Cinnamon Bun Dessert Casserole — a delightful mashup of classic cinnamon rolls and cinnamon swirl cake, baked together into one irresistible pan.
I first saw this idea on TikTok, where creators were layering ready-made pastries, cake mix and butter to make an easy, show-stopping dessert. Inspired by that trend and craving cinnamon buns, I created a simplified version that combines canned cinnamon rolls, cream cheese frosting and a cinnamon swirl cake mix for a buttery, gooey casserole that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Cinnamon Bun Dessert Casserole
To make this, start with a cast iron skillet or a baking dish large enough to hold about eight cinnamon rolls. Grease the pan well, then press the cinnamon rolls into the dish so they form a single layer.
Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the cinnamon rolls. This creates a rich, creamy barrier between the rolls and the crumb cake mix, adding flavor and moisture as it bakes.
Next, sprinkle the cinnamon swirl crumb cake mix over the frosting. If your cake mix includes a separate crumb topping packet, spread that over the dry mix. The combination of cake mix and crumb topping gives the dish a crunchy, cinnamon-sweet crust that contrasts nicely with the soft rolls beneath.
Slice one stick of unsalted butter into thin pats and distribute them evenly across the top. The butter melts into the cake mix and crumbs while baking, creating a tender, golden top and rich flavor throughout.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool briefly, then drizzle with additional frosting if desired for an extra sweet finish.
Serve warm. The result is a comforting casserole with gooey cinnamon roll centers, creamy frosting pockets and a crisp, cinnamon-spiced crumb topping — perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Notes: I recently had my wisdom teeth removed, so I couldn’t indulge as much as I wanted, but everyone else in the house loved this casserole. From the small bites I could enjoy, it was absolutely delicious.
Cinnamon Bun Dessert Casserole
10 minutes
40 minutes
10 minutes
1 hour
Ingredients
- Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Crumb Cake and Muffin Mix
- 16 oz cream cheese frosting
- 1 can of cinnamon rolls (about 8 rolls)
- 1 stick unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a cast iron skillet or a baking dish.
- Press the cinnamon rolls into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the rolls. Sprinkle the cinnamon swirl cake mix over the frosting, then add the crumb topping that comes with the mix if included. Arrange thin slices of butter across the top so they cover the mix.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool slightly, drizzle with additional frosting if desired, slice and serve.
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