Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding is a decadent twist on a classic dessert, combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the creamy texture of bread pudding. Perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy dessert on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Cubed cinnamon rolls are the star ingredient, bringing a sweet, spicy flavor that's already infused into the bread. Make sure they're a day old for the best texture. Eggs provide structure, binding everything together. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel. Granulated sugar sweetens the custard, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. A touch of ground cinnamon amplifies the cinnamon roll essence. Raisins add pops of sweetness, and chopped pecans bring a nutty crunch. The cream cheese in the glaze offers a tangy contrast, while powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract create a smooth, sweet finish.
Serve this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding warm, ideally within 30 minutes of baking, to enjoy the best texture and flavor. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch setting, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures your pudding won’t stick and makes for an easy cleanup. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined. This is your custard base that will soak into the bread cubes.
Add the cubed cinnamon rolls, raisins, and chopped pecans to the bowl with the custard. Gently toss to ensure every piece is well coated. The mixture should look well combined, but be careful not to break up the bread too much. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
Bake the pudding for 45-50 minutes, or until it’s set and golden brown on top. While it’s baking, prepare the glaze. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s all well combined and silky. Once the bread pudding is out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top before serving.