Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is the kind of breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into something special. Sweet, citrusy, and warm, this make-ahead dish is perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, or relaxed weekends when you want something comforting without the stress of early-morning prep. By assembling everything the night before, you allow the flavors to soak together, creating a soft, custardy center with golden edges and a bright orange aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
This casserole takes inspiration from classic orange rolls but transforms them into an easy, shareable bake. Tender pieces of sweet dough are soaked in a rich orange-infused custard and finished with a glossy orange glaze. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet familiar—ideal for serving a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
For the Casserole
- 450 g (1 lb) refrigerated sweet roll dough (orange rolls or plain sweet rolls)
- 4 large eggs
- 240 ml (1 cup) whole milk
- 120 ml (½ cup) heavy cream
- 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 120 ml (½ cup) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Orange Glaze
- 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Detailed Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 23 × 33 cm (9 × 13 inch) baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier.
Cut the sweet roll dough into bite-sized pieces, about 2–3 cm each. Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring there are no large clumps.
2. Make the Orange Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
The orange zest adds fragrance, while the juice gives the custard its fresh citrus flavor.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Slowly pour the custard mixture over the dough pieces in the baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to gently press the dough down so it absorbs the liquid evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
4. Refrigerate Overnight
Place the covered casserole in the refrigerator for 8–12 hours, or overnight. This resting time allows the dough to soak up the custard, resulting in a soft, rich texture after baking.
5. Bring to Room Temperature
The next morning, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. This helps ensure even baking.
6. Bake the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the cover from the dish and bake the casserole uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until puffed, golden on top, and set in the center.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
7. Prepare the Orange Glaze
While the casserole is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl. Adjust the juice to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
8. Glaze and Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for 5–10 minutes. Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the warm casserole, allowing it to seep into the cracks and edges.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Overnight Orange Roll Casserole warm for the best texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh fruit or berry salad
- Scrambled eggs or omelets
- Coffee, tea, or fresh juice
This dish works equally well for festive breakfasts and casual weekend mornings.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
- Do not skip the overnight rest, as it ensures a soft, custardy interior.
- Cut dough evenly so it bakes uniformly.
- Let it rest briefly after baking to help it set before slicing.
Variations
- Cream Cheese Orange Casserole: Dot the dough with 120 g (4 oz) cubed cream cheese before adding the custard.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking.
- Extra Citrus: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest along with the orange zest.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a low oven.
Why This Overnight Orange Roll Casserole Works
This recipe combines the ease of make-ahead preparation with the comfort of freshly baked rolls. The overnight soak ensures a tender interior, while the orange glaze adds brightness and sweetness without overpowering the dish. It’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that feels homemade, comforting, and special all at once.
Once you serve this Overnight Orange Roll Casserole, it’s sure to become a requested favorite for holidays, brunches, and cozy mornings at home. 🍊🥐
