Cinnamon Roll Lasagna reinvents your favorite morning pastry into a shareable, layered breakfast casserole that’s as fun to assemble as it is delicious to eat. Imagine tender strips of dough swirled with a buttery brown sugar–cinnamon filling, baked until golden and crisp, then drenched in a tangy, pourable glaze. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply treating yourself on a lazy weekend, this cinnamon roll casserole offers a sensational twist on a classic—one that’s guaranteed to delight family, friends, and even the most discerning breakfast guests.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Lasagna
Cinnamon Roll Lasagna combines the best of two worlds: the comforting sweetness of cinnamon rolls and the communal appeal of a lasagna-style bake. Unlike individual rolls, this casserole lets you layer dough, filling, and glaze repeatedly, creating a harmony of textures—from flaky and tender to gooey and crisp. The simplicity of the assembly means you can prep most of the work ahead of time, then pop the dish into the oven moments before guests arrive. And with ingredients you likely already have on hand—self-rising flour, butter, buttermilk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and powdered sugar—the recipe is surprisingly accessible. Plus, each slice looks stunning, making it ideal for sharing on social media or earning rave reviews at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create one 8-inch square pan of this breakfast lasagna, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients (yields one 8-inch square pan)
For the Dough
- 3 cups self-rising flour
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
For the Filling
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
These simple pantry staples come together to form multiple layers of pure breakfast bliss. Feel free to swap half the buttermilk in the glaze for heavy cream if you prefer an extra-rich topping.
Step-by-Step Assembly
1. Preheat & Prep
Set your oven to 375°F and butter an 8-inch square baking dish. This ensures the cinnamon roll lasagna won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Create the Dough
In a large bowl, use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the softened butter into the self-rising flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until a thick dough forms. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—resist the urge to overmix, as that can make the final bake tough. Let the dough rest in the bowl while you prepare the filling and glaze.
3. Whisk the Filling
Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, ensuring the sugar dissolves into the butter. This luscious mixture will be spooned between each layer of dough strips.
4. Blend the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and buttermilk until the glaze is perfectly smooth and pourable. If it feels too thick, add a tablespoon of buttermilk at a time; if too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar. Reserve about a quarter cup of glaze for drizzling after baking.
5. Roll & Slice the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a rough 16×16-inch square. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 1-inch-wide strips, then cut each strip in half to create 2-inch lengths. You’ll use these strips to build the layers in your pan.
6. Layer the Lasagna
Spoon two or three tablespoons of the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange a layer of dough strips side by side to cover the surface completely. Drizzle roughly one-quarter cup of filling over those strips, followed by about one-half cup of your prepared glaze. Repeat this pattern—dough strips, brown sugar filling, glaze—until you have three full layers. End with a final drizzle of filling and glaze, leaving that reserved quarter cup of glaze for after the bake.
7. Bake & Rest
Place the lasagna in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top edges begin to crisp and the layers bubble warmly. Remove it and allow the casserole to rest for at least ten minutes. This resting period lets the layers set slightly, ensuring each slice holds together when you cut into it.
8. Final Glaze Drizzle
After the lasagna has cooled just enough to handle, spoon your reserved glaze over the top. Watch the creamy drizzle trickle down the sides, creating an irresistible finish. Serve warm, straight from the dish.
Pro Tips for Cinnamon Roll Lasagna Success
- Even Strips, Even Bake: Slice your dough strips uniformly so each layer bakes at the same rate.
- Keep It Cool: Chill the filled, unbaked lasagna for 15 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm—this prevents filling from melting out.
- Customize the Heat: Stir a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon filling for a spiced twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the lasagna the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes and then bake as directed.
- Leftover Magic: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for five to seven minutes to refresh the crisp edges.
Variations to Explore
- Apple-Cinnamon Roll Lasagna: Swap half the cinnamon filling for small diced apples sautéed in butter and brown sugar.
- Chocolate Swirl: Spread a thin layer of chocolate-hazelnut spread between dough layers before adding the cinnamon sugar.
- Maple Glaze Upgrade: Replace half the buttermilk in the glaze with pure maple syrup for a Canadian-inspired finish.
- Pumpkin Spice Seasonal Twist: In fall, fold two tablespoons of pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the dough for seasonal flair.
Serving Suggestions
Pair each square of Cinnamon Roll Lasagna with freshly brewed coffee or a hot latte for a decadent weekend brunch. A side of crisp fruit—like fresh berries or melon slices—balances the sweetness, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into a dessert-worthy treat.
With its layered architecture of tender dough, gooey filling, and tangy glaze, Cinnamon Roll Lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any breakfast table. Its ease of assembly, make-ahead potential, and endless customization options ensure it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So roll up your sleeves, channel your inner pastry chef, and prepare to serve slices of pure morning indulgence—no rolling pin required!