Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding with Cream Cheese Glaze

If you’re searching for the best cinnamon roll bread pudding recipe using King’s Hawaiian rolls, this cozy, classic dish is rich, comforting, and perfect for the holidays. Made with cubed King’s Hawaiian Round Roll Bread, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a decadent cream cheese glaze, this cinnamon roll bread pudding is ideal for Christmas morning, holiday brunch, or an easy dessert that feels extra special.

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This is one of those recipes I love making on Christmas morning, because it can be prepped ahead and baked while the kids are opening gifts. The smell of cinnamon filling the kitchen, a warm pan coming out of the oven, and that cream cheese glaze drizzled over the top has become part of our holiday tradition — and it’s always the first thing everyone asks for seconds of.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

This cinnamon roll bread pudding is everything you want in a holiday recipe — simple, cozy, and guaranteed to impress. It feels nostalgic and special without requiring complicated steps or ingredients.

• Made with King’s Hawaiian Round Roll Bread, cubed for perfect custard absorption
• Tastes like a classic cinnamon roll, but in comforting bread pudding form
• Finished with a rich cream cheese glaze that melts into every bite
• Perfect for Christmas morning, brunch, or dessert
• Easy to prep ahead for stress-free holiday hosting

Because it works for both breakfast and dessert, this is one recipe you’ll use year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating that cinnamon-roll-inspired flavor and texture.

For the Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

• King’s Hawaiian Round Roll Bread, cubed – Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making it perfect for soaking up custard without getting soggy.
• Heavy cream – Adds richness and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.
• Milk – Balances the cream for the perfect custard consistency.
• Eggs – Help bind everything together and give the pudding structure.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the spices.
• Brown sugar – Brings warmth and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Cinnamon – The star spice that gives this dish its classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Nutmeg – Enhances the cinnamon and adds cozy depth.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the sweetness and boosts flavor.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• Cream cheese – Adds tang and richness, just like a traditional cinnamon roll glaze.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the glaze while keeping it smooth.
• Milk or heavy cream – Thins the glaze to a drizzle-able consistency.
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and balance.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding

This cinnamon roll bread pudding comes together easily, making it perfect for busy holiday mornings or weekend brunch.

1. Cut the King’s Hawaiian Round Roll Bread into cubes and spread evenly in a greased baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes, gently pressing them down so they absorb the liquid.

4. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to fully soak.
5. Bake until the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still soft and custardy.

6. While baking, prepare the cream cheese glaze.

7. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm bread pudding before serving.

The result is a warm, cozy dish that smells like Christmas the moment it comes out of the oven.

Why King’s Hawaiian Rolls Work Best

Using King’s Hawaiian Round Roll Bread is what makes this cinnamon roll bread pudding truly special. Because the rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, they absorb the custard evenly while still holding their shape.

This creates a bread pudding that’s creamy in the center, lightly golden on top, and perfectly balanced in flavor — just like a cinnamon roll in spoonable form.

Cream Cheese Glaze (Don’t Skip This!)

This cream cheese glaze is what transforms this dish into true cinnamon roll bread pudding. It’s tangy, sweet, and melts beautifully into the warm pudding, mimicking that classic cinnamon roll frosting everyone loves.

You can drizzle lightly for brunch or go extra generous for dessert — either way, it’s the finishing touch that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Pro Tips for the Best Bread Pudding

• Cube the bread evenly for consistent soaking.
• Let the bread soak briefly before baking for maximum flavor.
• Avoid overbaking — the center should stay soft and custardy.
• Add the glaze while the pudding is warm so it melts into the top.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top of the glaze.
• Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Add a pinch of extra nutmeg for even more holiday warmth.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead:

• Assemble the bread pudding the night before, cover, and refrigerate.
• Bake fresh the next morning.

Storage:

• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave individual portions or reheat in a low oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cinnamon roll bread pudding ahead of time?

Yes, this cinnamon roll bread pudding is an excellent make-ahead recipe, which is why it’s perfect for Christmas morning and holiday brunch. You can fully assemble the bread pudding the night before by cubing the King’s Hawaiian rolls, pouring the custard over the top, and covering it tightly in the refrigerator. The next morning, simply remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats and bake as directed. This allows the bread to soak up even more flavor overnight, resulting in an extra rich and custardy texture.

Why use King’s Hawaiian Round Roll Bread instead of regular bread?

King’s Hawaiian Round Roll Bread is ideal for cinnamon roll bread pudding because it’s soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, which mimics the flavor of a traditional cinnamon roll. Unlike crusty breads or overly dry loaves, these rolls absorb the custard evenly without becoming mushy. This creates a perfectly balanced bread pudding with a tender center and lightly golden top — something harder to achieve with standard sandwich bread.

Is cinnamon roll bread pudding better for breakfast or dessert?

One of the best things about cinnamon roll bread pudding is how versatile it is. It works beautifully as a Christmas morning breakfast or brunch, especially when served warm with coffee. At the same time, the cream cheese glaze and cozy spices make it rich enough to serve as a holiday dessert. You can easily dress it up with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if serving after dinner.

Can I make this recipe without the cream cheese glaze?

You can make this cinnamon roll bread pudding without the cream cheese glaze, but it’s highly recommended if you want that true cinnamon roll flavor. The glaze adds a tangy sweetness that balances the warm spices and custard. If you choose to skip it, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little warm cream or vanilla sauce, but the cream cheese glaze really takes this recipe to the next level.

How do I know when bread pudding is fully baked?

Cinnamon roll bread pudding is done when the top is lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. If you gently press the center, it should feel firm but not dry. Overbaking can cause the pudding to lose its custardy texture, so it’s best to check it near the lower end of the bake time. Every oven varies slightly, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.

Can I reheat cinnamon roll bread pudding?

Yes, this recipe reheats very well. Individual portions can be warmed in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, while larger portions can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover loosely with foil to prevent the top from drying out. You can add an extra drizzle of cream cheese glaze after reheating if desired.

How should I store leftover bread pudding?

Leftover cinnamon roll bread pudding should be stored covered in the refrigerator and will keep well for up to three days. For best texture and flavor, reheat before serving. Because of the dairy-based custard and glaze, this recipe should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods.

You’ll Also Love These Cozy Holiday Breakfast & Brunch Recipes

If you loved this Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, you’re going to want to save these next festive favorites for your holiday mornings, brunch boards, and weekend gatherings:

Warm & Savory Breakfast Casseroles

• King’s Hawaiian Breakfast Casserole – A crowd-pleasing breakfast bake made with soft King’s Hawaiian bread, eggs, cheese, and savory breakfast sausage. It’s an easy overnight dish that’s perfect for holiday brunch or Christmas morning.
• How to Make a Delicious Tator Tot Breakfast Casserole – Crispy tator tots, melty cheese, and hearty breakfast flavors make this breakfast casserole a must-add to your weekend meal rotation or holiday brunch spread.

Sweet & Cinnamon-Spiced Favorites

• Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls (Viral Cinnamon Roll Hack) – These fun gingerbread-inspired cinnamon rolls combine festive spices, sweet glaze, and a viral hack that helps them turn out perfectly soft and fluffy. Ideal for cozy mornings or holiday party brunches.