Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares

Featured in: Sweet & Salty Bites

Enjoy pillowy bread pieces infused with cinnamon and sugar, layered into squares and topped with a sweet glaze. This classic comfort dessert brings together the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon rolls and creamy bread pudding, baked until golden and fragrant. Serve warm for a delightful treat perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or whenever you crave sweet baked goodness. The tender interior and slightly crisp edges make every square irresistible, especially when paired with coffee or milk.

Updated on Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:42:52 GMT
Golden Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares glistening, ready for warm vanilla sauce. Save to Pinterest
Golden Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares glistening, ready for warm vanilla sauce. | snackandmack.com

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
Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares recipe: Soft, spiced, and perfectly baked treat. Save to Pinterest
Easy Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares recipe: Soft, spiced, and perfectly baked treat. | snackandmack.com

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

Close-up of a gooey Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares promising pure, indulgent flavors. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of a gooey Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares promising pure, indulgent flavors. | snackandmack.com

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

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Squares

Sweet cinnamon swirls with tender bread, glazed to perfection. A cozy treat ideal for sharing.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Overall Time
60 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Sweet & Salty Bites

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Output 12 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Base Preparation

01 8 cups cubed cinnamon rolls, preferably day-old
02 2 cups whole milk
03 1 cup heavy cream
04 4 large eggs
05 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Topping

01 1/2 cup icing sugar
02 2 tablespoons milk
03 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Adjust rack to center position and preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 03

Layer Cinnamon Roll Cubes: Arrange cinnamon roll cubes evenly in prepared pan, pressing lightly to create a level surface.

Step 04

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until smooth and homogenous.

Step 05

Pour Custard Over Rolls: Gently pour custard mixture over cinnamon roll cubes, ensuring even coverage. Let sit for 10 minutes, allowing absorption.

Step 06

Bake: Place pan in oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until custard is set and edges are golden brown. Center should be slightly soft but not liquid.

Step 07

Prepare Icing: While pudding cools, mix icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 08

Top and Serve: Once cooled 15 minutes, drizzle prepared icing over bread pudding. Slice into squares and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat, dairy, and eggs.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fat Content: 14 g
  • Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Proteins: 7 g