Overnight Orange Roll Casserole
The Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is the kind of recipe that instantly makes mornings feel special without demanding extra effort when you’re barely awake.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, planning a relaxed weekend breakfast, or simply want something comforting and indulgent ready to go, this dish delivers every time.
Soft, citrusy orange rolls soak overnight in a rich custard made with eggs, cream, brown sugar, and fresh orange zest, then bake into a warm, fragrant casserole that fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of sweet oranges and vanilla.
What makes Overnight Orange Roll Casserole especially appealing is how practical it is. Most of the prep happens the night before, meaning your morning routine stays stress-free.
You just pop it into the oven, brew some coffee or tea, and let the oven do the work.
Finished with a bright, homemade orange icing (or a shortcut option if you prefer), this casserole balances sweetness, softness, and citrus freshness in every bite.
Perfect for families, guests, or even meal-prep breakfasts, Overnight Orange Roll Casserole transforms simple refrigerated orange rolls into a bakery-style dish that feels homemade and thoughtful.
It’s cozy, cheerful, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – Why This Recipe Works
There are many reasons why Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is such a reliable and loved recipe, and it starts with its smart combination of convenience and flavor.
Using refrigerated orange rolls saves time while still delivering consistent texture and sweetness. Cutting them into quarters allows the custard mixture to seep into every crevice, ensuring the casserole bakes evenly with no dry spots.
The custard base—made from eggs, heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and fresh orange juice—creates a soft, bread-pudding-like interior while the top becomes lightly golden and slightly crisp.
The brown sugar adds depth and a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with the bright citrus flavor.
Another reason Overnight Orange Roll Casserole works so well is its flexibility. You can prepare it the night before, let the flavors meld in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh in the morning.
This overnight rest not only saves time but also improves texture, giving the rolls time to absorb the custard fully.
Finally, the orange icing brings everything together. Sweet, tangy, and fragrant with orange zest, it enhances the citrus flavor without overpowering the dish. Whether you make it from scratch or use the icing included with the rolls, it provides that final glossy finish that makes this casserole truly irresistible.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make Overnight Orange Roll Casserole, you’ll need a mix of simple store-bought items and fresh ingredients that work together to create its signature flavor and texture.
For the Casserole:
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 cans refrigerated orange rolls, cut into quarters
4 large eggs
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest and juice of 1 fresh orange
For the Icing:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
3–4 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Each ingredient plays an important role in Overnight Orange Roll Casserole. The butter prevents sticking and adds richness.
The eggs and cream form a custard that turns soft rolls into a cohesive casserole.
Fresh orange zest and juice elevate the flavor, making the dish taste vibrant rather than overly sweet.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – How To Make This Recipe
Making Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is simple and beginner-friendly, even if you don’t bake often.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F when you’re ready to bake. Melt the butter and pour it into a 9×13-inch baking dish, swirling it around so the bottom is evenly coated.
This not only prevents sticking but also adds flavor to the base.
Next, arrange the quartered orange rolls evenly across the baking dish. Don’t worry about perfect placement; a little unevenness creates texture and crispy edges.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and the zest and juice of one orange.
Whisk until smooth and well combined. Slowly pour this mixture over the orange rolls, making sure everything is evenly coated.
If preparing Overnight Orange Roll Casserole ahead of time, cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight.
If baking immediately, let it sit for about 10 minutes so the rolls can absorb some of the custard.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the rolls are cooked through and lightly golden on top but still soft in the center.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before icing.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – Making the Icing
While the casserole cools, prepare the icing for Overnight Orange Roll Casserole. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and 3 tablespoons of orange juice.
Add the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
Adjust the consistency as needed: add more orange juice for a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
The icing should be pourable but not runny.
Once ready, pour the icing evenly over the warm casserole, letting it seep into the cracks and pool slightly on top.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
To get the best results with Overnight Orange Roll Casserole, a few simple tips make a big difference. Use fresh oranges for zest and juice whenever possible—the flavor is noticeably brighter.
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the icing slightly or drizzle it lightly instead of covering the entire casserole.
For extra texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts over the top before baking. If you like stronger orange flavor, add an extra teaspoon of zest to the custard mixture.
Make sure not to overbake. The center should be set but still soft. Overbaking can dry out the casserole and reduce its creamy texture.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – How to Serve
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is best served warm, shortly after icing. Slice it into squares and serve directly from the baking dish. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or fresh juice, making it ideal for breakfast or brunch.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – Serving Suggestions
Serve Overnight Orange Roll Casserole alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a balanced brunch spread. For holidays, it works well with savory dishes like breakfast casseroles or breakfast meats, creating a sweet-and-savory contrast.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (optional): Up to overnight
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling & Icing: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (or overnight + 45 minutes)
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole – Final Thoughts
With its make-ahead convenience, bright citrus flavor, and soft, comforting texture, Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple enough for everyday mornings yet special enough for celebrations, making it a true keeper in any kitchen.