Introduction

There’s something deeply comforting about waking up to the scent of citrus and warm, buttery bread drifting through the house. This Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is designed for slow mornings, holiday brunches, and weekends when you want something special without rushing around the kitchen. It turns a simple grocery-store shortcut into a dish that feels thoughtful, cozy, and bakery-worthy.

By letting the orange rolls soak overnight in a silky egg custard, every bite becomes soft, pillowy, and rich—more like a bread pudding than a standard breakfast bake. The edges turn lightly golden while the center stays tender and melt-in-your-mouth, giving you that perfect contrast of textures.

Finished with a fresh orange icing made from real zest and juice, this casserole delivers bright citrus flavor that feels indulgent but not heavy. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people ask for seconds—and then for the recipe.

 

What You’ll Need

For the Bake

• Refrigerated orange rolls – 2 cans
• Butter, melted (for pan) – 1/4 cup
• Eggs – 4
• Heavy cream – 1/3 cup
• Light brown sugar – 1/3 cup
• Orange (zest and juice) – 1
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon

For the Fresh Icing

• Powdered sugar – 2 cups
• Butter, melted – 2 tablespoons
• Orange juice – 3–4 tablespoons
• 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 and tilt the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Cut each orange roll into quarters and scatter them evenly across the dish.
2. Make the Custard
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the fresh orange zest and juice. Pour the custard evenly over the rolls, gently pressing them down so they absorb the mixture.
3. Chill Overnight
   Cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. This resting time allows the rolls to fully soak up the custard for a soft, bread‑pudding‑style texture.
4. Bake
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the foil and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tops are puffed and lightly golden and the center is set but still tender. Let cool for 10 minutes.
5. Glaze and Serve
   Whisk together the icing ingredients, starting with 3 tablespoons of orange juice and adding more as needed for a pourable glaze. Drizzle over the warm casserole and serve right away.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy make-ahead breakfast for stress-free mornings
• Bright citrus flavor that tastes fresh and homemade
• Soft, custardy center with golden baked edges
• Family-friendly comfort food everyone enjoys
• Perfect for holidays, brunch, or casual gatherings

 

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh orange zest for maximum flavor impact
• Let the casserole rest after baking so it sets properly
• For extra richness, swap half the cream for whole milk
• Drizzle icing while warm so it melts into the rolls

 

Variations

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Stir mini chocolate chips into the custard for a sweeter twist
• Use blood oranges for deeper color and flavor
• Sprinkle cinnamon over the rolls before baking

 

Substitutions

• Half-and-half can replace heavy cream
• White sugar may be used instead of brown sugar
• Dairy-free butter and cream alternatives work well

 

FAQs

1. Can I bake this without chilling overnight? Yes, but the texture will be less custardy.
2. Does this reheat well? Absolutely—warm gently in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, freeze portions tightly wrapped for up to one month.
4. Is this overly sweet? No, the fresh citrus balances the sweetness nicely.
5. Can I double the recipe? Yes, use two pans for even baking.
6. What’s the best pan size? A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly.
7. Can I add fruit? Blueberries or cranberries pair beautifully with orange.
8. Do I need to grease the pan if using butter? The butter acts as the grease.
9. Is this good for brunch parties? It’s ideal—easy, filling, and crowd-pleasing.
10. Can kids help make this? Yes, it’s simple and fun to assemble.

 

How to Serve

Serve warm with fresh fruit, coffee, or tea. It pairs beautifully with savory breakfast sides for a balanced brunch spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze baked portions tightly wrapped for longer storage.

 

Conclusion

This Overnight Orange Roll Casserole proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to whenever comfort, convenience, and citrusy sweetness are calling.