to keep the pudding moist.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warmed, drizzled with glaze, and topped with whipped cream or ice cream for the ultimate treat!

Variations & Substitutions for Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Feel free to mix things up and let your creativity shine in this delightful dish!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls to cater to dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Non-Dairy: Substitute milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut cream for a delightful dairy-free version.
Spiced Twist: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that dances on your palate.
Fruit-Filled: Incorporate fresh strawberries or blueberries for a fruity twist that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Nutty Crunch: Swap in pistachios or hazelnuts for a unique crunch, enhancing the texture and flavor profile of your pudding.
Raisin-Free: Replace raisins with white chocolate chips for a sweeter balance that elevates the sweetness in each bite.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle with maple syrup instead of a sugar glaze for a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Savory Spin: Add crispy bacon bits for an unexpected savory twist that creates a delightful contrast to the sweet pudding.

Embrace your inner chef and tailor this recipe to your taste preferences, making each bite a unique experience!

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding?

The delightful aroma of Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding fills your kitchen, but what should you pair with this sweet treat for a complete meal experience?

Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy fruits like berries and citrus complement the rich pudding, adding a refreshing zing to every bite. The sweetness and acidity contrast beautifully.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the creamy texture of the pudding, making each serving feel indulgently luxurious. The lightness of the cream helps balance the richness of the dish.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting atop the warm slices creates a heavenly combination of temperatures—a must-try for dessert lovers!
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of warm maple syrup adds depth and an extra layer of sweetness. The caramel-like flavor pairs perfectly with the cinnamon notes in the pudding.
Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness and offers a comforting end to your meal. The warmth of the beverage envelopes the senses, enhancing the overall experience.
Chai-Spiced Nuts: A handful of chai-spiced nuts brings a crunchy texture and a hint of spice that echoes the flavors of the pudding, making them an excellent sweet-savory pairing.

Opt for a combination of these options to create a delightful spread that elevates your Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding into a full-fledged breakfast or brunch feast!

Make Ahead Options

These Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding creations are perfect for those busy mornings or meal planning! You can prepare the entire mixture and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. Simply whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt before folding in the cinnamon roll pieces. After that, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish, let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soak up the custard, and then pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll enjoy a warm, indulgent breakfast with minimal effort, just as delicious as freshly made!

Expert Tips for Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Use Fresh Rolls: Using slightly stale cinnamon rolls yields the best texture as they absorb the custard better. Fresh rolls may turn mushy.
Egg Mixture Whisking: Ensure the egg mixture is well-whisked to prevent separation. This results in a creamy, cohesive Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding.
Toppings Balance: If adding nuts or chocolate chips, keep portions moderate to maintain balance; too many can overshadow the cinnamon flavor.
Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so check your pudding a few minutes early. Overbaking can lead to a dry outcome, spoiling the creaminess.
Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the pudding warm with glaze drizzled right before serving. This enhances flavor and melts the indulgence into every bite.

Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs

What type of cinnamon rolls should I use?
You can use either store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe. If using store-bought, the ones with cream cheese frosting work wonderfully. Just ensure they’re slightly stale or day-old, as this helps them absorb the custard mixture better without becoming too mushy.

How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it gently in the microwave or oven for the best texture.

Can I freeze this bread pudding?
Absolutely! You can freeze portions of the bread pudding in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to keep it soft and moist.

What should I do if my pudding turns out too dry?
If your Decadent Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To prevent this in the future, keep an eye on it during baking and consider baking it in a water bath for added moisture. If you find it’s already baked, you can revive it by serving it with a generous drizzle of glaze or a scoop of ice cream on the side!

Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Yes! This recipe contains eggs, milk, and heavy cream, which are common allergens. For those who have dietary restrictions, you can use dairy-free alternatives—like almond milk or coconut cream—in place of milk and heavy cream. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and refrigerate it. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking it in the morning, ensuring the cinnamon rolls soak up the custard mixture well and bake evenly!