Sticky Bun Casserole: The Effortless Holiday Morning Showstopper

Picture this: the warm, intoxicating aroma of cinnamon and toasting pecans fills your home, but instead of spending hours kneading dough and rolling buns, you're enjoying a second cup of coffee. This Sticky Bun Casserole is the ultimate kitchen hack, delivering every ounce of decadent flavor you crave with a fraction of the effort. By starting with a clever shortcut and building a rich, buttery-pecan glaze from scratch, this dish transforms a simple can of cinnamon rolls into a spectacular holiday breakfast or potluck brunch masterpiece.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its tested evolution. Our version takes the core concept and refines it for guaranteed success, ensuring a perfectly baked, custard-soaked interior beneath that irresistible sticky topping. It's the kind of smart, crowd-pleasing recipe that embodies the TFGoGoGo.com philosophy: combining reliable shortcuts with from-scratch flair to create unforgettable meals with ease.

Sticky Bun Casserole Recipe

• Prep Time: 15 mins

• Cook Time: 40 mins

• Cool Time: 10 mins

• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

• Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 (12.4-ounce) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing

• 5 large eggs

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Sticky Pecan Topping:

• 1 ½ cups packed dark brown sugar

• ⅓ cup light corn syrup

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream (remaining from above)

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pan & Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the melted butter into a 9x13-inch baking dish, tilting to coat the bottom. Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into 4 pieces. Scatter the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.

2. Create the Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, ½ cup of the heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, gently pressing down to ensure they are all submerged.

3. Bake the Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is deep golden brown, the center is set, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 200°F (95°C).

4. Make the Sticky Topping: While the casserole bakes, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.

5. Assemble & Serve: Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows it to set slightly. Pour the warm pecan topping all over the top, spreading it evenly. Drizzle with the included containers of cinnamon roll icing. Serve warm.

👩🍳 Chef's Secrets for Success

• The Doneness Test: Using an instant-read thermometer is the foolproof way to know your casserole is perfectly baked. The 200°F internal temperature ensures the eggs in the custard are fully set and the dough is cooked through.

• Topping Consistency: The topping will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick before you pour it, you can gently reheat it with a splash of extra cream. For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before chopping and adding them to the glaze.

• Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the entire casserole (through step 2) the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed. The topping is best made fresh.

• The Right Tools: A deep 9x13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish is ideal for even baking. A heavy-bottomed saucepan is essential for making the caramel glaze, as it distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching.

📊 A Look at the Nutrition (Per Serving)

This is a decadent treat. The following is an approximate nutritional profile.

This is a special-occasion dish rich in energy. The pecans provide healthy fats and a bit of protein.

Why This Recipe is a Holiday Essential

This Sticky Bun Casserole solves the classic holiday morning dilemma: how to serve an impressive, warm, homemade breakfast without being stuck in the kitchen. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a Christmas or Thanksgiving brunch, a guaranteed hit at a potluck gathering, and so easy that even reluctant bakers can achieve stunning results.

It's a perfect example of the kind of recipe we love at TFGoGoGo.com—taking a beloved classic, streamlining the process with a trusted shortcut, and adding our own touch of homemade excellence. We pair recipes like this with recommendations for the practical, reliable kitchen tools that make execution seamless.

Ready to make your next morning gathering unforgettable? For more brilliant brunch ideas and our tested tips on essential bakeware, visit the full collection on our blog at tfgogogo.com.