Name: Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup brown sugar; 4 tablespoons butter; 10 ounces cranberries; 1 tube of cinnamon rolls (8 rolls)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 72 reviews

If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls combined with a tangy burst of fruit, you are going to adore this Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe. It’s the ultimate blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness that’s just bursting with festive charm. Imagine tender cinnamon roll pieces soaking up a luscious, warm cranberry compote that turns each bite into a mouthwatering experience. This recipe is surprisingly simple yet delivers a wow factor that’s perfect for a holiday brunch, a special breakfast, or a comforting dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden cutting board with cinnamon roll dough in different stages: on the top half of the board, there are three thick slices of cinnamon roll dough with visible spiral layers of off-white dough and dark brown cinnamon filling; on the bottom half, more cinnamon roll dough is cut into smaller pieces, showing rough, uneven shapes and the same spiral pattern; to the right of the board is a knife with a light-colored handle, while on the left side of the image, a white bowl filled with shiny, red cranberries and dark red syrup sits on a white marbled surface; the overall color scheme includes warm browns, creamy whites, and deep reds, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple ingredients is all that’s needed to create this stunning Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe. Each one plays a special role in building the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that will make your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland.

¾ cup brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness and a deep caramel flavor to the cranberry glaze.
4 tablespoons butter: Melts into the sugar to create a velvety sauce that coats the cranberries perfectly.
10 ounces cranberries: Bring a fresh tartness and vibrant red color that brightens the whole dish.
1 tube Cinnamon Rolls (with 8 rolls): The star ingredient that provides fluffy, cinnamon-spiced layers to this bake.
Cooking spray: Keeps your cake pan greased and prevents the bake from sticking.

How to Make Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cranberry Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit—this ensures you’ll bake the cranberry cinnamon roll bake evenly. Next, combine brown sugar and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, creating a luscious base to soak your cranberries. Add half of the cranberries and let them cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step softens the berries and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Prep the Pan and Finish the Cranberry Glaze

Grease an 8-inch cake pan well with cooking spray so nothing sticks later. After the initial 10 minutes, stir in the remaining cranberries and pour the entire warm mixture into the pan. The berries will continue to soften while baking, making a deliciously tart layer underneath the cinnamon rolls.

Step 3: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the tube of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into small pieces. Don’t worry about being too precise here—just make sure the pieces are bite-sized so they bake evenly. Spread these cinnamon roll chunks evenly over the cranberry layer in your cake pan, covering the tangy fruit base completely for that perfect balance between sweet and tart with every forkful.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cinnamon rolls turn a glorious golden brown on top. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes! Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps everything set so it flips beautifully in the next step.

Step 5: Flip for the Big Reveal

Carefully flip the cake onto a serving platter so that the cranberries are proudly displayed on top. This stunning presentation not only looks gorgeous but also ensures the tart layer is the first thing to greet your taste buds.

How to Serve Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe

A round upside-down cake is shown on a white cake stand, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has a thick, dark red and glossy top layer made of cooked berries that look juicy and sticky, covering the entire surface. Underneath, there is a golden-brown sponge cake layer with a slightly uneven edge that peeks out beneath the berry topping. The cake looks moist and rich with visible whole berries embedded on the top layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To dress up your Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe, consider dusting it lightly with powdered sugar for a snow-kissed effect. Fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like pecans add extra crunch and color. A drizzle of vanilla glaze or cream cheese icing can make it even more indulgent, balancing the tart cranberries with a creamy sweetness.

Side Dishes

This bake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to round out the cozy experience. For a fuller brunch spread, offer alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to keep things light and fresh against the richness of the bake.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, serve this bake in a glass trifle dish layered with whipped cream between each spoonful. Alternatively, portion it out in individual ramekins for cute single servings. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint to your platter brings a lovely aroma and a pretty pop of green alongside the reds and browns.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors will meld even more, making each bite tastier the next day.

Freezing

To freeze your bake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so it warms evenly without drying out.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm and the cinnamon roll dough is soft again. For a crispier top, pop the bake slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. This brings back that delightful fresh-from-the-oven texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries work perfectly in this Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe and will provide a nice pop of tartness. Just make sure to rinse and dry them before use.

What if I don’t have cinnamon rolls on hand?

While store-bought cinnamon rolls are super convenient, you can use homemade cinnamon roll dough or even crescent roll dough for a unique twist. Just adjust baking times as needed.

Is this recipe suitable for a breakfast or a dessert?

This bake is wonderfully versatile and works well both as a festive breakfast dish and a comforting dessert. The cinnamon and cranberry combo feels special any time of day.

Can I add nuts or other fruits to this bake?

Yes! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried fruit like raisins can elevate texture and flavor nicely. Just fold them into the cranberry mixture before layering the cinnamon rolls on top.

How do I prevent the cinnamon rolls from getting soggy?

Cooking the cranberries first and letting the bake cool a bit before flipping helps keep the cinnamon rolls from becoming too soggy. Baking until golden brown also ensures a nice crisp exterior.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe is a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any table. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that’s both comforting and impressive. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the delicious moments it creates with your loved ones. Trust me, once you taste those tangy cranberries paired with cinnamon sweetness, you’ll want to make this bake again and again.