Indulge in Easy Cinnabon Bread Pudding: The Ultimate Shortcut for a Decadent Holiday Treat

As the holiday season draws near, the quest for effortless yet impressive recipes becomes paramount. We all strive to savor the joy of family and friends, rather than getting caught in the whirlwind of holiday preparations. This year, allow us to introduce a game-changer for your festive mornings: an unbelievably easy Cinnabon Bread Pudding, leveraging the iconic, gooey deliciousness of Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls as a brilliant shortcut. This recipe promises all the decadent flavor with minimal stress, making it the perfect breakfast or dessert treat!

A Last-Minute Holiday Rush (and a Cinnabon Rescue!)

With less than a week until Christmas, the pressure can feel immense. I’ve always tried to stay ahead of the holiday curve, aiming to avoid the talked-about stress of endless baking, decorating, and shopping. The true essence of the season, after all, should revolve around cherishing moments with family, friends, love, and remembering the deeper meaning of it all. Yet, sometimes, a little retail therapy and a sweet reward are just what the doctor ordered.

Last weekend, I ventured to the mall, bracing myself for the usual holiday chaos. To my utter surprise, the experience was remarkably pleasant. JC Penney’s was running an incredible sale – 50% off most items! Of course, I couldn’t resist picking up a few delightful things. It felt like a well-deserved victory, and every victory calls for a celebration, doesn’t it?

Between Penney’s and Macy’s, nestled conveniently in the food court, stood a beacon of pure bliss: Cinnabon! The warm, sweet, cinnamon-infused aroma wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a happy place. It was an irresistible call, one that simply could not be ignored. This was my reward, a treat for successfully navigating the holiday shopping scene.

The Sweetest Encounter and a Genius Idea

Knowing my kids weren’t with me, it felt unfair to indulge in an entire Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll with its glorious, creamy Cream Cheese Frosting all by myself. They would surely never forgive me if they found out – and they always do! So, a plan was hatched: take the deliciousness home. The Cinnabon employee was incredibly sweet and helpful. I ordered two boxes of Minibons – the perfectly portioned mini Cinnamon Rolls. They freeze beautifully, and honestly, the second box was already earmarked for Christmas morning, a little promise to myself and the family!

She informed me it would be about 20 minutes as they always bake them fresh – not a problem at all, as I still had Macy’s on my list. I gave her my number, and off I went, continuing my mission. When the freshly baked Minibons were ready, she called, saving me from further temptation (and spending!). Crucially, I asked her to put the frosting on the side. This way, we could warm up the rolls at home and then add the luscious frosting ourselves, ensuring every bite was perfectly warm and gooey.

The drive home was pure, delicious torture. Those boxes of warm, fragrant rolls in the backseat filled my truck with the most incredible scent! Sitting at a red light, I couldn’t help but wonder if the car next to me could smell them too. They seemed to be looking my way quite a lot. Perhaps it was the sheer look of expectation and pure joy on my face, knowing that the moment I arrived home, I was going to dive into one of those heavenly rolls. The anticipation was almost as good as the first bite!

The Birth of a Holiday Breakfast Tradition: Cinnabon Bread Pudding

We all thoroughly enjoyed some of the still-warm rolls that day. But with the rest, a brilliant idea sparked: why not transform them into a Cinnabon Bread Pudding? I am so incredibly glad I had that second box of Cinnabons tucked away in the freezer. This bread pudding is going to be absolutely perfect for Christmas morning. Imagine it: baking away, filling the house with its comforting aroma as we open presents, then everyone can add as much (or as little) of the warmed cream cheese frosting and caramel as they desire. It’s one less thing to stress about, and an absolute crowd-pleaser!

This recipe truly embodies the spirit of easy, delicious holiday cooking. By utilizing store-bought Cinnabon rolls, you bypass the need for preparing dough from scratch, saving you valuable time and effort during an already busy season. The rolls already come packed with their signature cinnamon-sugar swirl and, crucially, that irresistible cream cheese frosting, which forms the base of your indulgent topping. This shortcut doesn’t compromise on flavor; instead, it elevates convenience to a whole new level of gourmet comfort.

The Cinnabon Bread Pudding Recipe

Ready to make this holiday (or any day) a little sweeter and a lot easier? Here’s how to create your own Cinnabon Bread Pudding. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to prepare it mostly ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully overnight.

Cinnabon Bread Pudding

Ingredients

3 full size Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls (or 7 minis)
4 eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnabon Cream Cheese Icing (from the rolls, or extra for topping)
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping

Instructions

Cut rolls into bite sized pieces. For best results, ensure the pieces are relatively uniform in size for even soaking and baking.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs until well combined and slightly frothy. Then, add milk and vanilla extract, whisking again until the custard mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
Add the cut Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls to the egg mixture. With a large spoon or spatula, gently toss them to ensure all the cinnamon roll pieces are thoroughly coated in the custard.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This crucial step allows the cinnamon rolls to fully absorb the egg mixture, resulting in a wonderfully moist and tender bread pudding.
When ready to bake, gently toss the cinnamon rolls in the egg mixture one last time. Spoon the egg-soaked cinnamon rolls into a lightly greased 8×8 baking dish, ensuring an even layer. Try to leave any excess liquid in the bowl, as the rolls should have absorbed most of it.
Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the bread pudding is set in the center and golden brown on top. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm with the reserved (or extra) Cinnabon cream cheese frosting, gently warmed, and a drizzle of caramel sauce as decadent topping options. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or fresh berries for extra flair.

Did you make this recipe?

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Tips for the Perfect Cinnabon Bread Pudding:

Overnight Soak is Key: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! It allows the cinnamon rolls to fully absorb the egg custard, ensuring a moist and rich texture throughout.
Frosting on the Side: Requesting the Cinnabon frosting on the side is a genius move. This prevents it from melting completely into the pudding during baking and allows for a fresh, warm dollop when serving.
Customize Your Toppings: While the warm cream cheese frosting and caramel sauce are divine, feel free to get creative! A sprinkle of chopped pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience. Fresh berries also add a lovely contrast.
Serving Temperature: This bread pudding is best served warm. You can gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or a low oven if making it ahead.

Beyond Bread Pudding: More Cinnabon and Easy Breakfast Ideas

The versatility of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls extends beyond this incredible bread pudding. Did you know you can also make an unbelievably delicious Cinnabon French Toast? Mrs. Happy Homemaker has a fantastic recipe that will have you wishing you bought three boxes of Cinnabons!

Looking for even more easy and delightful breakfast treats to impress your family or guests without all the fuss? Here are some other cherished recipes that are perfect for a special morning, a lazy weekend brunch, or whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying:

Brown Sugar Cheese Danishes

Braided Raspberry Cheese Danish

Herbed Cheese Souffle

Cinnabon Monkey Bread

This Cinnabon Bread Pudding truly is a marvel of simplicity and indulgence. It takes the beloved flavors of a classic cinnamon roll and transforms them into a comforting, make-ahead dish that’s ideal for festive gatherings or a special weekend treat. Say goodbye to holiday stress and hello to delicious, easy mornings!

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I was compensated for this post by Cinnabon. As always, all opinions are my own; I only share things I truly love!