Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake – Amazing Fall Breakfast Recipe

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake

This pumpkin cinnamon roll bake transforms your favorite fall flavors into an irresistible breakfast or dessert that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Combining the warm spices of cinnamon with rich pumpkin puree, this recipe delivers all the comfort of traditional cinnamon rolls with a seasonal twist that makes mornings special.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for family gatherings and holiday mornings when you want something special without the fuss of individual rolls
  • Packed with vitamin A from pumpkin puree, supporting immune health during fall and winter months
  • Budget-friendly recipe costing approximately $8-10 to make, serving 8-12 people generously
  • Make-ahead friendly – assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning for effortless entertaining
  • Combines the beloved flavors of pumpkin spice with the comfort of warm cinnamon rolls in one easy dish

Why This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it balances moisture from pumpkin puree with the right amount of flour and leavening agents. The pumpkin adds natural sweetness while keeping the texture tender and preventing dryness that often plagues baked goods.

The bake method eliminates the tricky rolling and cutting process of traditional cinnamon rolls. Instead, you spread the dough, add your cinnamon-sugar filling, and let the oven work its magic. This approach ensures even cooking and consistent results every time.

The combination of brown and granulated sugars creates depth of flavor, while the melted butter keeps everything moist. The vanilla extract enhances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness without overpowering the warm spice notes.

pumpkin cinnamon roll bake food photograph 1

What You’ll Need for This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake

Ingredients

IngredientQuantity (Approx)Purpose / Notes
Canned pumpkin puree1 cupProvides moisture, flavor, and natural sweetness
Unbleached all-purpose flour2 cupsForms the base structure of the bake
Granulated sugar1/2 cupAdds sweetness and helps with browning
Brown sugar1/4 cupCreates rich, caramel-like flavor depth
Ground cinnamon2 teaspoonsEssential warm spice for classic flavor
Salt1/2 teaspoonEnhances all other flavors
Baking powder1 tablespoonProvides lift and fluffy texture
Unsalted butter, melted1/4 cupAdds richness and tender crumb
Large eggs2Binds ingredients and adds structure
Whole milk or almond milk3/4 cupCreates proper batter consistency
Vanilla extract1 teaspoonEnhances overall flavor profile
Powdered sugar1 cupFor creamy frosting finish

Tools

ToolPurpose
9×13-inch baking dishPerfect size for even cooking and serving
Large mixing bowlsSeparate wet and dry ingredients properly
WhiskCombines ingredients smoothly without lumps
Measuring cups and spoonsEnsures accurate ingredient proportions
Rubber spatulaGentle mixing to prevent overworking dough

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake

StepInstructions
1. PrepPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly
2. Mix wet ingredientsIn a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until completely smooth
3. Combine dry ingredientsIn another bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt
4. Create batterGradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just blended; avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture
5. Add fillingSpread softened butter on the dough and sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, then roll tightly and cut into pieces
6. BakePlace in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and set in center
7. FinishWhile baking, prepare frosting by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over warm rolls

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for better mixing and more even texture throughout the bake
  • Don’t overmix the batter once you add flour – this keeps the texture tender rather than tough and chewy
  • Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs
  • Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before adding frosting to prevent it from melting completely off
  • For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream in both the batter and frosting

Serving and Storage Tips for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake

Serving Tips

Serve this pumpkin cinnamon roll bake warm for the best experience. Cut into squares and plate individually, or let guests serve themselves directly from the baking dish for casual gatherings. The warm spices pair beautifully with coffee, hot apple cider, or chai tea.

This recipe works wonderfully for holiday brunches alongside savory dishes. Consider serving it at Thanksgiving morning, Christmas breakfast, or autumn family gatherings when comfort food takes center stage.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day, making leftovers particularly delicious.

pumpkin cinnamon roll bake food photograph 2

Mistakes to Avoid while making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake

Overmixing the batter creates a dense, tough texture instead of the light, fluffy result you want. Mix just until ingredients are combined – a few lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking.

Using cold ingredients straight from the refrigerator can cause uneven mixing and affect the final texture. Let eggs and milk come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting, or warm them slightly in a bowl of warm water.

Overbaking dries out the pumpkin cinnamon roll bake and makes it crumbly rather than moist. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes, and remember that it will continue cooking slightly from residual heat after removing from the oven.

Skipping the greasing step or using insufficient grease causes sticking issues that ruin presentation. Use butter or cooking spray generously, paying special attention to corners where sticking commonly occurs.

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You Must Know

  • Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar that will throw off the recipe balance
  • This recipe doubles easily for larger crowds – just use two 9×13 pans or one large roasting pan and adjust baking time accordingly
  • The bake can be assembled the night before, covered, and refrigerated – just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven
  • For dietary modifications, almond milk works perfectly as a dairy substitute, and you can reduce sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting texture

Suggestions for Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake

Enhance your pumpkin cinnamon roll bake with creative additions that complement the base flavors. Try folding in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or add mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence that kids especially love.

Experiment with spice variations by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture. These warm spices deepen the autumn flavor profile without overwhelming the pumpkin base.

For special occasions, consider a cream cheese frosting instead of the simple powdered sugar glaze. Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a tangy-sweet topping that pairs beautifully with pumpkin flavors.

Make individual portions by dividing the batter among greased muffin tins. Reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes and you’ll have perfect single-serving treats that are great for portion control or gift-giving.

For inspiration on similar comfort food recipes, check out Kelsandra’s traditional pumpkin cinnamon rolls or Chef John’s version for different techniques and flavor combinations.

pumpkin cinnamon roll bake food photograph 3

FAQs:


Can I make this pumpkin cinnamon roll bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings when you want fresh-baked goods without early morning prep work.


What can I substitute for pumpkin puree in this recipe?

Sweet potato puree works as an excellent substitute with similar moisture content and natural sweetness. You could also use mashed banana or applesauce, though these will change the flavor profile significantly. Avoid using fresh pumpkin unless you’ve cooked and pureed it to the same consistency as canned.


How do I know when my pumpkin cinnamon roll bake is done?

The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs – completely clean means it’s overbaked. The edges will pull slightly away from the sides of the pan when fully cooked.


Can I freeze leftover pumpkin cinnamon roll bake?

Absolutely! Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through. The texture remains remarkably good after freezing.


What's the best way to reheat this pumpkin cinnamon roll bake?

For best results, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method maintains the best texture. Cover with foil if the top starts browning too much during reheating.


Conclusion

This pumpkin cinnamon roll bake brings together the best of fall flavors in one easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, looking for a special weekend breakfast, or wanting to meal prep something delicious, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results.

The combination of nutritious pumpkin puree, warm cinnamon spices, and tender texture makes this bake both satisfying and comforting. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll have a bakery-quality treat that costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives.

Try this recipe for your next family gathering and watch it become a requested favorite. The make-ahead friendly nature and excellent reheating qualities make it practical for busy schedules while still feeling special enough for celebrations. Enjoy every warm, spiced bite of this autumn-inspired comfort food!

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bake


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 to make, serving 1x

Description

A delicious and easy recipe for pumpkin cinnamon roll bake that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon in a tender, bakery-style treat perfect for fall mornings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup whole milk or almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly
  • Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until completely smooth
  • Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt
  • Create batter: Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just blended; avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture
  • Add filling: Spread softened butter on the dough and sprinkle with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon, then roll tightly and cut into pieces
  • Bake: Place in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and set in center
  • Finish: While baking, prepare frosting by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over warm rolls

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and milk for better mixing and more even texture throughout the bake
  • Don’t overmix the batter once you add flour – this keeps the texture tender rather than tough and chewy
  • Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs
  • Let the bake cool for 10 minutes before adding frosting to prevent it from melting completely off
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 285 calories
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pumpkin cinnamon roll bake, fall dessert, pumpkin recipe, cinnamon rolls, breakfast bake, holiday baking

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