As Comforting As A Warm Hug!
Who doesn’t love a decadent dessert that’s as comforting as a warm hug? This gluten-free cinnamon roll bread pudding takes everything we adore about cinnamon rolls—soft, sweet, and spicy—and turns it into a hearty, indulgent bread pudding.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to make this dish, and it’s totally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it! Let’s dive into the recipe and talk about how it all comes together, step by step.
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GF Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Who doesn't love a decadent dessert that’s as comforting as a warm hug? This gluten-free cinnamon roll bread pudding takes everything we adore about cinnamon rolls—soft, sweet, and spicy—and turns it into a hearty, indulgent bread pudding.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to make this dish, and it's totally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Let's dive into the recipe and talk about how it all comes together, step by step.
What Makes This Recipe So Special?This cinnamon roll bread pudding is the perfect cross between breakfast and dessert. You get the crispy, caramelized edges of a bread pudding, paired with the cinnamon sugar goodness that cinnamon rolls are known for.
It’s like your morning treat and an after-dinner delight, all in one! And don’t worry, I’m going to walk you through everything—from the ingredients to tips on making this a showstopper.
Ingredients
- Breakdown of Prep and Cook time:
- Prep: 15 -20 mins - This includes slicing the cinnamon rolls, whisking the custard, and assembling the bread pudding.
- Pre-Heat the Oven - 350' degrees
- Cook: 40-45 mins - 30 minutes covered to bake the pudding and 10-15 mins uncovered to get a golden top.
- So, in total, it'll take 55-65 mins from start to finish.
- 1 loaf of gluten-free cinnamon rolls (I like using a brand like Canyon Bakehouse or Pamela’s Products—both available on Amazon)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups of whole milk (or dairy-free milk like almond milk if you're vegan)
- ½ cup of sugar (granulated or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup of butter, melted (for that rich flavor)
- ¼ cup of maple syrup (or honey if you prefer)
- ¼ cup of chopped nuts (optional, I love adding pecans for extra texture)
Instructions
How to Make the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by cutting your gluten-free cinnamon rolls into bite-sized cubes. Don’t worry about being perfect here—this recipe is forgiving! Place them in a large mixing bowl or directly in your prepared baking dish (9x13 inches works great).
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. You’ll want this custard mixture to be smooth and creamy. The eggs will give it that custardy richness, while the cinnamon will enhance the flavor and bring the cinnamon roll vibe. Add in your melted butter and maple syrup next for that lovely sweetness and buttery texture.
Step 3: Pour Over the Cinnamon Rolls
Pour the custard over the cinnamon rolls, making sure to evenly coat each piece. If you want to take this step up a notch, you can lightly press down on the rolls to ensure the custard soaks into every corner. I love using my hands here—it feels more personal and hands-on!
Step 4: Bake It
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy. Trust me, the smell wafting through your house will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s done baking, allow it to cool for just a few minutes before serving. You can top it with a drizzle of extra maple syrup, whipped cream, or even some chopped nuts for that extra crunch.
Pro Tip: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s next level!
Variations to Try
While this recipe is a classic, there are plenty of ways you can make it your own. Here are some fun twists you can try:
- Fruit Additions – Add a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or sliced apples for a burst of freshness. You could even add dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
- Nuts – Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds can add a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the soft, custardy cinnamon rolls.
- Vegan – Swap the eggs for a flax egg and use dairy-free milk to make this recipe fully plant-based.
- Chocolaty – Add chocolate chips to the custard for a decadent twist. It’s like adding a chocolatey layer to your cinnamon rolls!
- Spiced Up – For a different flavor profile, add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the custard for a deeper spice.
Notes
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s a quick list of the essentials:
- Baking dish – A 9x13-inch dish is perfect for this recipe.
- Whisk – You’ll need this to mix the eggs, milk, sugar, and spices together.
- Sharp knife – For slicing the cinnamon rolls into perfect chunks.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements make a big difference!
- Mixing bowl – For whisking the wet ingredients before adding them to the bread.
- Oven – Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for that golden-brown finish!
Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 350-400 CalTotal Fat 15-20gSaturated Fat 7-9gCholesterol 80-100mgSodium 180-250mgCarbohydrates 50-55gFiber 3-4gSugar 30-35gProtein 6-8g
FAQs
Can I Use Regular Cinnamon Rolls Instead of Gluten-Free Ones?
You absolutely can! Just substitute with any regular cinnamon rolls you love, but remember, this recipe is designed to be gluten-free, so stick with the gluten-free version if that’s your goal.
Can I Freeze This?
Yes! If you want to freeze this for later, let it cool completely, then wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, and then bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
Honey or agave syrup are great alternatives if you don’t have maple syrup on hand. Both provide a similar sweetness without changing the overall flavor.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
“Elevate Your Palate With Gluten-Free Passion.”
Final Thoughts
This gluten-free cinnamon roll bread pudding is perfect for a weekend brunch, a cozy dessert, or even as a fun family treat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor, and who can resist the comforting combination of cinnamon rolls and custard? With a little love and the right ingredients, you’ll be able to make this classic dish your own!
Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with friends and family. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
