Name: Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (75g); 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed (130g); 1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 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); 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack / 12 oz); or brioche bread of similar size, left out overnight or at least for 2 hours for best results (can use up to 16 rolls for moister pudding)

I absolutely adore sharing this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe with friends and family because it combines everything I love about classic comfort desserts: soft, pillowy bread, warm cinnamon spice, and that irresistible cream cheese glaze drizzled on top. This dish feels like a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for cozy mornings or indulgent weekend treats. Whenever I make this, I’m reminded how simple ingredients can transform into something truly special and memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

What really makes this cinnamon roll bread pudding close to my heart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soak up the rich custard beautifully, creating a tender pudding that’s wonderfully spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar. The cream cheese icing adds that tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the warm, buttery bread pudding underneath. It tastes like a cinnamon roll and bread pudding got together in the best possible way.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare without sacrificing any flavor. It requires just a handful of pantry staples and some basic steps, making it accessible for even weekday brunches or casual get-togethers. Plus, it looks so stunning baked in layers with the swirl of cinnamon sugar! I find this dessert shines brightest for celebrations like holiday breakfasts or cozy Sunday brunches, but honestly, it’s good enough to enjoy anytime. It stands out because it’s indulgent, comforting, and a total crowd-pleaser that always gets requests for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board is filled with many small, uneven cubes of soft white bread, showing a mix of light tan crusts and fluffy white interiors. The cubes are piled loosely, with some crust pieces showing a slightly wrinkled texture. The board sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients here are simple but crucial to nailing the texture and taste of this bread pudding. Each component brings something special: whether it’s the richness from the eggs and butter, the sweetness from brown sugar and rolls, or the creamy icing that finishes it all off.

Butter (both melted and for spreading): Adds richness and helps create that luscious custard and cinnamon sugar filling.
Eggs and yolks: Provide the custard’s structure and creaminess.
Milk and heavy cream: Together they create the custard’s perfect velvety consistency.
Granulated and brown sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the custard, while brown sugar adds depth and molasses notes to the cinnamon filling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a sweet aromatic touch.
Cinnamon: The star spice giving this pudding its signature warmth.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out flavors.
Cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, and cream for the icing: Combine into a creamy, smooth glaze that makes this dessert unforgettable.
King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (or brioche): Their natural sweetness and soft texture make them the perfect base for soaking custard and cinnamon sugar.

Directions

Step 1: To start, whisk together the eggs, yolks, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, salt, and butter in a saucepan. Set the heat to its lowest setting and stir gently until the butter melts. Be careful not to overheat or try to thicken the custard here—it’s just about blending the ingredients smoothly. Remove from heat and set this aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: For the cinnamon sugar filling, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until well combined. This mixture will give that iconic cinnamon roll flavor and a caramelized texture once baked.

Step 3: Next, whip up the cream cheese icing by beating together room temperature cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Set this luscious glaze aside to decorate after baking.

Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9-inch baking pan. While the oven heats, slice your slightly dried-out rolls into bite-sized chunks—about six pieces per roll works well.

Step 5: Layer half of the bread chunks evenly in the bottom of the pan, pressing gently so there are no gaps. Pour half the custard over these pieces, then spread half the cinnamon sugar filling on top with a spatula.

Step 6: For the second layer, arrange the remaining bread pieces in a circular pattern to mimic a cinnamon roll swirl. Pour over the rest of the custard and pipe or swirl the remaining cinnamon sugar filling on top to create that signature look.

Step 7: Bake the pudding for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and you can still see a gentle jiggle in the center when you shake the pan lightly. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes cooking.

Step 8: Once baked, allow the pudding to cool and rest in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This step helps it set perfectly for slicing. Then, either carefully lift it out or serve directly from the pan, generously drizzling the cream cheese icing over the top.

Step 9: Slice into portions and serve warm for that perfect combination of gooey custard and creamy icing. Trust me, this moment is pure magic!

Servings and Timing

This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe makes about 8 hearty servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Preparing everything will take you approximately 15 to 20 minutes, including mixing the custard and assembling the layers.

The baking time is around 35 to 40 minutes, and you’ll want to allow at least 30 minutes for resting to let the pudding settle for easier slicing and better flavor. Overall, expect about 1 hour from start to finish, making this a wonderfully manageable recipe for weekend brunch or an indulgent dessert after dinner.

How to Serve This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

A round cinnamon roll with three visible spiral layers in brown dough, covered with a thick white creamy icing that spreads unevenly over the top and sides, showing patches of the warm brown cinnamon swirl underneath. The cinnamon roll sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. One slice is lifted slightly by a flat metallic spatula, exposing its soft texture and swirled layers of cinnamon inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this cinnamon roll bread pudding, I love to pair it with a simple dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which melts beautifully over the warm pudding. Fresh berries or sliced apples on the side add a fresh burst of flavor and color that balance the richness perfectly. Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few decorative mint leaves on top of the cream cheese icing elevates the look for guests.

For beverages, I find a cup of strong black coffee or a creamy latte pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-spiced sweetness. If you’re hosting brunch, a glass of chilled sparkling wine or a buttery chardonnay also complements this dessert nicely. Though it’s delightful warm right after baking, I’ve enjoyed it at room temperature too, especially the next day when all the flavors meld even more.

This bread pudding is such a crowd-pleaser that I’ve served it at holiday breakfasts, family gatherings, and even casual weekend dinners. I suggest slicing it into moderately sized portions as it’s quite rich and filling. Serving it warm with the cream cheese icing still slightly melty makes for the ultimate cozy treat everyone will rave about.

Variations

I’m always excited to experiment with variations of this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. For a twist, swapping the Hawaiian rolls for gluten-free brioche or cinnamon swirl bread works wonderfully if you have dietary restrictions. Vegan versions are also possible by using plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg substitute, and coconut cream to keep the custard silky.

If you want to mix up the flavors, adding toasted pecans or walnuts between the layers adds a lovely crunch that contrasts with the softness of the bread. You can even fold in raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of fruity sweetness. Another personal favorite is incorporating a hint of cardamom or nutmeg along with the cinnamon to deepen the spice profile.

For a different cooking method, I’ve tried making individual portions in ramekins which bake a bit faster and look charming served in single servings. You can also cook it in a slow cooker on low for a more hands-off approach, although the crust won’t be as crisp. Each variation brings its own delightful nuances while still honoring that familiar cinnamon roll bread pudding goodness.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon roll bread pudding stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I like to transfer slices into a glass or plastic container with a tight lid to preserve the custard’s moisture without letting it dry out. Keeping the cream cheese icing separate until serving helps maintain its fresh, creamy texture.

Freezing

This bread pudding freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend freezing without the cream cheese icing and adding that fresh after warming for the best flavor.

Reheating

I find reheating in a moderate oven (about 325°F) works best to gently warm the pudding without drying it out. Covering loosely with foil during reheating helps retain moisture and prevent overbrowning. Microwaving is quicker but can make the texture a little gummy, so I use it only if I’m short on time. After warming, freshen it up with cream cheese icing or a quick drizzle of maple syrup for an extra-special touch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While King’s Hawaiian rolls or brioche give the best texture and sweetness, you can use other slightly stale sweet breads or soft white breads. Just make sure the bread isn’t too fresh so it can soak up the custard properly without becoming soggy.

Is it necessary to let the bread dry out before assembling?

Yes, I recommend leaving the rolls out overnight or at least a couple of hours to dry a bit. This helps them absorb the custard better and keeps the pudding from turning too mushy after baking.

Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the custard up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just whisk it again gently before pouring over the bread to recombine everything evenly.

How do I get that perfect cinnamon roll swirl look?

The trick is arranging the second layer of bread chunks in a circular or spiral pattern and then piping the cinnamon sugar filling over it in a swirl shape before baking. It might take a little practice, but it creates such a gorgeous presentation.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may take slightly longer. Alternatively, you can make multiple batches to serve fresh.

Conclusion

Making this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to brighten up any day or special occasion. The blend of cinnamon warmth, soft bread, and that dreamy cream cheese finish never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and experience how a few simple ingredients come together into something truly comforting and delicious. Happy baking!