Cinnamon Roll Pancake Casserole (Printable version)

A fluffy cinnamon swirl pancake bake finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze for morning indulgence.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pancake Batter

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Swirl

10 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
12 - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

→ Cream Cheese Glaze

13 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 - 1 cup powdered sugar
15 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain fluffy texture.
05 - Pour pancake batter evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading to fill corners.
06 - In a small bowl, combine melted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well blended.
07 - Transfer cinnamon mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag with one corner snipped. Pipe swirls or zig-zag patterns across the pancake batter surface.
08 - Use a thin knife or wooden skewer to gently drag through the cinnamon mixture, creating decorative swirl patterns without over-mixing into the batter.
09 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
10 - While casserole bakes, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer or hand whisk until smooth and pourable. Add additional milk as needed for desired consistency.
11 - Remove casserole from oven and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Drizzle cream cheese glaze evenly over warm casserole.
12 - Slice into portions and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh berries or chopped pecans.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Combines two beloved breakfast classics—cinnamon rolls and pancakes—into one easy-to-share casserole
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd without standing over the stove flipping individual pancakes
  • Can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning for stress-free entertaining
  • Features a decadent cream cheese glaze that takes this breakfast from good to absolutely unforgettable
  • Delivers the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite
02 -
  • Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for the smoothest batter that incorporates easily
  • Don't skip the cooling period before glazing—it prevents the glaze from melting completely and allows it to settle into a beautiful drizzle
  • For the prettiest swirls, pipe the cinnamon mixture in a consistent pattern, then swirl gently without overworking
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat individual portions for 20–30 seconds in the microwave
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