Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

Posted on January 10, 2026
Updated January 9, 2026

Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

The light slipped through the kitchen window that Sunday morning and caught the steam rising from the crock pot. It smelled like brown sugar and butter and something that had been slow and patient. My grandchildren pressed their faces to the gate as laughter moved through the house.

The Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe sat warm and glossy beneath its lid, and it felt like an invitation to come close. I remember my mama setting a bowl of coffee beside it, the soft clinking of spoons, and the hush that fell when the first piece was torn apart. That hush is what keeps me making this casserole, slow and steady, for every family table I welcome into.

Why Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe Still Feels Like Home

Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

This dish holds a kind of quiet magic in our Southern homes. It is not fancy. It does not ask for skill beyond patience and a good heart. Yet when the scent of warm cinnamon fills a house, it calls people in. It keeps a simple promise: comfort, sweetness, and the sense that the day will be easier because you have fed the people you love.

In my kitchen, this casserole stitches threads between generations. I learned the rhythm of slow cooking from women who kept long conversations going beside boiling pots. They taught me to taste for warmth, not perfection, and to trust that flavors deepen when you let them sleep together. This recipe does the same. It turns store-bought cinnamon rolls into something that tastes like Sunday, like stories, like arms wrapped around a smaller child.

Meanwhile, it connects to other slow comforts I make, such as my hearty three-bean crock pot chili, which also fills the house with a steady, homely smell. Both dishes are simple, both ask for a bit of time, and both give back so much more than the work that goes into them.

The Heart Behind This Recipe

The Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe grew from a need to make mornings easier and hearts fuller. Years ago I began setting out something warm before church, before ball games, or before long afternoons of work. I wanted to make a breakfast that threaded the day together. This casserole does that. It is forgiving when mornings run late and generous when company arrives unexpectedly.

My family calls it a casserole because it holds everything together in the pot, but really it is a gentle kind of bread pudding. The bakery sweetness from canned cinnamon rolls blends with eggs and milk, and the slow cook thickens the filling into a tender, custardy center. Once cooled slightly, the top takes on a glossy coat of icing that melts into the warm crevices, making each forkful sticky and soft and full of memory.

Bringing Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe Together With Care

“Every time this pot simmers, it feels like my mama’s kitchen all over again.”

Before we dig into the how-to, take a moment to picture the smell. The butter and cinnamon note becomes rounder and deeper as the slow cooker hums. Texture is important too. You will want soft bite-sized bread pieces that are fully soaked with the egg mix but not soggy. The rhythm of slow cooking gives you that balance without constant watching.

From there, the ingredients are humble but chosen to speak kindly together. The maple syrup lifts the egg mixture with a mellow sweetness. Vanilla ties those flavors to the top layer of store-bought icing. And a little cinnamon in the custard echoes the spirals hidden in the cinnamon rolls. The result is familiar, warm, and wholly Southern in its simplicity.

Gathering the Ingredients

  • 2 Cans Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (You can use another tube of cinnamon rolls, but I think these are the best)
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup of Milk
  • 1/4 cup of Maple Syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Notes on ingredients: Use real butter if you can, it gives that Sunday flavor. Full-fat milk makes the custard silkier, but you can use lower-fat milk in a pinch. Real maple syrup brings a depth that corn syrup cannot match, though a mild pancake syrup will work when that is what you have. The Pillsbury rolls give structure and familiar sweetness, and their consistency holds up well to the slow cooking.

Before you begin, take everything out of the fridge so the eggs and milk are not cold when they meet the dough. It helps the mixture soak through more evenly. A gentle, patient hand wins here. If you want to make the dish feel more grown-up, try stirring in a little orange zest with the vanilla for a sunny lift.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Open your cans of cinnamon rolls.
    Make sure to save the icing as you’ll need it.
    The paper scent and citrus from the dough will fade quickly.
  2. Cut up each of your cinnamon rolls into 4 pieces.
    Work on a clean board with a sharp knife.
    You should see the spirals open into little curls.
  3. In a large bowl, use a whisk to mix together your eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon.
    Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
    You will smell the warm spices bloom as they meet the egg.
  4. Spray your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
    If you’re using a traditional slow cooker instead of a multicooker like an Instant Pot, you may want to use a crock pot liner.
    You’ll still want to spray the crock pot liner with cooking spray to keep your cinnamon roll pieces from sticking.
  5. Place all of your cinnamon rolls in the bottom of your crock pot.
    Spread them out so the pieces sit in a single cozy layer.
    Their soft edges will press together as they cook.
  6. Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls in the crock pot.
    Pour slowly so every roll piece gets a little coverage.
    The liquid should just come up around the dough, not drown it.
  7. Use a mixing spoon to make sure the cinnamon rolls are evenly coated with the egg mixture.
    Gently turn pieces so the custard seeps into the spirals.
    The rolls should look damp and glossy when you are done.
  8. Drizzle one of your containers of icing over the cinnamon rolls.
    Dot it across the top rather than spreading it out.
    The icing will melt and weave into pockets as it warms.
  9. Put the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
    Check at the two-hour mark for a golden top and set center.
    The house should smell like a candy shop that grew a patient heart.
  10. When your cinnamon rolls are cooked through, drizzle the top of the casserole with the remaining container of icing.
    Let it sit for a few minutes so the icing softens the crust.
    Serve warm and watch the way the glaze pulls into soft, sweet threads.

Each step is forgiving. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you. The key is timing and a bit of attention at the end. If your crock pot runs hot, check earlier. If it runs cool, it may need a touch more time. Look for a golden top and a custardy center that does not jiggle like liquid.

Serving Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe With Family Warmth

Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

Bring the pot to the center of the table and let the moment breathe. Gather plates and napkins, pour coffee, and hand over a fork. There is a sweetness to eating from the same dish that says more than words. Children press their palms to warm bowls while the grown ones pass around the fork. The room fills with soft conversation and sticky fingers.

Pair the casserole with crisp bacon for contrast or a jug of fresh-squeezed orange juice to cut the sweetness. A simple fruit salad brightens the plate if you want something light beside it. If the meal leans toward brunch, set out a plate of sliced ham or a skillet of sautéed potatoes. The casserole holds its own and also plays well with the savory notes that often crowd a Southern spread.

From my experience, it is the small rituals that make this serving feel like hospitality. Offer extra icing for those who like it extra sweet. Place an old tablecloth beneath the pot to hide crumbs and to invite the family to linger. These little comforts shape the memory, not the recipe alone.

Keeping the Comfort for Tomorrow

Slow-cooked sweets often taste even kinder the next day. The syrupy custard settles, the cinnamon becomes more humble, and the casserole marries to itself overnight. To keep that comfort for later, cover the crock pot insert with foil once it cools slightly, or transfer the casserole to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325 degree oven for about 15 minutes, covered, until warm through. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds depending on your appliance. If you like a crisp top, run it under the broiler for a minute after reheating in the oven, watching the surface so it does not burn.

If you need to freeze a portion, cut it into single servings, wrap each piece tightly, and place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The slow-cooked flavors will have mellowed but remain rich and inviting.

Meanwhile, remember that slow cooking rewards patience. The flavors deepen in cold hours. Reheating becomes a ritual of bringing the past forward into the present. I often make a double batch on purpose, so we can have morning ease and a sweet second-day surprise.

Lila’s Little Lessons

  1. Timing is tenderness.
    Slow cookers vary. My crock pot runs gentle, so I count closer to three hours. Others may need less time. Check at two hours and then every 20 minutes if you are unsure.
  2. Use what you love.
    Real maple syrup and full-fat milk change the dish more than most people expect. When you use better basics, the result is more soulful.
  3. Texture matters.
    Cut the rolls into four pieces so each bite has a swirl. If pieces are too large, the center can remain underdone; too small and the casserole becomes mushy.
  4. Little add-ins for big memories.
    Sprinkle toasted pecans on top before serving for a Southern crunch. If you want a tangy note, stir a small spoonful of cream cheese into the reserved icing before you drizzle.
  5. Tools I trust.
    A 6-qt crock pot gives plenty of room. I keep a silicone spatula and a good whisk at hand. And if I am traveling, a crock pot liner keeps cleanup as easy as a neighborly wave.

For a savory note to pair across the table, sometimes I set out a pot that echoes the comforting slow-cooker feel, like this sweet and tangy pulled beef. The contrast makes the cinnamon casserole feel even more like a treat.

Family Twists on Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

Every family makes small changes that become the secret recipe. My sister likes to tuck apple slices between the dough pieces for an apple-cinnamon softness. My nephew, who loves bourbon in his pecan pie, will brush a little bourbon over the top and call it the grown-up version.

In the Lowcountry, folks sometimes add a sprinkle of ground nutmeg to the egg mixture and top the finished casserole with candied pecans. Up in the mountains, a drizzle of molasses is a nod to old pantry jars. For a fresher take, stir in half a cup of fresh berries before cooking so they burst and color the custard.

If you are feeding a crowd, try layering the cut pieces more densely and reduce the egg mixture slightly to keep the casserole from becoming too runny. For a lighter feel, fold in a cup of ricotta with the custard mix. Each of these small moves keeps the heart of the recipe while letting your family’s personality shine through.

FAQs About Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and truth be told, it might taste even better the next day. Make it the evening before, cool it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Reheat slowly in the oven until warm.

Will the canned icing work for this?

Absolutely. The canned icing melts into a glossy top that many families love. If you want an extra-special touch, beat in a little cream cheese or a splash of milk to loosen it before drizzling.

Can I use a different brand of cinnamon rolls?

Yes. You can use another tube of cinnamon rolls, but I think Pillsbury gives the most consistent texture. If you use a different brand, cut the rolls the same way and watch the cooking time closely.

What if my center is still gooey after 3 hours?

Crock pots vary. If the center is underdone, put the lid back on and cook for another 15 to 30 minutes on low. Avoid turning to high to rush it, as that can overcook the edges.

How should I serve for company?

Serve warm from the casserole with extra icing on the side and a pot of coffee. Set napkins and forks within reach and encourage everyone to help themselves. The best gatherings are the ones where dishes are shared.

A Final Thought

This Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe is more than a recipe. It is a quiet promise to slow down and to feed one another with thought. It asks little of you: a few minutes of prep, a slow pot, and a warm hand at the end to share a spoon.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this dish becomes one of those recipes that shows up at your table for birthdays, for gray mornings, and for the ordinary Sundays that ask for a little sweetness. Keep the slow cooker on its steady hum. Let the smell gather your people. Somewhere between the sugar and the steam, you will find a small, perfect kind of home.

Conclusion

If you would like a video walk-through of this method to watch the steps come together, the Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole (VIDEO) – Crock Pot Breakfast is a lovely visual guide that complements this recipe. For another written variation and helpful notes from a fellow home cook, see the warm instructions at Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole | Wishes and Dishes.

May your kitchen hold the sound of laughter, the gentle clink of spoons, and the slow, sweet comfort of a good meal shared.

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Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole


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  • Author: Lila Morrison
  • Total Time: 195 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and sweet casserole made with cinnamon rolls, eggs, and milk, slow-cooked for a tender custardy texture.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cans Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Open your cans of cinnamon rolls and save the icing for later.
  2. Cut each cinnamon roll into 4 pieces.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
  4. Spray the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
  5. Place the cut cinnamon rolls in the bottom of the crock pot in a single layer.
  6. Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls slowly so all pieces are covered.
  7. Use a mixing spoon to ensure rolls are evenly coated.
  8. Drizzle one container of icing over the cinnamon rolls.
  9. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, checking for doneness at 2 hours.
  10. Once cooked, drizzle remaining icing over the top and let sit for a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use real butter and full-fat milk. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Lila at kitchen with genuine, comforting smile

    Hi, I’m Lila! Southern home cook raised in Mississippi, now near Nashville. I share cozy, slow-cooked meals inspired by my grandma’s kitchen simple, soulful, and full of love.

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