There’s something magical about turning leftover cinnamon rolls into a warm, comforting dessert. This easy cinnamon roll bread pudding transforms stale pastries into a sweet, custardy treat that smells like Sunday morning. I first made this recipe when I had extra cinnamon rolls from a brunch gathering. What started as a way to avoid waste became our family’s favorite dessert.
The secret is in the simplicity. Just cube those leftover rolls, whisk up a quick custard, and let the oven work its magic. In under an hour, you’ll have a golden-brown pudding with crispy edges and soft, cinnamon-scented centers. The vanilla and nutmeg in the custard complement the rolls’ spice perfectly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top, pure comfort food at its best.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is. No fancy techniques required, just basic ingredients you probably already have. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for seconds while feeling like you barely lifted a finger. Perfect for when you need something sweet without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
This recipe is my go-to when I need a dessert that feels special but comes together in a snap. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:
- Turns stale cinnamon rolls into something incredible, no waste!
- Ready in under an hour from start to finish
- The perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, custardy centers
- Smells heavenly while baking, like cinnamon sugar and warm vanilla
- Works equally well for dessert or a decadent brunch
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at leftover cinnamon rolls the same way again.
Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
This recipe works its magic with just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably have in your kitchen right now. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6 stale cinnamon rolls, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups). Day-old works best
- 2 cups whole milk (but 2% works fine in a pinch)
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark, whatever you’ve got
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, the good stuff makes a difference
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon boosts that cozy flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, my secret touch
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for that golden top we all love
See? Nothing fancy, just pantry staples ready to transform into something amazing. Now let’s put it all together!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this. Just grab these kitchen basics:
- A medium mixing bowl (my trusty Pyrex works perfectly)
- Wire whisk for that smooth custard
- 8×8-inch baking dish, glass or ceramic, both work great
- Basic oven (we’re baking at 350°F, nothing special required)
That’s it! Now let’s make some magic happen.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
This is where the magic happens, friends! That moment when humble ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have the most heavenly bread pudding that’ll make your kitchen smell like a bakery. Here’s exactly how I do it:

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
First, grab those slightly stale cinnamon rolls; the drier they are, the better they’ll soak up that custard goodness. Tear them into rough 1-inch chunks (no need to be perfect!) and toss them into your greased baking dish. The uneven pieces create perfect little pockets for the custard to nestle into.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
Now for the silky custard base! In your mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re completely smooth no streaks of white remaining. Slowly stream in the milk while whisking, then add the sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks like sweet, spiced liquid gold.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour that beautiful custard evenly over your cinnamon roll chunks. Here’s my favorite trick: let it sit for 10 minutes so the bread drinks up all that goodness. Then drizzle the melted butter over top (this creates that irresistible crispy crust!). Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until puffed, golden, and set in the center it should jiggle just slightly when you nudge the pan. The smell will tell you when it’s ready!

Tips for Perfect Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
After making this recipe dozens of times (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:
- Taste your rolls first. If they’re very sweet, you can reduce the sugar in the custard by a tablespoon
- Day-old rolls are best, they absorb the custard like little sponges without getting mushy
- Serve it warm, the vanilla ice cream melts into all the nooks and crannies perfectly
- Check at 30 minutes, ovens vary, and you want that perfect balance of crisp top and soft center
Follow these, and you’ll get that “wow” reaction every time!
Variations to Try
Oh, the possibilities! While I adore the classic version, sometimes I mix things up with these easy twists:
- Toss in a handful of plump raisins or dried cranberries before baking
- Stir in toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top after baking (my weakness!)
- Swap half the milk for heavy cream when feeling extra indulgent
Really though, the beauty is in the simplicity, it’s perfect just as is!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Oh, the ways you can enjoy this beauty! My family fights over whether it’s better warm with melting vanilla ice cream or topped with fresh berries for breakfast. Here’s how we serve it:
- A scoop of premium vanilla ice cream melting into the warm pudding (my personal favorite)
- Freshly whipped cream with a dusting of cinnamon for brunch
- Sliced bananas or berries to cut through the sweetness
- Drizzled with warm caramel or chocolate sauce for special occasions
Truthfully? It’s heavenly all by itself, but why miss a chance to make it extra special?
Storage and Reheating
If (somehow!) you have leftovers, they keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover the dish tightly. When that craving hits again, pop individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds, or reheat the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven magic. Pro tip It’s almost better the second day when the flavors have really settled in!
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this heavenly bread pudding clocks in at about 320 calories, worth every bite! You’re looking at 12g fat (6g saturated), 45g carbs, and 7g protein. Of course, these are estimates; actual numbers will vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But let’s be honest… when something tastes this good, who’s counting?
Common Questions About Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
I get asked about this recipe all the time! Here are the questions that pop up most often:
Can I use fresh cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Just toast them lightly first 5 minutes at 300°F helps them dry out enough to soak up the custard properly.
Can I make it ahead?
You bet! Assemble everything (without baking) up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. It might need an extra 5 minutes in the oven.
What milk substitutes work?
I’ve used almond milk and oat milk with great success, just avoid skim milk as it makes the custard too thin. Half-and-half makes it extra rich if you’re feeling indulgent!
Why let it sit before baking?
Those 10 minutes let the bread absorb the custard evenly. Skip this and you’ll get dry spots. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
I’d love to hear how your cinnamon roll bread pudding turns out! Drop me a note about your twists or which topping combo stole the show in your kitchen. You can find more delicious recipes at Family Tastes.


Irresistible Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding in 6 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious bread pudding made with cinnamon rolls for a sweet and comforting dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 stale cinnamon rolls, cubed
- 2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Place cubed cinnamon rolls in the dish.
- In a bowl, whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour mixture over the cinnamon rolls. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old cinnamon rolls for best texture.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
