Overnight Orange Roll Casserole is the answer to those sleepy mornings when you want something warm, gooey, and special without doing much. Maybe you have company staying over, or maybe you just want a make-ahead breakfast that tastes like a bakery treat. I fell in love with this method the first time I tried it because it’s hands off, citrusy, and just plain fun. You set it up at night, then let the fridge work its magic while you sleep. In the morning, you bake, glaze, and enjoy that soft, pillowy pull-apart goodness. If you like simple wins that taste like a celebration, you’re in the right place.
What Ingredients Do You Need for Overnight Orange Roll Casserole?
There’s nothing fancy here, and that’s the beauty of it. You’re taking familiar ingredients and turning them into a bright, fragrant breakfast that tastes like sunshine. The base is store-bought dough, which makes this approachable and quick, even if you’ve never baked with yeast. The orange does the heavy lifting on flavor, and a creamy glaze ties it all together.
Optional add-ins that play nicely
You can keep it classic or add small extras to make your pan feel a little more festive. Almonds add crunch, cranberries bring tartness, and orange zest adds a big pop of aromatic flavor. Below is a simple list to guide you.
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough or orange sweet roll dough, with icing packets included
- Fresh orange zest and juice for a natural burst of citrus
- Butter for richness
- Brown sugar for that caramelized edge
- Cream cheese for a velvety glaze
- Powdered sugar to sweeten and smooth the glaze
- Vanilla extract for warmth
- Optional: chopped pecans or sliced almonds for crunch
- Optional: dried cranberries for a tart-sweet twist
For a standard 9×13 baking dish, two tubes of dough usually do the trick. If you’re using a smaller dish, pack the rolls a bit tighter and keep an eye on oven time. For brunch-size entertaining, double everything and use two pans.
When I’m planning to serve this at a holiday brunch, I reach for a little extra zest and a tablespoon more juice in the glaze. It makes the citrus sing. And yes, you can absolutely make a nut-free, cranberry-free version for picky eaters. It’s still amazing.
I like to call this the Deliciously Easy Overnight Orange Roll Casserole because it truly checks every box: simple, fragrant, and crowd-pleasing. It also travels well, which makes it perfect for potlucks or brunch at a friend’s place.
How Do You Make Overnight Orange Roll Casserole?
All you need is about 15 minutes of prep the night before. You’ll cut the rolls, toss them with a quick orange-butter mixture, and tuck the pan in the fridge. In the morning, it goes straight into the oven while you make coffee and slip into your slippers.
- Butter a 9×13 baking dish. Zest and juice one juicy orange. You’ll use the zest for the filling and the juice for both filling and glaze.
- Open the dough tubes and cut each roll into quarters. Drop the pieces into the dish, spreading them evenly.
- Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, half the orange zest, a pinch of salt, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Pour this over the dough pieces and toss gently so everything gets coated.
- Sprinkle on optional add-ins like pecans or dried cranberries if you’re using them. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Uncover the dish and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until the pieces are puffed, golden at the edges, and set in the center.
- Make the glaze: beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the icing packets from the dough, powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, the remaining zest, and enough orange juice to reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the warm casserole and let it ooze into all the nooks.
- Serve warm. If you like extra glaze, keep a bit on the side for topping individual servings.
“I prepped this the night before Christmas, and the kitchen smelled like a little bakery in the morning. Everyone went back for seconds. Zero stress, maximum cozy.”
Tips for Making Orange Roll Casserole
Use fresh oranges. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh juice plus zest gives you that bright, genuine flavor that makes the casserole feel special.
Do not skip the overnight rest. The dough pieces relax and absorb the buttery orange mixture while chilling. This gives you a soft, tender texture and allows the flavor to deepen.
Adjust the glaze thickness. For a thicker topping, go easy on the juice and let the cream cheese shine. For a lighter drizzle, add a bit more juice until it runs off a spoon in ribbons.
Watch the bake. Ovens vary. Start checking at 25 minutes. The top should be lightly golden, and a toothpick pushed into the center should come out without sticky raw dough clinging to it.
Sweetness control. If your crew prefers less sweet, cut back the brown sugar by a tablespoon and thin the glaze more with juice so it’s a light kiss rather than a full blanket.
Serving ideas. This is fantastic with salty bacon or breakfast sausage on the side for contrast. A bowl of fresh berries makes a bright pairing.
Want more cozy bakes like this? Browse my favorite pan-friendly meals in the casserole collection for weeknight savers and brunch keepers alike.
When I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, I reach for the Deliciously Easy Overnight Orange Roll Casserole because I can prep at night and wake up to an almost-done breakfast. This one’s perfect for birthdays, holiday mornings, or just because.
Like this recipe? Check these out, too!
Craving a sweet partner for your citrusy breakfast? Try this warm and nostalgic favorite: baked pineapple casserole. It’s a wonderful side for brunch spreads and tastes lovely with ham or bacon.
If you’re in the mood for a savory option later in the week, I highly recommend this creamy favorite: chicken and broccoli cheesy casserole. It’s hearty, simple, and exactly the kind of thing you want on a busy night.
More
Storage is easy. After the casserole cools, cover leftovers and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes or microwave single portions in short bursts until warm. If the glaze tightens up after chilling, a warm reheat loosens it again in the best way.
Want to bring a little holiday flair? Stir a handful of dried cranberries into the pan and sprinkle with chopped pistachios after glazing. If you’re leaning into an orange theme, bake a batch of bright, buttery cranberry orange cookies to serve alongside. The colors and flavors feel cheerful and cozy.
Hosting brunch for a crowd? Consider a sweet-and-savory spread. Make this dish the star, then add scrambled eggs, a sausage bake, and a big fruit platter. Ask guests to bring coffee or juice. People love having a warm, bubbly pan land on the table, and they’ll be surprised at how simple it was to pull off.
I also love making a second pan to share. Wrap it up right in the dish for a neighbor or a friend who just had a baby. The citrus aroma alone feels like a hug.
Common Questions
Can I assemble this the same day instead of overnight? Yes, but overnight is best. If you’re short on time, chill for at least 2 hours to let the dough absorb some flavor.
What if I can’t find orange sweet roll dough? Use cinnamon roll dough and add extra zest and juice. The orange glaze will bring everything together.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking? I don’t recommend freezing before baking. The texture can get a bit off. Bake first, then freeze portions if needed and reheat gently.
How do I make it less sweet? Reduce the brown sugar slightly and make a thinner glaze. You can also serve the glaze on the side so everyone adds the amount they like.
What pan should I use? A 9×13 works great. Glass or metal is fine. If using a smaller dish, expect a few extra minutes in the oven.
A Sweet Citrus Breakfast You Can Set and Forget
With a few simple steps the night before, the Deliciously Easy Overnight Orange Roll Casserole rewards you with warm, fluffy pieces, a bright orange glow, and a creamy glaze that melts into every bite. It’s low effort, high payoff, and perfect for mornings when you want something special without fuss. If you enjoy exploring other takes, you might like browsing the helpful guide at Overnight Orange Roll Casserole | 12 Tomatoes for more inspiration and ideas. However you make it your own, I hope it becomes one of those go-to recipes you can trust and love. Now grab that orange, set it up tonight, and wake up to the good stuff tomorrow.
Overnight Orange Roll Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Butter a 9×13 baking dish.
- Zest and juice one orange, saving the zest for the filling and juice for both filling and glaze.
- Open the dough tubes and cut each roll into quarters, then drop the pieces into the dish, spreading them evenly.
- Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, half the orange zest, a pinch of salt, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Pour this over the dough pieces and toss gently.
- Sprinkle on optional add-ins like pecans or dried cranberries if desired. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Uncover the dish and bake for 25 to 35 minutes until the pieces are puffed, golden at the edges, and set in the center.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the icing packets from the dough, powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla, the remaining zest, and enough orange juice to reach a pourable consistency.
- Drizzle over the warm casserole and serve immediately.