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Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding recipe transforms sweet Hawaiian rolls into a warm, comforting dessert bursting with cinnamon flavor. Layers of soft bread soaked in a rich custard, swirled with a cinnamon sugar filling, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing create a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert that delights with every bite.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Custard

  • 2 tbsp butter (28g)
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 3/4 cup milk (420g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120g)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (75g)
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed (130g)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 3 oz cream cheese, room temperature (85g)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature (40g)
  • 3 tbsp heavy cream (45g)
  • 3/4 cup icing sugar (100g)

Bread

  • 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack / 12 oz) or brioche rolls of similar size, dried out overnight or at least 2 hours (up to 16 rolls can be used depending on moisture preference)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard: In a saucepan, add all custard ingredients including butter, eggs, yolks, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to break down the eggs and combine everything evenly.
  2. Cook the Custard: Place the saucepan on the stove over the lowest heat setting. Stir continuously just until the butter melts into the mixture. Do not allow the custard to cook further or thicken to avoid curdling.
  3. Set Custard Aside: Remove the custard from heat and set it aside for later use.
  4. Make Cinnamon Sugar Filling: In a bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  5. Prepare Cream Cheese Icing: In another bowl, whisk together cream cheese, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Set aside.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly brush a 9-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
  7. Prepare Bread: Slice dried out bread rolls into bite-sized chunks, roughly six pieces per roll for even layering.
  8. First Layer Assembly: Place half of the bread chunks evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing lightly to eliminate gaps. Pour half of the custard evenly over the bread pieces. Spread half of the cinnamon sugar filling on top using a spatula.
  9. Second Layer Assembly: Arrange the remaining bread pieces in a circular pattern for a cinnamon roll effect. Pour over the remaining custard, then pipe or spread the remaining cinnamon sugar filling in a swirl pattern on top.
  10. Bake the Bread Pudding: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the center jiggles slightly when shaken, indicating the pudding is perfectly set. If the topping browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning while the center finishes baking.
  11. Rest After Baking: Remove bread pudding from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for at least 30 minutes to set and cool slightly.
  12. Serve: Carefully remove the bread pudding from the pan or serve directly from it. Spread the prepared cream cheese icing over the top while still warm. Slice into portions and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For best texture, use Hawaiian sweet rolls or brioche rolls that have been left out overnight or for at least 2 hours to dry out slightly, ensuring they absorb the custard better.
  • You can use up to 16 rolls if you prefer a moister pudding.
  • If the top starts browning too quickly while baking, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  • Allowing the bread pudding to rest after baking improves texture and makes it easier to slice.
  • The 9-inch pan is recommended to achieve an even, well-cooked pudding. Using a larger pan may require time adjustments.
  • The cream cheese icing adds richness and sweetness but can be adjusted to taste or omitted for a lighter dessert.