There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, instantly transporting you to nostalgic memories of fresh-baked treats. When I first toyed with the idea of transforming leftover bread into something extraordinary, it was a delightful kitchen adventure that led me to create this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding. Imagine the comforting flavors of beloved cinnamon rolls combined with the warmth of a gooey bread pudding, all topped with a luscious cream cheese icing.
Perfect for a quick dessert after a long day or a show-stopping addition to any gathering, this recipe is deceptively easy yet incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you’ll have a dish that’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a joyful experience for the soul. So, grab your favorite bread and let’s dive into this comforting delight that promises to brighten your day!
Why is Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding a Must-Try?
Warm Comfort: This dish brings the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls into a delightful bread pudding, creating a cozy treat everyone will adore.
Deceptively Easy: With minimal prep and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
Irresistibly Gooey: Each bite unveils a gooey custard filled with cinnamon sugar, topped with creamy icing for a truly decadent experience.
Versatile Delight: Not a fan of cinnamon? No problem! You can easily switch it up with a plain vanilla version, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual family dinner, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.
So, gather your ingredients and check out make-ahead tips to simplify your baking experience!
Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Ingredients
For the Pudding
- Bread – Choose your favorite type; challah or brioche add extra richness to your Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding.
- Eggs – Essential for creating a rich, custard-like base that binds everything together.
- Milk – Adds creaminess; for a lighter option, substitute with almond or oat milk.
- Butter – Melted before adding to the mixture, it enhances overall richness.
- Sugar – Sweetens the pudding; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Cinnamon – The star spice that gives this dish its signature flavor; opt for freshly ground for the best results.
- Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- Cream Cheese – Provides a tangy base for the icing; Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter alternative.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the icing for that perfect smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor; always choose pure extract for superior taste.
With just these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to creating the most delightful Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
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Prepare the Bread: Start by slicing your bread into bite-sized chunks. This allows for an even soak and maximizes the gooey goodness of the pudding.
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Make Custard: In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until just melted. Make sure you don’t thicken it—no one wants scrambled eggs in their bread pudding!
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Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. This delightful mixture will create those sweet, flavorful pockets of goodness throughout your pudding.
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Assemble Layers: Grease a 9″ springform pan. Layer half of the bread chunks at the bottom, drizzle with half of the custard, and then sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, arranging the second layer of bread in a fun circular pattern for a pretty finish.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pudding until the top is golden brown and the center is still slightly jiggly—about 40 minutes. This ensures a gooey inside that’s simply irresistible!
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Prepare Icing: While the pudding bakes, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. This will be the luscious topping that completes your dessert!
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Finish and Serve: Let your finished pudding set for 20 minutes to firm up slightly. Then spread the creamy icing on top, slice it up, and dig in! You’re in for a treat!
Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it even more decadent.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing this gooey delight with complementary flavors and textures.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creaminess and chill of vanilla ice cream beautifully contrast the warm, gooey pudding.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries add a burst of freshness, balancing out the sweetness with their tartness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds an airy touch that enhances each indulgent bite of the cinnamon roll bread pudding.
- Coffee or Espresso: A cup of rich coffee or a shot of espresso brings out the warm flavors, making for a cozy dessert experience.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the pudding for an extra layer of sweetness and a sticky texture that complements the cinnamon.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft pudding’s gooeyness.
- Coconut Flakes: Shredded toasted coconut adds a fantastic tropical twist, enhancing the overall deliciousness while offering a chewy texture.
- Mint Tea: Offering a refreshing finish to your meal, mint tea beautifully cleanses the palate after enjoying this rich dessert.
These delightful accompaniments will elevate your Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding experience to new levels of comfort and enjoyment!
Make Ahead Options
These Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding treats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save some time! You can assemble the entire pudding up to 3 days in advance. To prep, layer the bread, custard, and cinnamon sugar mixture in a greased springform pan, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This helps the flavors meld beautifully while ensuring your pudding remains fresh and delicious. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply preheat your oven and bake directly from the fridge—there’s no need to let it come to room temperature. This allows you to serve a warm, gooey dessert with minimal hassle!
Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Variations
Feel free to make this delightful dessert your own by exploring these fun twists!
- Brioche Substitute: Swap out regular bread for brioche to infuse a richer flavor and softer texture in your pudding.
- Nutty Addition: Throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them first can amplify their taste!
- Fruit Twist: Incorporate dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for a burst of sweetness and chewiness with every bite.
- Vanilla Version: Skip the cinnamon entirely and create a plain vanilla bread pudding for a deliciously simple twist.
- Spiced Variation: Try adding nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mix for a more complex flavor that dances on your palate.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to create a completely dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.
- Chocolate Surprise: Add chocolate chips or chunks for a hint of decadence that combines beautifully with the warm custard.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the cinnamon goodness.
Every modification gives you a chance to savor something new while retaining that classic comfort only Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding can provide!
Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Room Temperature: Leftover Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding can be covered with foil or plastic wrap and kept at room temperature for up to 1 day for optimal freshness.
Fridge: For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay good for up to 5 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the bread pudding for up to 2 months. Slice, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag to maintain quality.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, simply microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
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Choose Your Bread Wisely: Stale bread works best, as it soaks up the custard better. Opt for challah or brioche for a luxurious touch.
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Mind the Custard: Avoid overcooking the custard; heat until the butter melts but don’t let it thicken. This ensures a creamy texture in your pudding.
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Layer Strategically: For impressive visuals, alternate layering your bread and filling. This creates delightful pockets of cinnamon sugar that are a joy to discover in each bite.
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Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove it when the top is golden and the center is slightly jiggly. This gives you that signature gooeyness!
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Icing Tips: Allow the pudding to cool a bit before adding the cream cheese icing. This will prevent it from melting too quickly and help it set beautifully.
Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe FAQs
What type of bread is best for Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding?
Absolutely! Stale bread works amazingly well; it absorbs the custard better. I recommend using brioche or challah for a richer and softer texture, but any bread you have on hand can work!
How should I store leftover Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding?
For optimal freshness, cover leftover bread pudding with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you want to save it longer, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding?
Yes, you can freeze it! Once fully cooled, slice the bread pudding and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
What should I do if my custard mixture thickens while heating?
Very! If your custard thickens too much, quickly whisk in a splash of milk to bring it back to the right consistency. Remember, the key is to only heat it until the butter is melted, not to thicken it like scrambled eggs!
Can I make this dessert gluten-free or dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread of your choice. For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the icing. Enjoy it without compromise!
Is Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding safe for pets?
No, be cautious! This recipe contains ingredients like sugar and cinnamon, which aren’t safe for pets. Always keep any leftovers out of reach to ensure your furry friends stay happy and healthy.
Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding That's Easy, Gooey, and Irresistible
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Bread: Start by slicing your bread into bite-sized chunks.
- Make Custard: In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until just melted.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9" springform pan. Layer half of the bread chunks at the bottom, drizzle with half of the custard, and then sprinkle half of your cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
- Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients, arranging the second layer of bread in a fun circular pattern.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pudding until the top is golden brown and the center is still slightly jiggly—about 40 minutes.
- Prepare Icing: While the pudding bakes, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Finish and Serve: Let your finished pudding set for 20 minutes, then spread the icing on top, slice, and serve.