Save to Pinterest Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares meld everything I adore about cozy breakfasts and gooey desserts into one easy treat You get the nostalgia of cinnamon rolls baked into creamy bread pudding then cut in squares for simple serving Perfect for making ordinary mornings a little extra special or serving to a crowd over brunch
I first baked these for a holiday brunch when I had a pile of day-old rolls The whole pan vanished before lunch and now my friends ask for them every time I host a brunch
Ingredients
- Challah or brioche bread or cinnamon rolls: Choose a soft rich bread for the silkiest texture Day-old bread gives better absorption
- Whole milk: The richness of whole milk makes the custard tender and creamy
- Heavy cream: Adds that crave-worthy lushness
- Large eggs: Essential for setting the custard and binding everything
- Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and brings caramel notes Look for soft fresh brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show Freshly ground adds the boldest flavor
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile Pure extract or paste makes a difference
- Melted butter: Adds buttery warmth and richness to every bite Use good quality for the best flavor
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the other flavors
Instructions
- Cube and Toast the Bread:
- Cut your bread or cinnamon rolls into cubes about one inch even pieces work best Spread on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350 Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes until barely golden This drying step helps the bread soak up all the custard
- Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl whisk together whole milk heavy cream eggs brown sugar cinnamon vanilla and a pinch of salt Whisk until the mixture is totally smooth with no streaks of egg
- Combine and Soak:
- Scatter the toasted bread cubes in a buttered square baking pan Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread pressing gently to submerge all cubes Let it sit for at least fifteen minutes so the bread can absorb maximum moisture
- Top and Bake:
- Drizzle melted butter over the top of the mixture for a golden finish Bake at 350 Fahrenheit until puffed and the top springs back to a gentle touch This usually takes 35 to 40 minutes The center should be just set with a slight jiggle but not wet
- Cool and Slice:
- Allow the pan to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares This helps them hold shape for neat serving
Save to Pinterest The brown sugar is honestly my favorite part It melts with the butter to form little pockets of gooey caramel I still remember my niece sneaking an extra scoop before dinner just for those buttery edges
Storage and Reheating
Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares keep in the fridge for up to three days Just be sure to cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer the squares to an airtight container Warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick treat or slide the pan back into a low oven to refresh the texture
Ingredient Swaps
If you do not have homemade cinnamon rolls use thick slices of raisin bread or swirl bread Brioche and challah both work beautifully If you want to cut back on dairy substitute half and half for the cream or use all milk Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or raisins for extra flair
Serving Ideas
Serve these squares dusted with powdered sugar or with a drizzle of warm cream Cheese glaze on top is a lovely special touch At brunch I like to put them alongside sliced fruit and good strong coffee
Cinnamon Roll Traditions
Bread pudding has roots in European kitchens where no bread went to waste The cinnamon roll spin lends it a playful American breakfast vibe Growing up I only had classic raisin bread pudding but now my family is firmly on the cinnamon train
Seasonal Tweaks
Chop in a handful of tart apples or pears for autumn Scatter a few fresh raspberries over the top in spring for color Add orange zest to the custard for a festive winter taste
Success Stories
One pan of these has turned so many reluctant breakfast eaters into cinnamon bread pudding fans I once baked a double batch for a school bake sale and all that came home was an empty dish and a lot of requests for the recipe
Save to Pinterest This recipe is a guaranteed way to turn extra bread and a few staple ingredients into something truly memorable Enjoy every warm spiced bite with loved ones and let those requests for seconds roll in