Introduction

There’s something incredibly comforting about waking up to the smell of citrus and warm pastry drifting through the kitchen. This Overnight Orange Roll Casserole turns a simple can of refrigerated orange rolls into a cozy, bakery-style breakfast that feels special without requiring early-morning effort. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table before the coffee is even finished brewing.

What makes this recipe truly shine is the overnight prep. Everything is assembled the night before, allowing the soft orange rolls to soak up a rich, lightly sweet custard infused with fresh orange zest and vanilla. By morning, all that’s left to do is bake and drizzle with a bright, fresh icing that melts perfectly into every bite.

Perfect for holidays, weekend brunch, or relaxed family mornings, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal work. It’s warm, indulgent, and family-friendly—exactly the kind of comfort food that feels homemade and thoughtful without being complicated.

What You’ll Need

For the Bake

• Refrigerated orange rolls – 2 cans
• Butter, melted (for pan) – ¼ cup
• Eggs – 4
• Heavy cream – ⅓ cup
• Light brown sugar – ⅓ cup
• Orange zest and juice – 1 orange
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

For the Fresh Icing

• Powdered sugar – 2 cups
• Butter, melted – 2 tablespoons
• Orange juice – 3–4 tablespoons (adjust for consistency)
• Orange zest – 1 tablespoon
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

How to Make Overnight Orange Roll Casserole

1. Prepare the Pan and Rolls

Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cut each orange roll into quarters and spread them evenly in the dish.

2. Make the Custard

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in the fresh orange zest and juice. Pour the mixture evenly over the orange roll pieces, making sure everything is well coated.

3. Chill Overnight

Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. If baking the same day, allow the casserole to rest at least 30 minutes for a softer, more custardy texture.

4. Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove foil and bake for 30–35 minutes until puffed, golden, and lightly set in the center. Let cool for 10 minutes.

5. Glaze and Serve

Whisk icing ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm casserole and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This

• Easy make-ahead breakfast with minimal morning prep
• Soft, custardy texture with bright orange flavor
• Family-friendly comfort food everyone enjoys
• Perfect for holidays, brunch, or weekend mornings
• Uses simple, store-bought ingredients

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t skip the overnight rest—it improves texture significantly
• Fresh orange zest adds the most flavor; avoid bottled juice if possible
• For a softer casserole, bake slightly under rather than over
• Let it cool briefly before glazing so the icing sets beautifully

Variations

• Cream Cheese Swirl: Add small dollops of sweetened cream cheese before baking
• Extra Citrus: Mix in lemon zest for a brighter flavor
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking
• Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream

FAQs

1. Can I make this without chilling overnight?
   Yes, but chilling creates a richer, more custardy texture.
2. How long do leftovers keep?
   Up to 3 days in the refrigerator, tightly covered.
3. Can I reheat it?
   Yes—warm individual portions gently in the microwave.
4. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change.
5. Is this good for a crowd?
   Absolutely—this recipe is ideal for gatherings and family breakfasts.

Conclusion

This Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is the perfect blend of ease and indulgence. With its bright citrus flavor, soft custardy center, and sweet orange glaze, it turns simple ingredients into a memorable breakfast experience. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just want a stress-free morning meal, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience in every bite.