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 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 similar brioche rolls, left out overnight or at least 2 hours

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 21 reviews

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls and the creamy indulgence of bread pudding, you are going to be head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe. It takes the classic cinnamon roll experience and transforms it into a luscious, custardy dessert that’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or any time you need a big hug in food form. With soft Hawaiian sweet rolls soaked in a spiced custard, swirled with a buttery cinnamon sugar mixture, and generously topped with smooth cream cheese icing, this dish promises each bite to be a symphony of sweet, buttery, and spicy goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will easily become your go-to comfort food that you’ll want to share with all your favorite people.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a cinnamon roll cake with one slice being lifted on a cake server. The cake has two main layers: the base is a golden brown baked dough with visible swirls of cinnamon, and the top layer is a thick, smooth white cream cheese icing covering the entire surface. The icing looks soft and slightly shiny, dripping slightly over the edges of the cake. The cake sits on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s truly wonderful about this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is that all the ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible flavor and texture we adore. From the rich dairy components to the aromatic cinnamon, every element blends together perfectly to make this dish shine.

Butter (2 tbsp and 1/3 cup melted): Adds richness and helps create the luscious cinnamon sugar filling and buttery notes throughout.
Eggs and yolks (2 eggs, 2 yolks): Essential for the custard’s silky texture and structure that soaks into the bread.
Milk (1 3/4 cup) and heavy cream (1/2 cup + 3 tbsp): Provide creaminess to the custard and smoothness to the cream cheese icing.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the custard subtly without overpowering.
Vanilla (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and depth to the custard base.
Salt (1/4 tsp in custard and 1/4 tsp in cinnamon sugar): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Brown sugar (2/3 cup, packed): Gives the cinnamon sugar filling rich caramel notes.
Cinnamon (1 1/2 tbsp): Brings that signature spicy warmth synonymous with cinnamon rolls.
Cream cheese (3 oz, room temperature): The star of the icing, creating a tangy, creamy finish.
Icing sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese icing beautifully.
King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (12 rolls): The perfect soft, sweet bread that soaks up the custard unlike any other, or brioche for a similar effect.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

Start by whisking together the eggs, yolks, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Cook gently over the lowest flame, stirring until the butter melts. This step is crucial to blend all flavors but be careful not to let it cook too long or thicken. Once the butter melts, take it off the heat and set aside to cool slightly. This silky custard will soak your bread, making it tender yet holding the pudding together.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Filling

Next, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. This filling is where the magic happens—the sugary butter melds with cinnamon to create that classic cinnamon roll swirled flavor in every bite. Set this aside; you’ll be layering and swirling this throughout the dish.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Icing

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream cheese, softened butter, heavy cream, and icing sugar until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This icing adds the perfect creamy tang that cuts through the sweetness of the pudding, just like a traditional cinnamon roll topping. Keep it ready to coat your pudding once it’s baked and cooled.

Step 4: Assemble the Bread Pudding

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9-inch baking pan. Slice your dried-out Hawaiian sweet rolls into roughly six bite-sized pieces each—day-old rolls work best to soak up the custard without turning mushy. Layer half the bread pieces evenly in the pan, pressing lightly to eliminate gaps. Pour half the custard over the bread and spread half of the cinnamon sugar filling using a spatula.

Step 5: Create the Signature Cinnamon Roll Look

For the second layer, arrange the remaining bread pieces in a circular pattern to mimic cinnamon roll spirals. Pour the remaining custard over and carefully pipe or swirl the remaining cinnamon sugar filling on top in a spiral pattern. This step not only tastes incredible but also delivers that gorgeous visual cue reminding you of classic cinnamon rolls baked into pudding form.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the pudding for about 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden and it jiggles gently when you shake the pan. Avoid overbaking or it will dry out. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking to ensure the center cooks through without burning.

Step 7: Rest and Ice

Once out of the oven, allow the bread pudding to rest for at least 30 minutes in the pan. This step lets the custard set fully for easier slicing. Then either lift it out carefully or serve it straight from the pan, generously spreading the cream cheese icing all over the top. The warmth of the pudding slightly melts the icing, creating that dreamy gooey finish.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Finally, slice your Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe into warm, inviting squares and serve. Each forkful is a perfect balance of cinnamon-spiced bread pudding and tangy-sweet icing that feels like a warm hug.

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

Three thick pieces of cinnamon roll are stacked on top of each other, showing soft, fluffy texture inside with swirls of brown cinnamon sugar running through each layer. A creamy white glaze drips down the sides and between the layers, giving a shiny, sticky look. The cinnamon rolls have a golden brown crust on the edges and a light yellow interior. The stack sits on a white marbled surface with a smooth background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your serving experience with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves can also brighten the plate visually and add a dimension of freshness.

Side Dishes

This bread pudding is a star on its own, but if you want to serve it as part of a brunch spread, pair it with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to balance the sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or chai tea complements the cinnamon and cream cheese notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, serve individual portions in ramekins with a swirl of cream cheese icing piped artistically on top. You can also turn this into a trifle by layering the bread pudding pieces with whipped cream and fresh fruits in a clear glass dish for a stunning visual dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover bread pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld further.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread pudding after baking but before icing by wrapping it tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh cream cheese icing.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until warm but not hot to preserve the creamy texture. Alternatively, warm in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes. Add the cream cheese icing after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use other kinds of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! Brioche or challah are excellent substitutes due to their rich, soft texture. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or dried out overnight so it absorbs the custard well without becoming mushy.

Is it necessary to let the bread rest before baking?

Allowing the bread rolls to become a bit stale or dry helps them soak up the custard properly without disintegrating. You can leave them out uncovered for a few hours or overnight to achieve the ideal texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While traditional ingredients give the best flavor and texture, you can try using dairy-free milk alternatives and vegan butter. Also, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free version. The flavor will vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

How do I get the pudding to have the cinnamon roll swirl effect?

The key is arranging the bread pieces in a circular pattern for the top layer and piping or swirling the cinnamon sugar filling on top before baking. This creates a visual and flavor cue reminiscent of a cinnamon roll swirl.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the pudding a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh before serving and apply the cream cheese icing while warm for that perfect presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe truly captures the soul of warm cinnamon rolls with the comforting silkiness of bread pudding, making it a must-try for anyone who loves desserts with heart and soul. I encourage you to take a little time to make this dish—it’s well worth it for the smiles and compliments that come from every bite. Whether for a cozy family weekend or a special brunch, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.