Spring Brunch Cinnamon Roll Bake

Name: Spring Brunch Cinnamon Roll Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls; 1/2 cup of chopped pecans; 1/2 cup of brown sugar; 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup of raisins (optional); 1/4 cup of butter, melted; 4 oz of cream cheese, softened; 1 cup of powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons of milk; 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Cozy Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore this Spring Brunch Cinnamon Roll Bake, as it combines the freshness of spring with the delightful comfort of cinnamon rolls. Every bite is an explosion of flavors, with sweet rolls swirled in cinnamon and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. It's perfect for lazy weekend mornings or when hosting friends for brunch. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also fills your home with the delightful aroma of cinnamon baking, making it impossible to resist. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-02-24T06:13:36.564Z

Making this Spring Brunch Cinnamon Roll Bake has quickly become a treasured tradition in my family. I love how simple it is to prepare, especially on those busy mornings when I need something impressive but don't have much time. The way the cinnamon rolls puff up in the oven is always a delightful surprise.

I discovered that letting the rolls rest for just a bit before baking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Adding a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top is the perfect finishing touch, turning a regular brunch into an extraordinary experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fluffy cinnamon rolls that are easy to pull apart
A delicious cream cheese glaze that takes it over the top
Perfect for sharing at brunch or special occasions

Mastering the Bake

Getting the perfect texture for the cinnamon rolls in this bake is crucial, and one key step is to ensure they are coated adequately with the filling mixture. As you slice the rolls into quarters, consider handling them gently to avoid tearing the dough. This careful handling will ensure that they maintain their fluffiness while baking. Make sure every piece is evenly coated with the brown sugar mixture for that rich caramelized flavor.

When spreading the cinnamon roll mixture into the baking dish, try to arrange them evenly to promote uniform baking. Overcrowding the pan can result in unevenly cooked rolls, with some becoming doughy. A gentle press into the dish can help ensure they fit nicely without being too tightly packed.

Perfecting the Glaze

Achieving the ideal consistency for your cream cheese glaze is essential for maximum flavor and presentation. If the glaze is too thick, simply add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up. Aim for a glossy, pourable glaze that clings to the cinnamon rolls instead of running straight off.

While glazing the rolls, I recommend waiting just a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This slight cooling time ensures the glaze doesn’t melt completely into the rolls but instead creates a beautiful, creamy coating that sits atop them alluringly.

Storing and Serving Ideas

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly is key to retaining freshness. Allow the bake to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, until warmed throughout. This also revitalizes the cinnamon aroma, making it just as enticing the next day.

For a delightful twist, consider adding fruit to your bake. Fresh berries or sliced bananas can be interspersed among the cinnamon rolls before baking, providing a burst of freshness and color. This not only enhances the dish visually but also adds a seasonal flair that complements the cinnamon and cream cheese beautifully.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting the recipe.

For the Cinnamon Roll Bake

2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
1/2 cup of chopped pecans
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
1/4 cup of butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

4 oz of cream cheese, softened
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Make sure you have everything you need before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect bake!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and slice each roll into quarters. Place the pieces in a large bowl.

Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Pour this mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces and add the chopped pecans and raisins (if using). Toss gently to coat.

Bake

Spread the cinnamon roll mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Prepare the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Glaze the Rolls

Once out of the oven, let the rolls cool slightly before drizzling the cream cheese glaze on top.

Enjoy your delicious Spring Brunch Cinnamon Roll Bake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some orange zest over the glaze before serving for a fresh twist.

Key Ingredient Insights

The choice of pecans in this recipe not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the flavor profile with their rich, buttery notes. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can easily substitute walnuts or skip the nuts altogether without compromising the overall taste of the dish.

Raisins are optional, but including them adds a chewy texture and sweetness that perfectly balances the savory notes of the cinnamon and brown sugar. For a modern twist, consider swapping raisins for dried cranberries or even chopped dried apricots for a different flavor dimension.

Scaling the Recipe

If you’re hosting a larger gathering and need to scale up the recipe, you can easily double the ingredients and use two 9x13 inch baking dishes. Just be cautious of your oven space and adjust your baking times to ensure both dishes bake evenly. Keep an eye on the rolls and check for doneness a few minutes early.

Conversely, if you’re looking to make a smaller batch, consider halving the ingredients and using an 8x8 inch baking dish. This size is perfect for a cozy brunch for two or three and ensures you don't end up with excessive leftovers.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cinnamon rolls end up too doughy after baking, it’s likely a sign they were packed too tightly or not baked long enough. Make it a practice to space them out a bit in the dish, and always check for a golden brown color on the edges as a visual cue of doneness.

Another common issue is the cream cheese glaze separating or not coming together smoothly. If this happens, rewhisk it with a bit more powdered sugar until it achieves that dreamy, velvety texture. This will ensure a beautiful finish on your baked rolls without any unsightly lumps.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! Just prepare them as you normally would and follow the baking instructions.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a fresh brunch.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

You can use gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon rolls to make this recipe gluten-free.