Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up Casserole: Your Easiest Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Imagine a warm, gooey, cinnamon-spiced delight that brings all the joy of freshly baked cinnamon rolls without the fuss. Our Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up Casserole delivers just that! This incredibly simple yet profoundly satisfying dish transforms ordinary canned biscuits into a heavenly, fluffy, and sweet breakfast or dessert. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings, cozy weekend brunches, or a comforting sweet treat after dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
The Magic Behind Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up: Simple Sweetness with Biscuits
The beauty of this Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up recipe lies in its ingenious use of readily available ingredients, particularly canned biscuits. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience – a warm, inviting casserole brimming with all the classic flavors of a homemade cinnamon roll. Each bite offers a burst of sweet cinnamon, rich butter, and tender biscuit pieces, all enveloped in a decadent cream cheese glaze. It’s a comforting classic that effortlessly combines convenience with irresistible homemade taste. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special holiday breakfast, a relaxed Sunday morning, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, this bubble up casserole is guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite you’ll want to revisit time and time again.
This “bubble up” style casserole gets its name from how the biscuit pieces puff and “bubble up” as they bake, creating a wonderfully textured dish that’s both light and satisfying. It’s designed for simplicity, allowing anyone, regardless of baking experience, to create a show-stopping sweet treat that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. Forget the long proofing times and intricate rolling of traditional cinnamon rolls; with this recipe, deliciousness is just minutes of prep away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up
Before you dive into baking this delightful casserole, here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up turns out perfectly every time.
Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls instead of biscuits?
While you absolutely can substitute store-bought canned cinnamon rolls for biscuits, be aware that this will result in a much sweeter and richer dessert. The pre-made cinnamon rolls already contain sugar and frosting, which will amplify the overall sweetness of the casserole. If your palate appreciates that extra level of indulgence, then go for it! You’ll likely use a similar quantity of rolls, and you can even utilize the frosting packet that comes with them as a convenient glaze. Just warm it slightly in the microwave for a pourable consistency.
Is the homemade cream cheese glaze essential?
While the homemade cream cheese frosting provides an unparalleled richness and tang that beautifully complements the sweet casserole, it’s not strictly mandatory if you’re short on time. For a quicker alternative, you can certainly opt for a can of store-bought cream cheese or vanilla frosting. Simply remove the lid and any aluminum foil (a crucial step!) and warm it in the microwave for a few seconds until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzling a glaze on top truly elevates the dish, making it look and taste complete.
What other toppings can I try with this casserole?
The cream cheese glaze is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to get creative with other toppings! A simple powdered sugar glaze (made with powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract) is always a fantastic option. For a lighter touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a beautiful contrast. And for the ultimate indulgence, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over the warm casserole is pure bliss. Consider a sprinkle of chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for added texture, or even a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Can I use different types of canned biscuits?
Yes, absolutely! While homestyle biscuits tend to create a lovely, hearty texture, flaky layer biscuits also work wonderfully and give the casserole a slightly different, pull-apart quality. Whatever brand or style of biscuit you can easily find at your local grocery store will likely work well for this recipe. The key is to cut them into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and absorb all that delicious cinnamon-sugar sauce.
How should I store leftover Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up?
Any leftover Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for breakfasts throughout the week. If you’re planning to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. For freezing, it’s best to wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn.
What’s the best way to serve and reheat this dish?
This delightful casserole is truly at its best when served warm, allowing the gooey texture and rich flavors to shine. To reheat individual portions, you can simply place them in the microwave for a minute or two until warmed through. For larger portions or to reheat the entire casserole, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until it’s heated all the way through and bubbly again. Avoid overheating to prevent the biscuits from drying out.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up
Crafting the perfect Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:
- Light Brown Sugar: This is the heart of our cinnamon-sugar sauce, providing a deep, molasses-rich sweetness. Remember to always pack light brown sugar firmly into your measuring cup for accurate quantities. Dark brown sugar can also be used for an even more robust flavor.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter is key for creating the luscious sauce that coats our biscuit pieces. We recommend using salted butter as it subtly balances the overall sweetness of the dish without making it taste salty. If you only have unsalted butter on hand, simply add a tiny pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to your sauce mixture. No need to soften the butter beforehand, as it will be melted for this recipe.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! Ground cinnamon provides that quintessential warm, aromatic flavor. Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist, especially during autumn and winter months.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet and spiced notes, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Don’t skip this!
- Canned Biscuits (Pillsbury Grands Homestyle Biscuits recommended): These are the foundation of our bubble up casserole. While Pillsbury Grands Homestyle Biscuits are a fantastic choice for their tender, fluffy texture, any brand of refrigerated large “flaky” or “homestyle” biscuits will work well. You’ll need about 10 biscuits in total, which usually means two 6-ounce cans (or one 8-count and two from another can). As mentioned in the FAQ, you can use canned cinnamon rolls for a super-sweet version, but for a balanced flavor, biscuits are preferred.
- Cream Cheese (softened): This ingredient plays a dual role: a portion is cubed and baked into the casserole for pockets of creamy richness, and the rest is used to create our decadent cream cheese glaze. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for both easy cubing and smooth blending into the glaze.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for our smooth, sweet glaze. Sift it if you prefer an ultra-smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the glaze, allowing you to achieve your desired thickness for drizzling over the warm casserole. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up
Follow these simple steps to create a delightful Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up casserole that will become a new favorite in your home.
Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures easy serving of your delicious casserole. Set the prepared dish aside.
Create the Flavorful Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, melted salted butter, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and form a smooth, aromatic sauce. This will be the sweet coating for your biscuit pieces.
Prepare Biscuits and Cream Cheese: Open your cans of biscuits. On a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into 8 equal pieces. Next, take 6 ounces of your softened cream cheese block and cut it into small, uniform cubes. These cream cheese cubes will melt into delightful pockets of creaminess throughout the casserole.
Combine Ingredients: Add both the cut biscuit pieces and the cream cheese cubes to the large bowl containing your brown sugar mixture. Ensure all components are ready for coating.
Gently Coat and Distribute: Using a spatula or your hands (which can be very effective for gentle coating), carefully fold all the ingredients together. The goal is to ensure every biscuit piece is generously coated in the sweet cinnamon sauce and that the cream cheese cubes are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Avoid over-mixing, which can make the biscuits tough.
Spread into Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer using your spatula, ensuring no large gaps and a consistent thickness for even baking.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The casserole is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown, and the edges are visibly bubbly and caramelized. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 ounces of softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and milk. Use an electric hand mixer for the best results, beating until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the freshly made cream cheese glaze generously and evenly over the warm Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up casserole. The warmth of the casserole will allow the glaze to melt slightly, creating a beautiful, cohesive coating. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, sweet, and utterly delicious treat!
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your biscuit pieces are spread in an even layer in the baking dish. Overcrowding can lead to uneven baking and some pieces remaining doughy.
- Even Coating is Key: Take your time to gently fold the biscuit pieces and cream cheese into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. A good coating means every bite will be packed with flavor.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For both the casserole and the glaze, using softened cream cheese is crucial. It blends smoother and melts more evenly, preventing lumps in your glaze and ensuring creamy pockets in the bake.
- Tent with Foil: If you notice the top of your casserole browning too quickly before the center is cooked through, a simple trick is to loosely cover it with aluminum foil. This helps to cook the dish thoroughly without burning the surface.
- Serving Temperature: While delicious at any temperature, this casserole truly shines when served warm. The glaze will be slightly melted, and the biscuit pieces will be soft and gooey.
- Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny amount of ground cloves to the sauce for an even deeper, more complex spice profile.
Delicious Variations to Try
This basic Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Apple Cinnamon: Fold in 1 cup of finely diced apples (like Granny Smith for a tart contrast) with the biscuits before baking.
- Pecan Praline: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking, or mix them into the glaze for a nutty crunch.
- Orange Zest Glaze: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest to your cream cheese glaze for a bright, citrusy lift.
- Chocolate Chip: Mix in a handful of mini chocolate chips with the biscuit pieces for a kid-friendly twist that adds pockets of melted chocolate.
Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up Casserole
This easy Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up recipe creates a fluffy, sweet, and incredibly satisfying casserole with all the beloved flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Cut each biscuit into 8 equal pieces. Cut 6 ounces of the softened cream cheese into small cubes.
- Add the cut biscuits and cream cheese cubes to the bowl with the brown sugar mixture.
- Gently fold everything together until the biscuit pieces are coated in the sauce and the cream cheese is evenly distributed.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges. If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil. Allow to cool slightly.
- While the casserole cools, make the glaze: In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 2 ounces of softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and milk. Beat with an electric hand mixer (or whisk vigorously) until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the warm bubble up casserole. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For more detailed information on ingredient substitutions, storage, reheating, and other tips, refer to the FAQ section and ingredient descriptions in the main article.
- Using store-bought cinnamon rolls instead of biscuits will result in a significantly sweeter dish. Adjust the glaze sweetness accordingly or use the frosting from the cinnamon rolls directly.
Cuisine: American
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you loved this Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and easy recipes:
- Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
- Pecan Pie Bubble Up
- Apple Pie Bubble Up
- Cherry Pie Bubble Up
- Peach Dumpling Bubble Up
- Blueberry Bubble Up
- Blackberry Bubble Up
- Strawberry Bubble Up
- Bubble Up Pizza
- Bubble Up Lasagna
- Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up
- Taco Bubble Up
- Cheeseburger Bubble Up
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
Calories: 705 kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 34g | Sodium: 757mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 69g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. As “The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist, these values can vary significantly based on specific brands used, preparation methods, and ingredient substitutions. For precise dietary planning, we recommend utilizing a trusted online nutritional calculator with the exact ingredients you use.
Final Thoughts on This Sweet Casserole
The Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up casserole truly stands out as a simple yet spectacular dish. It captures the comforting essence of classic cinnamon rolls in an easy-to-prepare format, making it ideal for any home cook looking to add a touch of sweetness to their day. Whether it’s the star of a festive brunch, a cozy family breakfast, or a delightful dessert, this recipe promises warmth, flavor, and smiles all around. Don’t let the simplicity fool you – the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a memorable sweet treat that everyone will adore!