Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake

This cinnamon roll dump cake is my secret weapon for effortless gatherings and cozy weeknight treats. You get everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls but with almost no work and just a single baking dish. It is rich creamy and warm with all the buttery comfort you crave in a true crowd-pleasing dessert.

The first time I made this was for a last-minute brunch with friends and everyone wanted the recipe before they finished their plates. Now it has become a tradition for holiday mornings and weekend sleepovers.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: look for ones with plenty of swirls and included icing for that classic taste
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: gives a creamy custardy texture and helps the cake set up beautifully
• Whole milk: makes the pudding extra lush and creates that gooey bakery feel
• Unsalted butter: dot across the top for rich flavor and golden color use high quality butter for the best finish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Make sure to grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish thoroughly so nothing sticks later

Prep the Cinnamon Rolls:

Open up your cans then use a sharp knife to cut each roll into quarters this helps them bake evenly and lets all the custard seep in Arrange the pieces in a single even layer across the dish

Mix the Pudding:

In a mixing bowl whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with whole milk Stir briskly until smooth with no lumps so you do not get any dry pockets in the cake

Assemble the Cake:

Pour your pudding evenly all over the arranged cinnamon roll pieces Make sure every piece gets some love with the mixture

Add Butter:

Sprinkle small pieces of unsalted butter over the pudding and rolls Scatter them evenly so you get golden edges and rich flavor in every bite

Bake:

Slide the dish onto the middle rack and bake for 25 minutes Watch for the rolls to puff and the top to turn golden with a few bubbly spots at the edges

Drizzle the Icing:

Once out of the oven let it cool for just a few minutes Slightly warm is perfect Drizzle the included icing packet all over for that signature cinnamon roll finish

I absolutely love the aroma that fills the kitchen when this cake bakes The cinnamon and vanilla scent always reminds me of cozy lazy Sundays at home when my family gathers around the kitchen for a warm treat

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days The cake reheats well in the microwave just use a lower power setting so the icing does not scorch If you want a fresh baked feel again pop a serving in a low oven for a few minutes until warm and gooey

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use low fat milk but expect the texture to be a bit less rich Almond or oat milk work too for a slight twist If you want even more flavor swap the plain butter for one with a pinch of salt or sprinkle in a little nutmeg

Serving Suggestions

Top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an over the top dessert A few fresh berries on the side add a welcome tangy contrast

Cultural Context

Dump cakes are a nostalgic part of American potluck history valued for being easy unfussy and sharable The combo of cinnamon rolls and cake in one pan creates something familiar yet a little new

Seasonal Adaptations

Add chopped apples or pears in fall for a harvest twist Toss cranberries in during winter holidays for color and tang Try a splash of maple extract in the pudding for a cozy flavor shift

Success Stories

Friends who never bake regularly request this recipe after trying it at my table My kids loved it so much that they started calling it breakfast cake and asking for it on special mornings That is a win in my book

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can freeze the baked cake If doing this let it cool completely then wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with a touch of extra icing if needed Make sure to freeze before adding any fresh toppings like fruit or nuts

This cake is a lifesaver on busy mornings or whenever you need a sweet showstopper with minimum effort. Enjoy the warm gooey slices and let it become your own family tradition too.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?

Yes, homemade cinnamon rolls work well. Cut them into pieces and proceed as described for a richer, more personalized touch.

→ Is it possible to use a different pudding flavor?

Substitute vanilla pudding with flavors like butterscotch or caramel for a unique taste variation.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to three days. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.

→ Can this dessert be made ahead of time?

The dish is best baked fresh, but you can assemble it beforehand and bake just before serving for optimal texture.

→ Are there suggested toppings or variations?

Try chopped pecans, walnuts, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra crunch and creaminess.