There is something mighty satisfying about turning a handful of humble pantry staples into a warm dessert that feels a little old-fashioned and a little surprising all at once. This baked noodle dessert has the thrift and ingenuity of Midwestern home cooking written all over it, using dry uncooked wide egg noodles right in the casserole dish with sweetened milk, butter, and cinnamon to create a soft, pudding-like treat with browned edges and a cozy scent that fills the whole kitchen.
This dessert is especially nice served warm with a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you want to dress it up for company, a few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar makes it feel special, and for a simple family supper dessert, it is just right alongside coffee, hot tea, or a cold glass of milk.
5-Ingredient Oven Baked Noodle Dessert
Servings: 6
Ingredients
8 ounces dry wide egg noodles
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch oven-safe glass casserole dish.
2. Spread the dry uncooked egg noodles evenly in the casserole dish.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, milk, melted butter, and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the noodles, pressing the noodles down gently so they are mostly submerged.
5. Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the top is lightly golden with most of the liquid absorbed.
6. Let the dessert rest for 10 minutes before serving so it can settle into a soft, scoopable texture.
Variations & Tips
Raisin Version: If your family likes a little old-fashioned sweetness, stir in 1/2 cup raisins before baking. They plump up nicely and make the dish taste even more like something from a church supper table.
Extra Cinnamon: For a stronger spice flavor, sprinkle another 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon across the top before the dish goes into the oven. That gives you a prettier finish and a warmer aroma.
Check the Noodles: Since oven temperatures can vary, test a noodle from the center before pulling the dish out. If it still has too much bite, add a splash more milk and bake another 5 to 10 minutes.
Make It Richer: A small spoonful of vanilla extract would be lovely here if you do not mind stepping past the five-ingredient idea. It rounds out the sweetness and gives the dessert a more custard-like flavor.
Serving Tip: This dish is best served warm the day it is baked, but leftovers can be covered and refrigerated. Reheat gently with a little splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.