Breakfast meets dessert in a bread pudding that tastes as delicious as a batch of ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls complete with an icing glaze drizzled over top. Originally published October 2018. Last updated November 2022.

As a lifelong member of the "and now I need something sweet" club, I know a thing or to about unique sweet treats. My cinnamon roll bread pudding is exactly that because it evokes all the flavor of cozy morning buns but for dessert. I wouldn't even bat an eyelash if you enjoyed it as a breakfast bread pudding. Let's get into it!

cinnamon roll bread pudding covered in sugar glaze and pecan halves on white plate.

If you like flavored bread pudding recipes, try these, too!

What Does Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Taste Like?

You've probably seen several recipes for cinnamon roll bread pudding with refrigerated cinnamon rolls. This is not that. But it still tastes like sweet, buttery, spiced cinnamon rolls in a different format. If you've ever had a Cinnabon Pecanbon, the sticky sweet glaze and crunchy pecans in this recipe give it similar vibes.

loaf of french bread, heavy cream, flour, spices, eggs, sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, and butter on white granite counter top.

What You'll Need for this Recipe

Bread
Butter
Cinnamon
Eggs
Granulated Sugar
Half & Half
Heavy Cream
Nutmeg
Sea Salt
Vanilla Extract

Here's what to add to your grocery list.

What's the best bread for bread pudding? Thick and substantial, fully-baked bread is best. I typically use French bread but challah, brioche, or Texas toast work just as well.

baked cinnamon roll bread pudding in cream colored ceramic baking dish.

Tips & Tools for Making Bread Pudding

Do I need stale bread to make bread pudding? Nope. You can make bread pudding with fresh bread and it turns out just as good.

Must I soak the bread for bread pudding? It's not at all necessary. Especially if you don't want soggy bread pudding. I make bread pudding all the time without soaking more than a few minutes.

Can I make bread pudding in advance? Yes. This is a great make-ahead dessert idea for parties. You can simply prep all the ingredients in advance, pre-soak the bread in the custard, or even bake ahead and store, which is my method for easy holiday dinner prep.

corner piece of cinnamon roll bread pudding.

How to store bread pudding to keep fresh? Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. And store bread pudding sauce in an airtight container, as well. Some separation is likely so you'll need to stir it after reheating. Both keep for about seven days this way.

Why did bread my pudding fall? Bread pudding puffs up while baking then collapses or flattens to be about even with the rim of the baking dish. This is normal as there's no rising agent used in baking bread pudding.

Grab a mixing bowl and silicone spatula to mix and smooth the bread pudding base. And of course, you'll need a baking dish for the bread pudding, preferably a glass one in order to see the doneness.

slice of cinnamon roll bread pudding topped with vanilla glaze.

ingredients for cinnamon roll vanilla glaze on white granite counter.

Making the Icing

This dessert is simply not complete with out the sticky cinnamon roll glaze! I put it together in a multi measuring cup so pouring it on top of the bread pudding is easy. Here's what goes into the bread pudding icing.

Heavy Cream
Pecan Halves
Powdered Sugar
Vanilla Extract

vanilla glaze and pecans for bread pudding being spooned out of container.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy this easy cinnamon roll dessert idea very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin my spiced bread pudding recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding Recipe

📖 Recipe