Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog with the warmth of cinnamon rolls. This dish is perfect for a festive breakfast, brunch, or holiday dessert. It’s easy to prepare, deliciously indulgent, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe takes your favorite store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls and transforms them into a luscious casserole soaked in a spiced eggnog custard and topped with a creamy glaze. It’s like the holidays baked into every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Holidays: Combines two festive favorites: cinnamon rolls and eggnog.
• Easy to Make: Uses pre-made cinnamon rolls for a no-fuss dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Great for Christmas morning, brunch gatherings, or dessert.
• Rich and Comforting: Creamy, sweet, and full of warm spices.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Cut the Cinnamon Rolls:
   • Open the cans of cinnamon rolls. Cut each roll into quarters (bite-sized pieces). This helps them absorb the custard evenly while baking. Set aside the frosting that comes with the rolls—you can use it later or mix it into the glaze for extra sweetness.
3. Place the Rolls in the Dish:
   • Evenly scatter the cinnamon roll pieces across the greased baking dish, ensuring they’re spread out.

Step 2: Make the Eggnog Custard

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
     • 1 ½ cups eggnog
     • 4 large eggs
     • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
     • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
     • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
     • ¼ cup brown sugar
2. Mix Well:
   • Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are smooth and fully combined. The brown sugar should dissolve into the eggnog mixture.
3. Pour Over the Rolls:
   • Slowly pour the eggnog custard evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish. Ensure all pieces are coated to absorb the mixture.
4. Rest to Soak:
   • Let the dish sit for about 10–15 minutes to allow the rolls to soak up the custard. This ensures a soft, pudding-like texture after baking.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncover and Finish Baking:
   • Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes. The casserole is done when the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and the custard is set (not jiggly).
3. Cool Slightly:
   • Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze. This helps it firm up slightly while staying soft and gooey inside.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
     • 4 ounces softened cream cheese
     • 1 cup powdered sugar
     • 3 tablespoons eggnog
     • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2. Beat Until Smooth:
   • Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more eggnog (1 teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Drizzle the Glaze:
   • Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the creamy glaze over the slightly cooled casserole. Garnish with a pinch of ground nutmeg for that extra festive touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into generous portions and serve warm. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee, a glass of eggnog, or fresh fruit for a complete and indulgent holiday breakfast experience.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Use Full-Fat Eggnog:
   • Full-fat eggnog provides a richer, creamier flavor and texture to the casserole.
2. Don’t Overbake:
   • Bake just until the custard is set and the rolls are golden brown. Overbaking can dry out the casserole.
3. Add Nuts for Crunch:
   • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the casserole before baking for added texture and a nutty flavor.
4. Homemade vs. Store-Bought Rolls:
   • While store-bought cinnamon rolls are convenient, you can use homemade rolls for an extra-special touch.
5. Let It Soak:
   • Allowing the rolls to soak in the custard ensures they absorb all the flavors and turn out soft and gooey.
6. Make Ahead Option:
   • Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it in the morning for a quick and festive breakfast.

Recipe Variations

1. Eggnog Pecan Cinnamon Roll Casserole:
   • Sprinkle chopped pecans over the rolls before baking for added crunch.
2. Boozy Eggnog Casserole:
   • Add a tablespoon of dark rum or bourbon to the eggnog custard for an adult-friendly version.
3. Chocolate Chip Twist:
   • Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the filling for a sweet, melty surprise.
4. Spiced Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole:
   • Layer thinly sliced apples with the cinnamon rolls for a fruity variation.
5. Caramel Drizzle:
   • Replace the cream cheese glaze with a warm caramel sauce for a gooey, caramelized finish.

What to Serve with Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This casserole is decadent on its own but pairs wonderfully with:

• Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or oranges provide a refreshing balance.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Warm drinks complement the rich flavors perfectly.
• Bacon or Sausage: For a savory contrast, serve crispy bacon or breakfast sausage alongside.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds extra indulgence.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works beautifully because it combines the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with a creamy eggnog custard that keeps everything moist and flavorful. The casserole format makes it easy to prepare, while the cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s simple yet indulgent—a holiday favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Yield: 8

Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

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Eggnog Cinnamon Roll Casserole combines the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog with the warmth of cinnamon rolls. This dish is perfect for a festive breakfast, brunch, or holiday dessert. It’s easy to prepare, deliciously indulgent, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:
• 2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups eggnog
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• Pinch of salt
• For the Glaze:
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the Casserole

1. Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the icing packets aside (you’ll use them later).
2. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, eggnog, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt.
4. Pour the eggnog custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls, ensuring that all of the pieces are soaked. Gently press the rolls down with a spatula to help them soak up the custard.

3. Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is set and lightly golden on top. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

4. Make the Glaze

1. While the casserole is baking, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.

5. Serve

1. Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the warm casserole.
3. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, festive breakfast treat!

Notes

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes of bake time if needed.
• Toppings: Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or even a few chopped pecans for extra flavor and texture.
• Eggnog Substitute: If you prefer, you can replace the eggnog with a combination of milk and a splash of vanilla extract, though the eggnog gives it a special holiday flavor.