Cozy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe with Gooey Caramelized Crust

Let me tell you, the scent of warm cinnamon and caramel wafting from the oven is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The first time I baked this cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding, I was instantly hooked—the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. This wasn’t just any bread pudding; it was a luscious blend of soft cinnamon roll pieces soaked in a rich custard, baked to perfection with a caramelized crust that’s dangerously easy to fall in love with.

Years ago, when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, my grandma would whip up cinnamon treats that felt like pure, nostalgic comfort. I tried to recreate that warm feeling on a rainy weekend, tinkering with cinnamon rolls I had on hand, and voilà—this recipe was born. Honestly, I wish I’d discovered this cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding years ago. My family couldn’t stop sneaking slices off the cooling dish (and I can’t really blame them!). It quickly became a staple for family gatherings and lazy Sunday brunches.

You know what? This recipe is perfect for potlucks, sweet treats for your kids, or just brightening up your Pinterest cookie board with something a little different but just as comforting. I’ve tested it more times than I can count in the name of research, of course, and it never disappoints. This cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls but wants something a little more indulgent and homey. Here’s why you’ll want to make it ASAP:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips needed; you likely have cinnamon rolls and pantry staples already.
• Perfect for Cozy Occasions: Great for brunches, holiday mornings, or chilly evenings when you want something comforting.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about the gooey caramelized crust and tender cinnamon-swirled custard.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The texture combo of soft bread pudding and a caramelized crust is next-level comfort food.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance between the custardy soak and the caramelized edges that make every bite special. Instead of just regular bread pudding, this uses cinnamon rolls to bring in that signature cinnamon-sugar swirl and gooey texture. Plus, the caramelized crust isn’t just for show—it adds a sweet, crispy contrast that you won’t find in your average bread pudding. It’s comfort food redefined, but without the fuss or extra fancy ingredients.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and smile. Whether you’re impressing guests without stress or turning a simple meal into something memorable, this cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding has you covered.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry staples or easy-to-find grocery items, making it a no-brainer for your next cozy baking adventure.

• Cinnamon rolls: 6 large, store-bought or homemade (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml) (adds richness and creaminess)
• Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml) (for extra custard silkiness)
• Large eggs: 4, room temperature (helps set the pudding)
• Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g) (balances sweetness)
• Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons (trust me, it makes a difference)
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground (for that warm, cozy flavor)
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (to enhance all the sweetness)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (for greasing and little pockets of richness)
• Brown sugar: 1/3 cup (65 g) (sprinkled on top for that caramelized crust)

Ingredient tips: I recommend using a brand like Pillsbury for store-bought cinnamon rolls—they hold up well in baking and have a great flavor. For a dairy-free twist, swap whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, but keep the heavy cream’s richness in mind if you want that luscious custard. If you want to make this gluten-free, you can try a gluten-free cinnamon roll version, but I haven’t tested it myself.

Equipment Needed

• Baking dish (8×8-inch or similar size) – I like glass or ceramic for even baking.
• Mixing bowls – one large for custard and one for cinnamon roll pieces.
• Whisk or fork – to beat eggs and mix custard ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
• Rubber spatula – to fold and scrape batter without losing any goodness.
• Oven mitts – safety first when handling hot dishes.

If you don’t have a whisk, a fork works just fine. For the baking dish, I’ve tried metal pans, but glass tends to give a nicer even bake and a better caramelized crust. When it comes to measuring cups, make sure to level off your sugar and flour for accuracy—this little detail can make or break the texture. Don’t worry if you’re on a budget; these tools are pretty common and can be found inexpensively at most stores.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 8×8-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
2. Cut the cinnamon rolls into 1-inch pieces. Don’t worry about making them perfect—rustic chunks work best for soaking up the custard.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 large eggs, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined and smooth (about 2 minutes). The custard should look silky and a bit frothy on top.
4. Add the cinnamon roll pieces to the custard mixture. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until all pieces are coated. Let them soak for 10 minutes. This allows the bread to absorb the custard fully—don’t skip this or you’ll miss that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
5. Transfer the soaked mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Press down gently with your spatula to compact the bread a bit, but not too much.
6. Sprinkle the top evenly with 1/3 cup brown sugar. This is the secret to that gooey caramelized crust you’ll love.
7. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a little custard residue is okay—it means it’s moist).
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the pudding set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Pro tip: If your top is browning too fast, loosely tent with foil halfway through baking. Also, keep an eye on the edges so they don’t dry out. The pudding should jiggle slightly in the center but not be runny.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Making this cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding is pretty straightforward, but a few tips can save you from common pitfalls and get you that perfect texture and flavor.

• Use room temperature eggs: They mix more evenly and prevent custard from curdling.
• Don’t rush the soak: Let the cinnamon rolls sit in the custard for at least 10 minutes. This step is key to a tender pudding inside.
• Watch your oven temperature: Ovens vary, so check your pudding a few minutes before time to avoid overbaking and drying out the custard.
• Brown sugar topping: It’s easy to skip, but it creates the irresistible caramelized crust. Don’t skip it!
• Use a glass or ceramic dish: These materials help bake more evenly and aid caramelization better than metal pans.

One time, I let the mixture soak overnight in the fridge, hoping for extra flavor, but it got a bit soggy—so I recommend sticking to about 10-15 minutes. Also, avoid stirring after baking; just slice and serve for best texture. Multitasking tip: while the pudding bakes, prep your coffee or whip up some whipped cream—makes the whole experience even better!

Variations & Adaptations

This cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding is flexible and easy to customize. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch it up:

• Fruit Add-In: Toss in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries) for a tart contrast that brightens the dish.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a toasty texture.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free milk (like oat or almond) and replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Use vegan cinnamon rolls or make your own.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves to the custard for a holiday twist.
• Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle warmed caramel sauce over the top for extra gooey goodness.

Personally, I once swapped the cinnamon rolls for cardamom rolls on a whim, and it brought a lovely floral note that was a hit at brunch. Feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding is best served warm, straight from the oven or reheated gently. I like to add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take it over the top. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea—perfect for leisurely weekend mornings.

To store leftovers, cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through (about 15 minutes).

Freezing is an option too—wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the caramelized crust softens a bit after freezing but still tastes fantastic.

Flavors actually deepen after a day, so if you can resist, letting it rest overnight covered in the fridge results in a more cohesive, custard-rich texture.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding is a treat, it offers some nutritional perks thanks to its wholesome ingredients. One generous serving (about 1/8 of the dish) has roughly:

Calories	350-400 kcal
Protein	8 g
Fat	15 g (mostly from cream and butter)
Carbohydrates	50 g (includes sugars and starches)
Fiber	1-2 g

Whole milk and eggs provide good quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium. Cinnamon adds antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar, which is a nice bonus. For those mindful of allergens, this recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten—though substitutions can be made. This is a lovely indulgence you can enjoy mindfully, especially when shared with loved ones!

Conclusion

In a nutshell, this cozy cinnamon roll bread pudding with gooey caramelized crust is a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to make and hard to forget. It’s one of those dishes where simple ingredients come together to create something special that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins or twists—this recipe welcomes your personal touch. Honestly, it’s become one of my go-to recipes for holidays, brunches, or whenever I need a little sweet comfort. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts, tweaks, or even your favorite variations in the comments below. Don’t forget to share it with friends who could use a cozy treat too!

Happy baking and stay cozy!

FAQs About Cozy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

Can I use leftover cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Absolutely! Stale or leftover cinnamon rolls work perfectly because they soak up the custard better, resulting in a tender pudding.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based milks like almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative. Replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.

Can I prepare this bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day for best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.

Can I add nuts or fruit to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or fresh berries make excellent additions either mixed in or sprinkled on top before baking.

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