Cinnamon roll bread pudding is a decadent and comforting dessert that brings together two timeless treatsβcinnamon rolls and bread pudding. Imagine the soft, sweet dough of cinnamon rolls drenched in a rich, custard mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning and the perfect way to use up leftover cinnamon rolls. Whether youβre preparing it for a cozy breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or as a dessert to cap off a hearty meal, this cinnamon roll bread pudding will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
In this comprehensive guide, weβll dive into everything you need to know about making cinnamon roll bread puddingβfrom the key ingredients to tips for perfecting the recipe. Plus, weβll explore variations, pairing suggestions, and frequently asked questions to ensure your cinnamon roll bread pudding is a showstopper every time.
What is Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding?
Cinnamon roll bread pudding is a delicious hybrid dessert that takes the best features of two favorite comfort foods: cinnamon rolls and bread pudding. It begins with day-old cinnamon rolls, which are cubed and soaked in a rich, creamy custard made from eggs, milk (or cream), sugar, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon. After soaking, the mixture is baked until golden brown and crispy on top, while the inside remains soft, sweet, and gooey. Often, itβs finished with a sweet glaze or syrup for added indulgence.
A Comforting Twist on Classic Bread Pudding
Bread pudding, traditionally made from leftover bread, is a classic dessert that can be traced back to 11th-century England. Over the centuries, it evolved into a popular dish in many cultures, with regional variations and flavorings. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, have a shorter history but are equally beloved for their rich, buttery dough and cinnamon-sugar filling. When these two desserts come together in cinnamon roll bread pudding, the result is a warm, gooey, and comforting dessert with layers of flavor and texture.
Unlike regular bread pudding, which can sometimes be a bit dry, cinnamon roll bread pudding has a moist, melt-in-your-mouth quality thanks to the cinnamon rollsβ soft texture and sweet, spiced filling. The custard mixture soaks into the cinnamon rolls, infusing them with flavor and creating an irresistible contrast between the crispy top and soft center.
Ingredients Youβll Need for Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Making cinnamon roll bread pudding is surprisingly easy, and you donβt need too many ingredients to get started. Hereβs a breakdown of the main ingredients you’ll need for the base recipe, along with some optional add-ins for extra flavor.
For the Bread Pudding:
- 8 cinnamon rolls (preferably day-old or slightly stale; homemade or store-bought)
- 3 large eggs (these help create the rich, custard-like texture)
- 2 cups heavy cream or whole milk (cream will make the pudding richer, while milk keeps it lighter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust the amount to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for added depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but adds an extra layer of cinnamon goodness)
- ΒΌ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar (this will make your glaze smooth and sweet)
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for a smooth consistency)
- Β½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (to cut the sweetness)
Optional Add-ins:
- Β½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor)
- Β½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (for a sweet and chewy contrast)
- Fresh fruit like berries or banana slices (for added freshness)
- Chocolate chips or butterscotch chips (for a gooey, indulgent touch)
- Caramel sauce (for an extra decadent topping)
These ingredients form the base of your cinnamon roll bread pudding, but feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients. This flexibility makes it a great dish for creative experimentation.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Making cinnamon roll bread pudding is straightforward, and once youβve gathered your ingredients, itβs simply a matter of assembling and baking. Hereβs a step-by-step guide to help you make this delicious dessert from start to finish.
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by cutting the cinnamon rolls into cubes. You want to aim for 1-inch pieces, which will allow the custard mixture to soak in evenly. If your cinnamon rolls are fresh, you can let them sit out for a few hours to dry slightly or use a knife to slice them into smaller chunks. Day-old cinnamon rolls work best, as they tend to be firmer and soak up the custard better.
If youβre using store-bought cinnamon rolls with icing, you can either discard the icing or use it later in the glaze, depending on your preference. For a more indulgent treat, you can drizzle the icing on top after baking.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard will be the base of the bread pudding, so make sure the eggs are fully incorporated and there are no lumps of sugar.
The richness of the custard depends on the type of milk or cream you use. Heavy cream will give you a richer, more indulgent bread pudding, while whole milk will produce a lighter texture. If you want to make a lighter version, feel free to substitute with skim milk or a non-dairy alternative.
Step 3: Assemble the Bread Pudding
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pudding from sticking. Add the cubed cinnamon rolls to the baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, sprinkle them over the cinnamon rolls now.
Once the cinnamon rolls are in the dish, pour the custard mixture over them. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press the cinnamon rolls down into the custard, ensuring they soak up as much of the liquid as possible. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the cinnamon rolls to absorb the custard.
Step 4: Bake the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the bread pudding for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can check if itβs done by inserting a knife or toothpick into the centerβif it comes out clean, the bread pudding is ready.
The top of the bread pudding will become slightly crispy while the inside stays soft and custardy. If you like a crispier top, you can leave it in for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overbake it, as this can dry out the pudding.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the bread pudding is baking, prepare the glaze (if youβre using it). In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. You want a smooth, pourable glaze that you can drizzle over the warm bread pudding once it comes out of the oven.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cinnamon roll bread pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the glaze over the top for an extra sweet touch, or serve it plain for a more rustic look.
You can enjoy it warm on its own or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of fresh fruit for added flavor. Itβs the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for any occasion.
Why Youβll Love This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
There are countless reasons to fall in love with cinnamon roll bread pudding. Here are just a few:
- Comforting and Cozy: The warm, soft texture of cinnamon rolls soaked in custard is the definition of comfort food. Whether it’s a cold winter morning or a cozy Sunday brunch, this bread pudding will hit the spot every time.
- Easy to Make: Despite its indulgent appearance, cinnamon roll bread pudding is incredibly easy to prepare. Itβs a great recipe for beginner bakers or those short on time but craving something special.
- Customizable: You can add a variety of ingredients to suit your tastes. From nuts to fruits to chocolate, thereβs no limit to how you can personalize this dish.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you have leftover cinnamon rolls, this is the perfect way to use them up. The best part is that day-old rolls work better than fresh ones, so donβt hesitate to make this recipe the next time you have some cinnamon rolls lying around.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
To ensure your cinnamon roll bread pudding turns out perfect every time, here are some additional tips:
1. Use Day-Old Cinnamon Rolls
Fresh cinnamon rolls can sometimes be too soft to absorb the custard fully. Using day-old rolls allows the bread to soak up more of the custard, resulting in a moist, flavorful bread pudding.
2. Let the Bread Soak
After pouring the custard over the cinnamon rolls, give them time to soak up the liquid. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure that the custard fully saturates the cinnamon rolls.
3. Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to get creative with your cinnamon roll bread pudding. Add chocolate chips, swirl in some caramel sauce, or top it with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. You can also incorporate seasonal spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired version.
4. Bake until Golden
Be sure not to overbake the bread pudding. The top should be golden and slightly crispy, but the inside should still be soft and custardy. If youβre unsure, check the center with a knife or toothpick to ensure itβs set.
5. Serve with Toppings
Top your cinnamon roll bread pudding with a variety of options, such as whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. For added richness, you could also serve it with warm caramel sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does pouring heavy cream on cinnamon rolls do?
Pouring heavy cream over cinnamon rolls creates a rich, custardy texture when baked. The cream soaks into the rolls, making them soft and moist while adding a creamy richness to the final dish. Itβs essential for the bread pudding’s signature creamy consistency.
What’s the difference between a cinnamon bun and a cinnamon roll?
Cinnamon buns and cinnamon rolls are similar but slightly different in terms of shape and texture. While cinnamon rolls are typically spiral-shaped with a soft, fluffy interior, cinnamon buns are often more compact and sometimes feature a thicker, sticky glaze on top.
Why is my bread pudding still wet inside?
If your bread pudding is still wet inside, it might not have baked long enough. Ensure the custard has fully set by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, itβs done. Also, try reducing the amount of liquid or increasing the baking time if the problem persists.
What else can be made from cinnamon roll dough?
Cinnamon roll dough is incredibly versatile! Aside from cinnamon rolls, you can use the dough to make sticky buns, cinnamon twists, cinnamon roll waffles, or even cinnamon roll muffins. You can also use it as a base for savory dishes by adding cheese, garlic, or herbs.
Conclusion
Cinnamon roll bread pudding is the perfect dessert for cinnamon roll lovers and anyone looking for a cozy, indulgent treat. With its rich, custardy texture and layers of cinnamon goodness, this dessert combines two classic favorites into one mouthwatering dish. Whether youβre preparing it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, cinnamon roll bread pudding is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Try this recipe today, and enjoy the comforting, sweet goodness that is cinnamon roll bread pudding!
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