This easy baked Thanksgiving dessert is the kind of shortcut recipe busy holiday cooks appreciate: a bag of solid frozen unthawed cinnamon roll dough becomes the base for a warm, sweet casserole with almost no prep. It has the spirit of a cinnamon roll bake or simple bread pudding, but with pantry-friendly convenience that makes it especially useful when oven space and time are both limited.
Serve this dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous spoonful of whipped cream. It also pairs nicely with hot coffee after a big holiday meal, and if you want to lean into the Thanksgiving table, a small drizzle of caramel sauce or a side of spiced apples makes it feel especially festive.
4-Ingredient Oven Baked Thanksgiving Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 bag solid frozen unthawed cinnamon roll dough, about 24 ounces
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a medium oven-safe glass casserole dish.
2. Spread the solid frozen unthawed cinnamon roll dough pieces evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
3. In a bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and well combined.
4. Spoon the pumpkin mixture over the frozen dough, spreading it as evenly as possible so each piece is lightly coated.
5. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through, puffed, and golden brown on top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Add a glaze: If your cinnamon roll dough comes with icing, warm it slightly and drizzle it over the baked dessert just before serving. That extra sweetness gives the casserole more of a classic cinnamon roll finish.
Make it nuttier: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the pumpkin mixture before baking adds welcome texture and a very Thanksgiving-friendly flavor. Keep the layer light so the dough can still rise properly.
Check doneness carefully: Because frozen dough products vary by brand and size, start checking around the 35-minute mark. The center should no longer look doughy, and the rolls should feel set when lightly pressed.
Use a smaller dish for a thicker bake: If you prefer a softer, taller casserole, use a slightly smaller baking dish so the dough pieces sit closer together. For more browning and crisp edges, spread them out in a larger dish.
Serve warm: This dessert is at its best while still warm, when the cinnamon aroma is strongest and the texture is soft and tender. Leftovers can be reheated in short intervals in the microwave for an easy next-day treat.