Easy Cinnamon Buns? Oh yes! These overnight cinnamon buns are so easy to make, but look so fancy. Your kids will love peeling it off.
Let’s say… wow! This nutritionist and mom of three is in love with this super easy and quick cinnamon roll recipe! It only takes nine minutes to prepare (nine!) and it’s basically made while we sleep. Soft, doughy cinnamon buns, red apples, and fragrant vanilla create a sweet, smooth, and delicious cinnamon roll dish!
How to make these super easy overnight cinnamon buns
This decadent dish is our new favorite for special breakfasts. We simply add some frozen rolls to a prepared baking sheet, throw in some diced apples and quickly steam them, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, then pour a little butter and vanilla mixture on top. Brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and butter are drizzled down between the rolls as they rise overnight on your counter.
In the morning the buns will have risen to the top of the pan. Just put the recipe in the oven for about half an hour. The sweet and tangy butter adds moisture and creates the most wonderful sauce, giving your buns a rich and luscious texture. There’s nothing warmer than the scent of cinnamon filling your home, right? They are lightly golden on top when they come out of the oven.
When you flip them onto a plate it’s magic – they’re coated in vanilla cinnamon caramel sauce that gently drips down the sides to coat the buns.
To serve, simply grab a bun and peel it off! How easy is that? And how cool was it to make this dish in your sleep?!
Why make them?
I cannot overstate the simplicity and flavor of this dish. it’s quick and turns out delicious every time! I will be serving it with some fruit and yogurt for Christmas breakfast this year. The dietitian in me knows that an important part of eating is social. Eating together and bonding over a special meal will create memories that will last, and the mom in me loves that!
Easy overnight cinnamon buns
Production efficiency:
6-8 servings
Preparation time:
9 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Additional time:
8 hours
Total time:
8 hours 39 minutes
I love cinnamon rolls so much, but the time and work involved can be a little daunting for this busy nutritionist and mom of 3! My version takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. It’s made practically overnight, with buttery brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla drizzled between the frozen rolls as they thaw and rise overnight on the counter. When baked, this sweet cinnamon butter mixture transforms into an irresistible caramel sauce.
Components
2 cups diced apples
20 uncooked frozen dinner rolls
1 cup unpackaged brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
1/3 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Rinse and then cut the unpeeled apples.
- Cook the diced apples in 2 tablespoons of water in a covered microwave-safe bowl for 2 to 4 minutes, until the apples soften slightly.
- In a small bowl or mug, stir together the sugar and cornflour, then stir in the vanilla. Set aside.
- In a greased 10-inch pan: add the frozen rolls and shake the pan a bit so they cover the bottom. Use a slotted spoon (or drain the apples) to add the apples on top of the rolls.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples and rolls, then drizzle the vanilla mixture and melted butter over the top. These will drizzle down and between the rolls as they rise, no need to stir.
- Cover with a damp cloth or cover loosely with plastic wrap and let sit, at room temperature, for up to 8 hours or overnight, until the rolls have risen near the top of the pan. That’s it, you’re done! Put your feet up and relax, you deserve it!
- Once risen, bake the cake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes (internal temperature 190°F to 200°F), until it springs back slightly when pressed and is golden brown. Let the cake sit for about 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a serving platter.
Notes
You can swap out the frozen dinner rolls and use 2 frozen, unbaked loaves of bread, cut in half lengthwise and then into 20 small pieces (about 2 inches). Discard or bake leftover dough. I like to thaw the frozen loaves very lightly in the microwave, just for a few minutes, to soften them for easier cutting.
Thanks to Land of Nod Cinnamon Buns from one of the Best of Bridge Cookbooks for inspiring the method of this recipe, which I gave a touch of Apple Cinnamon and other personal spins!
