The Easiest Cinnamon Roll Casserole Your Slow Cooker Can Make
There are some breakfast recipes that are so brilliantly simple, so utterly delicious, they feel like a well-kept secret. This, my friends, is one of those secrets. What if I told you that you could have a warm, gooey, and impossibly decadent cinnamon roll casserole, bubbling away and filling your home with the most incredible…
There are some breakfast recipes that are so brilliantly simple, so utterly delicious, they feel like a well-kept secret. This, my friends, is one of those secrets. What if I told you that you could have a warm, gooey, and impossibly decadent cinnamon roll casserole, bubbling away and filling your home with the most incredible aroma, with just 10 minutes of prep? This Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the ultimate “set it and forget it” breakfast dream. It’s a game-changing recipe that transforms a simple can of cinnamon rolls into a spectacular brunch centerpiece.
Forget messy flour and rolling dough. This recipe is all about smart, simple shortcuts. I first made this for a lazy Sunday morning, and my family was absolutely blown away. We simply cut refrigerated cinnamon roll dough into quarters, layer it in the slow cooker, and pour a simple, sweet maple-cinnamon custard over the top. Then, the magic happens. Over a couple of hours, the dough puffs up and soaks in that rich custard, creating a dish that is part bread pudding, part gooey cinnamon roll, and 100% pure comfort. Topped with that classic icing, it’s a sweet, warm hug in a bowl.
Why This Slow Cooker Casserole is a Breakfast Game-Changer
You are going to fall completely in love with this simple, brilliant, and incredibly delicious recipe. It’s a true breakfast hero. Here’s why:
- A Genius Shortcut for Incredible Results: Using canned cinnamon rolls is the key! It gives you all the delicious cinnamon-swirl flavor with none of the work, and the slow cooker makes it unbelievably gooey and tender.
- Tastes Like a Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding: The texture is absolutely divine—soft, gooey, and custardy throughout, with a perfectly sweet glaze on top.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, this is a foolproof recipe that anyone can master. It’s the ultimate “dump and go” breakfast.
- Perfect for a Lazy Weekend or Holiday Morning: Let the slow cooker do all the work while you relax and enjoy your morning coffee. No need to watch the oven!
- A Guaranteed Family Favorite: The classic, beloved flavor of a warm cinnamon roll in a fun, scoopable casserole format is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Servings | 10 servings |
| Calories | 288 kcal per serving |
| Course | Breakfast, Brunch |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Slow Cooker |
Your Simple Shopping List for This Sweet Bake
This impressive breakfast bake comes together with just a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
→ For the Casserole
- 2 cans (12 oz each) of refrigerated cinnamon rolls → The classic kind that comes in a tube, with the icing included.
- 4 large eggs → The foundation of our simple, rich custard.
- ½ cup milk → Whole milk or even heavy cream will give you the richest results.
Let’s Get Cooking! Your Slow Cooker Guide
Ready for the easiest, most delicious breakfast casserole ever? Let’s get that crockpot ready!
Part 1: The 10-Minute Assembly
- Prep the Rolls: Open up both cans of cinnamon rolls and set the two icing packets aside for later. Using a knife or kitchen shears, cut each individual cinnamon roll into quarters.
- Layer the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of your slow cooker generously with non-stick spray. Place the quartered pieces from one of the cans of cinnamon rolls in an even layer at the bottom.
- Make the Custard: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and ground cinnamon until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Pour and Top: Pour this egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the slow cooker. Arrange the remaining cinnamon roll quarters on top. Finish by drizzling one of the icing packets all over the top layer.
Part 2: The Slow Cook and Final Glaze
- Set It and Forget It: Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on LOW for 2 to 2 ½ hours. It’s ready when the casserole is puffed up, cooked through, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- The Final Drizzle: Remove the lid and drizzle the last icing packet all over the hot, bubbly casserole.
- Serve Warm: Serve the warm, gooey casserole in generous scoops immediately and enjoy!
Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.
- Spray your crock pot with non-stick spray. Place the quartered pieces from one can of cinnamon rolls in the bottom.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the cinnamon rolls in the crock pot. Place the remaining cinnamon roll pieces on top.
- Drizzle one of the icing packets over the top layer of cinnamon rolls.
- Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 2 to 2 ½ hours, or until the casserole is puffed and cooked through.
- Remove the lid and drizzle the final icing packet over the hot casserole. Serve immediately.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for a Perfect Casserole
These simple secrets will ensure your breakfast bake is a flawless, flavorful triumph.
- The Paper Towel Trick. This is a genius hack for slow cooker baking! If you find that condensation drips onto your casserole, simply lay a clean paper towel over the top of the slow cooker crock before you put the lid on. It will absorb the excess moisture and give you a better top texture.
- Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray! This is a sweet, sticky casserole. Being very generous with the non-stick spray is the key to easy serving and, more importantly, easy cleanup.
- Quartering is Key. Cutting each cinnamon roll into quarters is the perfect size. It creates more nooks and crannies for the delicious custard to soak into and ensures the dough cooks through evenly.
- Know Your Slow Cooker. All slow cookers heat a little differently. Start checking your casserole at the 2-hour mark. It’s done when the center is set and no longer liquidy. Overcooking can make the bottom a bit tough.
- Get Creative with Variations! As the recipe notes suggest, this is a perfect base for additions. A layer of thinly sliced apples or a handful of chopped pecans between the dough layers would be absolutely incredible.
Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Casserole
This delicious casserole makes for a fantastic sweet treat the next day.
- Refrigerator: Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: You can enjoy the leftovers cold, straight from the fridge (it’s delicious!), or you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds until warm and gooey again.
FAQs: Your Crock Pot Casserole Questions, Answered!
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is a variation of a baked French toast casserole. You would assemble it in a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, until puffed and golden. The slow cooker version just results in a uniquely soft and gooey texture.
Can I make this the night before?
Because the dough is raw, I don’t recommend letting it soak overnight as it can affect the final texture. This recipe is so fast to assemble (just 10 minutes!) that it’s best to throw it together in the morning you plan to cook it.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
You can! As the recipe notes, substituting heavy cream for the milk will result in an even richer, more decadent and custardy casserole. Half-and-half would also work beautifully.
Why do you add one icing packet before cooking and one after?
Adding one icing packet at the beginning allows some of that sweetness to bake right into the casserole, creating an almost caramel-like flavor throughout. The final drizzle at the end provides that fresh, classic, gooey icing topping we all love!
Final Thoughts: Your Easiest, Sweetest Brunch Ever
There is nothing more satisfying than serving up a warm, gooey, and impressive breakfast that you know was incredibly simple to prepare. This Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole is the perfect combination of a clever shortcut and classic, beloved flavors. It’s a dish that is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table and make any morning feel like a special occasion. I hope you and your family love it! Happy Cooking!

