Cozy Grandma’s Overnight Orange Roll Casserole

Welcome back to my kitchen! If you are looking for a breakfast dish that perfectly balances comforting warmth, delightful sweetness, and a refreshing citrus twist, you are in the exact right place. Today, I am sharing a recipe that is incredibly close to my heart: Grandma's Overnight Orange Roll Casserole.

This dish brings together the tangy brightness of fresh oranges and the rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, all topped with a luscious cream cheese filling. It is my absolute favorite go-to for a cozy weekend breakfast or a festive holiday brunch with the family.

⏱️ Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 320 kcal per serving

🛒 What You Will Need (Ingredients)

I always stick to these exact measurements to get that perfect, gooey texture. Here is what you need to gather:

Zest and juice of fresh oranges: This is the absolute secret to that bright, tangy flavor!
Cinnamon rolls: You can use store-bought to save time, or your favorite homemade dough if you prefer.
2 eggs: Room temperature works best.
1 cup milk: To keep the casserole perfectly moist and fluffy.
1 tsp vanilla extract: For that essential background warmth.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Make sure it is softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly.
1/2 cup sugar.
2 tbsp butter.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to throw together. Let's get baking!

Prep the Oven and Dish: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab your favorite baking dish and generously grease it with the 2 tablespoons of butter. This prevents sticking and gives the edges a lovely buttery crust.
Mix the Liquid Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest. Trust me, the citrus aroma in your kitchen right now will be amazing!
Prep the Rolls: Cut your cinnamon rolls into small, bite-sized pieces and scatter them evenly across the bottom of your buttered baking dish.
Pour and Soak: Pour your egg and milk mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure every piece gets a nice coating to soak up the flavor.
Whip Up the Cream Cheese Topping: In a separate clean bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and fresh orange juice. Keep stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Add the Magic: Drop generous spoonfuls of the sweet cream cheese mixture randomly over the top of the soaked cinnamon rolls.
Bake to Perfection: Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know it is done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the center is set.
Cool and Serve: I know the smell is irresistible, but allow the casserole to cool just slightly before cutting into it. Serve warm and watch it disappear!