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Close-up of a glazed pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole on a marble surface, showcasing its soft texture and sweet icing.

Cozy Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole: 1 Joyful Bake

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Written by Alex Hayes

September 3, 2025

Oh, you guys, as soon as that crisp autumn air starts hitting, I just want to curl up with something warm and delicious, right? Well, get ready, because this pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole is basically fall in a baking dish. Seriously, it’s SO ridiculously easy, and it tastes like pure cozy comfort. For years, I totally thought I wasn’t a ‘kitchen person’ either, but discovering simple, soul-satisfying recipes like this one changed everything for me. It’s all about finding that pure joy in making something amazing, and this recipe is proof that incredible food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Seriously, you are going to adore this pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole! Here’s why it’s a must-try:

  • Crazy Easy: We’re talking canned cinnamon rolls and a few simple pantry staples. Less stress, more deliciousness!
  • Cozy Flavors: Hello, pumpkin spice and everything nice! It’s the perfect hug in a bowl for those chilly mornings.
  • Brunch Perfect: Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a festive holiday spread, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes amazing.
  • So Comforting: It just makes your kitchen smell incredible and brings everyone together for a moment of pure, simple joy.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Okay, let’s talk about what goes into this bit of autumnal magic! It’s honestly one of the simplest recipes, but using the right stuff makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • One big can (that’s 12.7 ounces) of those glorious refrigerated cinnamon rolls with the icing still in its own little tube. They’re the base of our cozy casserole!
  • A cup of pumpkin puree. Now, super important: make sure it’s just plain pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling. We want that pure pumpkin goodness, not the already-spiced stuff.
  • About a quarter cup of packed light brown sugar. It gives that lovely caramel-y depth.
  • One teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. This little blend is basically fall in a jar, all cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Because you can never have too much cinnamon, right?
  • A quarter teaspoon of salt. This just helps all those sweet flavors pop!
  • Two tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. Just enough to add richness.
  • And if you’re feeling wild, a quarter cup of chopped pecans. They add a lovely crunch, but it’s totally optional!

How to Make This Easy Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Alright, let’s get this show on the road! Making this truly spectacular pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole is almost as easy as dreaming about a cozy fall morning. Trust me, even if your kitchen usually sees more action from the takeout menus, you’ve got this! We’re going to break it down step-by-step, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create something so delicious. It’s all about those simple, joyful moments in the kitchen that make cooking fun, just like my own journey getting here.

Preheating and Preparing Your Baking Dish

First things first, let’s get that oven ready to work its magic! Go ahead and preheat it to 350°F (that’s 175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good grease. A little butter or cooking spray works wonders to make sure nothing sticks, giving us that perfect release every time.

Arranging the Cinnamon Rolls

Now, for the fun part – the cinnamon rolls themselves! Carefully separate them from the can. Don’t stress if they look a little squished; they’ll puff up beautifully. Place them in your greased baking dish. Try to spread them out into a single layer as much as you can. This helps them bake evenly so you get that wonderful, gooey texture throughout. You want them cozy, but not too crammed together.

Creating the Pumpkin Mixture

Grab a medium bowl for this. We’re going to whisk together our star ingredients: the pumpkin puree (remember, no pie filling!), packed brown sugar, that wonderful pumpkin pie spice, a little extra cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Just whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth and everything is perfectly combined. It’s like making fall in a bowl!

Assembling the Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Okay, this is where it all comes together! Gently pour that glorious pumpkin mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls nestled in your baking dish. Make sure every roll gets a little bit of that autumnal goodness. Then, gently drizzle the melted butter all over the top. If you’re using pecans (and I highly recommend them for that extra crunch!), sprinkle them over everything now. It’s really starting to look like something special, isn’t it? This step really makes the pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole shine, bringing all those amazing fall flavors together beautifully. For more pumpkin inspiration, check out my pumpkin cinnamon rolls!

Baking to Golden Perfection

Into the oven they go! Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the cinnamon rolls to be beautifully golden brown and cooked through. They’ll smell incredible, filling your entire house with that warm, spicy aroma. It’s that perfect moment when you know something delicious is ready.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once they’re out of the oven, let the casserole cool for just a few minutes. This is important so you don’t scorch your mouth! Then comes the best part: drizzle that included icing right over the warm rolls. It melts slightly, creating a dreamy glaze. Serve it warm, and get ready for happy sighs all around the table!

Tips for the Best Fall Breakfast Experience

Okay, let’s talk about making this pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole absolutely perfect! I’ve learned a few little tricks over the years that really make a difference, and I want to share them with you. It’s all about those little details that elevate a good dish to something truly special, bringing that pure joy into your kitchen. Think of it as fine-tuning the cozy vibes!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

A quick note on ingredients: make *absolutely* sure you’re grabbing pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. The filling already has sugar and spices, and we want control over those delicious fall flavors ourselves! If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, no worries! Just mix up your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. And if pecans aren’t your thing, or you have allergies, just skip them or try chopped walnuts or even some pepitas for a little crunch. You can always find more pumpkin recipe ideas here, and I even have a great guide on making your own pumpkin spice mix!

Achieving the Perfect Texture

For that perfect texture, keep an eye on the baking time. We want those cinnamon rolls cooked through but still wonderfully tender and a little gooey in the center. If your oven tends to run hot, you might want to check it around the 20-minute mark. The edges should be golden brown, but you don’t want the centers to get dry. A gentle touch test – if it springs back slightly – is usually a good sign it’s ready. The icing also helps keep things moist, so don’t skip that final drizzle!

Make-Ahead and Storage for Your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

You know what’s even better than pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole? Making it ahead of time so you can just wake up and bake it! This is a total game-changer for busy mornings or holiday brunches, and it’s super simple. Just assemble the whole thing – cinnamon rolls, pumpkin mixture, butter, the works – in your baking dish the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pull it out, let it sit on the counter for about 15-20 minutes while your oven preheats, and then bake it. You might need an extra 5 minutes or so since it’s starting from cold, but trust me, it’s so worth it. You can find more make-ahead breakfast ideas here!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. To reheat, just pop a serving in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warmed through, or for a slightly crispier edge, you can reheat it in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10-15 minutes. It’s almost as good the second time around!

Serving Your Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole fresh out of the oven. Now what? This beauty is perfect for almost any occasion, but it really shines during a relaxed weekend brunch or a festive holiday spread. Think of it as the warm, cozy centerpiece of your meal! For a truly impressive holiday brunch, serve slices of this with some fresh fruit salad, maybe some crispy bacon, and fluffy scrambled eggs. It’s also fantastic when you’re entertaining – just cut it into squares and let your guests dig in. The smell alone will make everyone feel so welcomed!

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Got questions about this cozy fall bake? I totally get it! Sometimes you just need those little extra tips to make sure your pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole turns out absolutely perfect. Let’s dive into a few things you might be wondering about!

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls in this casserole?

Oh, absolutely! While my recipe is designed for that amazing convenience of canned rolls, you can totally use your favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough. Just make sure they’re baked in a way they’ll be ready to be baked again as part of the casserole, so maybe slightly underbaked if you’re making them from scratch. You’ll likely want to separate them and arrange them just like the canned ones. It’ll be delicious!

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No pumpkin pie spice? No problem at all! It’s super easy to whip up your own blend. Just mix together 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves and ginger. If you don’t have all those, even just cinnamon by itself gives a wonderful flavor. Remember, we *do* add extra cinnamon in the main recipe, so it’ll still be fantastic!

How do I prevent the top from burning while the inside cooks?

This is a great question, especially with gooey toppings! If you find your casserole is browning too quickly on top but isn’t quite cooked through in the middle, the easiest fix is to loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil over the dish. This shields it from direct heat, allowing the inside to cook fully without scorching the top. Just pop it off for the last few minutes if you want that extra golden finish.

Can I add other mix-ins to the pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole?

Definitely! Get creative! Some chopped apples could be really yummy in the pumpkin mixture for an extra layer of fall flavor. A handful of dried cranberries would add a nice tartness, or even some chocolate chips if you want to make it feel more like a dessert. Just remember to keep the ratios balanced so it all bakes up nicely!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates! They can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use, especially for the cinnamon rolls. But generally, one serving of this yummy pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole is around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat (6g saturated), 5g of protein, and a generous 50g of carbohydrates, including around 25g of sugar. Enjoy every cozy bite!

Share Your Pure Cooking Joy!

I just love hearing from you all in the kitchen! Did you try this amazing pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole? I’d be absolutely thrilled if you left a comment below with your thoughts, or even better, tell me how it turned out! If you snapped some pics, totally tag us on Facebook – I love seeing your creations. And hey, if you have any burning questions or just want to share a baking success, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Casserole

Close-up of a glazed pumpkin cinnamon roll casserole, showcasing its soft texture and icing.

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A simple and cozy fall breakfast bake made with canned cinnamon rolls, pumpkin, and warm spices. Perfect for holiday mornings or weekend brunches.

  • Author: purejoyalex
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12.7 ounce) can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Separate the cinnamon rolls and place them in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  4. Pour the pumpkin mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls in the baking dish.
  5. Drizzle the melted butter over the pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle with chopped pecans, if using.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cinnamon rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with the included cinnamon roll icing before serving.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Serve warm with coffee or tea. This casserole is also delicious as a cozy dessert.
  • Consider this recipe when planning your holiday brunch, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
  • If you enjoy this, you might also like exploring meal planning services for easy weeknight dinners.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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Hi, I'm Alex! I believe incredible food doesn't have to be complicated. Here at Pure Cooking Joy, I share delicious, approachable recipes designed to bring happiness back into your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

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