Love cinnamon rolls? Get ready for a delicious twist! Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding is an easy and tasty treat. It's perfect for brunch or dessert. You just need common ingredients, like cinnamon rolls, eggs, and milk. In this post, I’ll share a simple recipe and some tips to make it even better. Let’s dive into this warm, gooey delight that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Delight: This bread pudding combines the warm, familiar flavors of cinnamon rolls with a creamy custard, making it the perfect cozy dessert for any occasion.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
- Customizable Options: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins like raisins or nuts, personalizing it to suit your taste preferences.
- Decadent Presentation: Serve it warm with a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of ice cream for an impressive dessert that will wow your guests!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 large cinnamon rolls (day old preferred)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
In this recipe, we focus on simple, tasty items. The main star is the cinnamon rolls. Using day-old rolls gives the best texture. Fresh ones can make it too soft. The eggs, milk, and cream create a rich custard. This custard binds the rolls together.
You can add raisins for sweetness and texture. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts bring a nice crunch. They also add flavor depth. The seasoning ingredients make this dish special. Brown sugar sweetens it up, while vanilla adds warmth. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give that classic flavor. A pinch of salt balances everything.
Each ingredient plays a vital role. They come together to create a warm, comforting dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Making the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, crack 4 large eggs.
- Whisk the eggs well.
- Add 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream.
- Mix in 1 cup packed brown sugar.
- Add 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
- Finally, add a pinch of salt.
- Keep whisking until smooth and blended.
Combining Ingredients
- Take 6 large cinnamon rolls and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- Gently fold these pieces into the custard mixture.
- If you want, add 1/2 cup raisins and 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Ensure every piece is well coated.
Baking the Bread Pudding
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Spread the mixture evenly with a spatula.
- Place the dish in the oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center.
- It should come out clean—no wet custard on it.
Cooling and Serving
- After baking, remove from the oven.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, drizzled with glaze or topped with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Baking Time
To check if your bread pudding is done, look for a golden top. The center should feel firm. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it's ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes. Every oven is different, so adjust the baking time as needed. If your oven runs hot, check for doneness early. If it runs cool, be ready to bake longer.
Enhancing Flavor
You can flavor the custard mixture for a richer taste. Try adding a dash of almond extract or a splash of orange juice. Both add a nice twist. You can also mix in some chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra sweetness. Add nuts for crunch and texture.
Presentation Ideas
Serve your warm bread pudding with a sweet glaze. Just mix powdered sugar with milk for a simple glaze. Top it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a treat. For a fancy touch, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or chopped nuts on top. This makes it look inviting and delicious!
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Cinnamon Rolls: For the best texture and flavor, use cinnamon rolls that are a day old. They will absorb the custard better and create a delightful contrast with the creamy filling.
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even fresh fruit to add a unique twist to your bread pudding.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the bread pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty treat.
Variations
Flavor Variations
I love to switch things up with flavor variations. Here are two of my favorites:
- Chocolate chip cinnamon roll bread pudding: Replace some cinnamon rolls with chocolate chips. The chocolate melts and adds rich flavor. The mix of warm cinnamon and chocolate is a real treat!
- Pumpkin spice cinnamon roll bread pudding: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the custard mix. This gives a wonderful fall flavor. It’s perfect for cozy autumn days.
Dietary Variations
Dietary needs are important too. Here are some options for different diets:
- Vegan version using tofu or plant-based substitutes: Swap eggs with silken tofu blended until smooth. Use almond or soy milk instead of dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy this treat!
- Gluten-free options for the cinnamon rolls: Look for gluten-free cinnamon rolls at the store. You can also make your own using gluten-free flour. This keeps the recipe safe for those with gluten intolerance.
Seasonal Variations
Seasonal changes inspire great variations. Here are some ideas based on the time of year:
- Holiday-themed variations: Add dried cranberries or nutmeg for a festive twist. These flavors fit perfectly with winter holidays.
- Summer fruit additions like berries or peaches: Toss in fresh berries or chopped peaches in the mix. They add a burst of freshness and flavor, making it ideal for summer gatherings.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your leftover cinnamon roll bread pudding, let it cool first. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh. It will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.
Freezing Bread Pudding
If you want to freeze the bread pudding, cut it into portions first. Place the pieces in freezer-safe bags or containers. Before sealing, remove as much air as possible. This keeps the pudding fresh. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To avoid sogginess, do not leave it out at room temperature.
Reheating the Pudding
To reheat your cinnamon roll bread pudding, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pudding in a baking dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent browning. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes until warm. You can also microwave it on low power, but check often to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cinnamon rolls instead of day-old?
Yes, you can use fresh cinnamon rolls, but the texture will change. Fresh rolls may become too soggy when mixed with the custard. Day-old rolls are drier and soak up the custard better. This gives you a nice balance of soft and firm bites. If you must use fresh rolls, try to let them sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.
How can I prevent the bread pudding from becoming soggy?
To keep your bread pudding from being soggy, pay attention to your custard mix. Use a good balance of eggs, milk, and cream. A classic ratio is four eggs to two cups of liquid. Bake it until the top is golden brown. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes. You can test doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, you're good to go!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time! Mix the custard and cinnamon rolls and put them in the baking dish. Cover and keep it in the fridge overnight. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy warm bread pudding whenever you want.
What is the best way to serve cinnamon roll bread pudding?
I love to serve this warm with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. You can also top it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, sprinkle extra cinnamon on top. It adds a nice touch and makes it look fancy!
This blog post shared a simple, tasty cinnamon roll bread pudding recipe. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can personalize it with fun variations, making it your own. Don't forget about storage and reheating for future enjoyment. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and share it with others!
