Crockpot Cinnamon Bun Casserole: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Crockpot cinnamon bun casserole: the ultimate breakfast indulgence that practically cooks itself! Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon, sweet icing, and fluffy dough, all without lifting a finger before your morning coffee. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration disguised as a weekday treat.

While the exact origins of the cinnamon bun casserole are a bit hazy, it’s a delightful evolution of the classic cinnamon roll, a treat with roots tracing back to Sweden and other parts of Northern Europe. Cinnamon rolls, or “kanelbullar” as they’re known in Sweden, have been enjoyed for centuries, often associated with festive occasions and cozy gatherings. Our crockpot cinnamon bun casserole takes that comforting tradition and simplifies it for the modern cook.

What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of ease and deliciousness. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a gooey, decadent masterpiece. People adore the soft, pillowy texture, the warm, comforting spice, and the sweet, creamy icing that melts in your mouth. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient for busy mornings or potlucks, allowing you to prepare everything in advance and let the crockpot work its magic. Get ready to experience breakfast bliss with this effortless and utterly satisfying recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup melted butter, for drizzling
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, cream cheese glaze

Preparing the Cinnamon Rolls:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep those cinnamon rolls. This is super easy, I promise!

1. Carefully open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Be prepared for that satisfying “pop!”
2. Remove each cinnamon roll from the can. Don’t worry if they’re a little sticky, that’s perfectly normal.
3. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut each cinnamon roll into approximately 6-8 pieces. You want them to be bite-sized so they bake evenly and are easy to eat later. I usually cut them into quarters, then cut each quarter in half.
4. Place all the cut-up cinnamon roll pieces into your greased crockpot. I recommend using a 6-quart or larger slow cooker for this recipe. Make sure the bottom and sides are well-greased to prevent sticking. You can use cooking spray, butter, or even a little bit of oil.
5. Spread the cinnamon roll pieces evenly across the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about making it perfect, just make sure they’re relatively distributed.

Making the Custard:

Now for the delicious custard that will soak into those cinnamon rolls and make them oh-so-gooey! This part is also a breeze.

1. In a large mixing bowl, crack all 6 eggs.
2. Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the bowl with the eggs.
3. Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Make sure there are no lumps of sugar or spices remaining. You want a nice, even custard.

Assembling the Casserole:

Time to bring it all together! This is where the magic happens.

1. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the crockpot. Make sure all the cinnamon roll pieces are submerged in the custard. You might need to gently press them down with a spoon to ensure they’re all soaking up the goodness.
2. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. This will add extra richness and help the top brown nicely.
3. If you’re using any optional toppings like chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins, now is the time to sprinkle them over the top of the casserole. I love adding pecans for a little extra crunch!

Cooking the Casserole:

Now for the waiting game! But trust me, the aroma that will fill your kitchen while this cooks is totally worth it.

1. Cover the crockpot with the lid.
2. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the casserole is set and the cinnamon rolls are cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so it’s important to check it periodically.
3. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, continue cooking for another 30 minutes and check again.
4. Important: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from burning. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can place a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the top.

Adding the Icing and Serving:

Almost there! The final touch is the icing, which adds the perfect amount of sweetness and makes this casserole truly irresistible.

1. Once the casserole is cooked through, carefully remove it from the crockpot. I recommend using oven mitts, as the crockpot will be hot.
2. Let the casserole cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes before adding the icing. This will prevent the icing from melting completely.
3. While the casserole is cooling, prepare the icing. You can use the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls, or you can make your own cream cheese glaze.
4. If using the store-bought icing, simply snip off the corner of the icing packet and drizzle it evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. If making a cream cheese glaze, combine 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons of milk in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the casserole.
6. If you want to get fancy, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the top of the icing.
7. Serve the cinnamon bun casserole warm. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Optional Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe:

If you want to elevate your cinnamon bun casserole, a homemade cream cheese glaze is the way to go! It’s super easy to make and adds a tangy, creamy sweetness that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
3. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to drizzle, but not too thick that it’s hard to spread.
4. If using, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cinnamon bun casserole.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe your own!

• Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to the casserole, such as chocolate chips, chopped apples, or blueberries.
• Spice it up: For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard mixture.
• Overnight option: You can assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply cook it according to the instructions. You may need to add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
• Individual servings: For individual servings, you can bake the casserole in muffin tins. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
• Nut allergy alternative: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan cinnamon rolls, plant-based milk and cream, and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make this recipe vegan.

Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Cinnamon Bun Casserole! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Cinnamon Bun Casserole is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe you need to experience its warm, gooey goodness firsthand. It’s not just a breakfast dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting treat perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weeknight dessert. The ease of preparation, combined with the incredible flavor, makes it a must-try for anyone who loves cinnamon buns (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?).

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. Forget kneading dough or meticulously rolling cinnamon buns. This casserole takes all the best parts of a classic cinnamon bun – the soft, pillowy texture, the rich cinnamon swirl, and the decadent cream cheese frosting – and transforms them into an effortless, crowd-pleasing dish. The crockpot does all the work, slowly cooking the ingredients to perfection and infusing every bite with that irresistible cinnamon spice.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While the recipe as written is absolutely divine, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the casserole before cooking. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon beautifully. If you’re a fan of fruit, consider incorporating some diced apples or cranberries for a touch of sweetness and tartness. Imagine warm, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled within the soft, gooey casserole – pure bliss!

For serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless. A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a welcome addition, adding a cool and creamy contrast to the warm casserole. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation and flavor. And of course, a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate is the perfect accompaniment to this comforting treat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Top with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Serve with a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Variations to Try:

• Add diced apples or cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Incorporate chocolate chips for a chocolate cinnamon bun experience.
• Use different types of cinnamon rolls for a unique flavor profile.
• Add a layer of cream cheese filling in the middle of the casserole.

I truly believe that this Crockpot Cinnamon Bun Casserole will become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones, and it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredibly easy and delicious recipe.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking!

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