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Lightened-Up Slow Cooker Cinnamon Roll Casserole

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A healthier, lighter version of classic cinnamon roll casserole made in the slow cooker. Soft, custardy bread with a gooey cinnamon swirl and a lightened cream cheese drizzle—perfect for weekend brunch or holiday mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf (about 16 oz) brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (day-old or slightly stale works best)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk (2% works too)
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the bread: Cut brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes. If bread is fresh, spread cubes on a baking sheet and let sit out for an hour, or toast at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.
  2. Make the custard: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
  3. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a thick paste.
  4. Layer the casserole: Grease slow cooker insert with butter or nonstick spray. Add half the bread cubes in an even layer. Drizzle half the cinnamon swirl mixture over the top. If using nuts or raisins, sprinkle half now. Add remaining bread cubes, then drizzle rest of cinnamon swirl. Pour custard evenly over everything. Gently press down with a spatula so every piece gets soaked. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until center is set and edges are golden brown. A knife inserted in center should come out clean.
  6. Make the cream cheese drizzle: About 30 minutes before serving, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla, and beat until combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
  7. Serve: Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. Drizzle cream cheese mixture over the top. Sprinkle with extra pecans or a dusting of cinnamon if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time after pouring custard—it allows even absorption. Use day-old bread for best texture. Line slow cooker with parchment for easy cleanup. Toast nuts before adding for extra crunch. Make extra cream cheese drizzle—people will want more. For overnight cooking, set slow cooker to start 7 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll casserole, slow cooker breakfast, healthy cinnamon rolls, lightened up breakfast, overnight breakfast casserole, holiday brunch

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/lightened-up-slow-cooker-cinnamon-roll-casserole-easy-and-healthy/