There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of Homemade Cinnamon Kugel baking in the oven. The sweet scent of cinnamon, butter, and vanilla fills every corner of the kitchen, creating the kind of warmth that instantly slows life down. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug from the past, reminding me that the simplest family traditions are often the ones we treasure the most.

Growing up, baked noodle dishes always made an appearance during family gatherings, especially around the holidays. While savory casseroles had their place on the dinner table, this sweet cinnamon kugel was the dish everyone quietly hoped would be left over for breakfast the next morning. There’s something magical about its creamy custard, tender egg noodles, and crisp golden top that makes every bite unforgettable.

Now, whenever I make this easy Homemade Cinnamon Kugel, it instantly transforms an ordinary weekend into something special. It’s perfect for cozy breakfasts, holiday brunches, comforting desserts, or even as a sweet side dish served alongside a festive dinner. Every time it comes out of the oven, it reminds me why some recipes deserve to be passed down through generations.

If you’ve never tried a traditional Homemade Cinnamon Kugel recipe, you’re in for a real treat. It’s rich without being overly heavy, sweet but balanced, and incredibly easy to prepare with pantry staples. Whether you’re making it for holidays, family dinners, or simply because you’re craving a comforting homemade bake, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love It

Perfectly creamy with a crisp cinnamon topping

Every bite combines silky custard-coated noodles with a beautifully golden top that offers just the right amount of texture.

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Kugel that’s beginner-friendly

No complicated techniques are required. Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe perfect even if you’ve never made kugel before.

Wonderful for holidays and family gatherings

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas brunch, or Sunday dinner, this comforting casserole always feels right at home.

Great make-ahead recipe

Prepare it in advance and simply bake before serving, making entertaining far less stressful.

Delicious served warm or cold

Many people love leftover kugel straight from the refrigerator the next day, while others prefer reheating a warm slice for breakfast.

Classic comfort food with timeless flavor

The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, butter, and creamy noodles creates an old-fashioned dessert that never goes out of style.

Ingredient Notes & Details

Egg noodles

Wide egg noodles are traditional and provide the perfect soft texture after baking. Cook them until just al dente since they’ll continue cooking in the oven.

Cream cheese

Adds richness and creates an incredibly creamy filling. Full-fat cream cheese produces the smoothest texture, although reduced-fat can be substituted.

Sour cream

Provides a slight tang that balances the sweetness while keeping the kugel moist.

Cottage cheese

Traditional kugel often includes cottage cheese for extra creaminess and protein. Small-curd cottage cheese blends beautifully into the custard.

Unsalted butter

Butter gives the casserole its rich flavor while helping create a golden baked finish.

Granulated sugar

Sweetens the custard without overpowering the cinnamon and vanilla flavors.

Brown sugar

Used in the topping to create a lightly caramelized finish with hints of molasses.

Large eggs

Eggs bind the custard together, creating that signature creamy yet sliceable texture.

Vanilla extract

Pure vanilla enhances every ingredient and adds wonderful bakery-style flavor.

Ground cinnamon

The star spice of this Homemade Cinnamon Kugel. Fresh cinnamon offers the most vibrant aroma and flavor.

Salt

A small amount balances the sweetness and enhances every ingredient.

Optional raisins

Many traditional recipes include raisins for little bursts of sweetness throughout the casserole.

Optional chopped pecans or walnuts

These add a delicious crunch and complement the cinnamon beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just al dente according to package directions, usually about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain well and allow excess moisture to evaporate for a few minutes.

The noodles should remain slightly firm since they’ll continue baking in the custard.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and encourage golden edges.

Step 3: Make the creamy filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Add the sour cream, cottage cheese, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.

Mix until the custard becomes silky smooth with no large lumps remaining.

Step 4: Fold in the noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the custard mixture.

Using a large spatula, gently fold everything together until every noodle is evenly coated.

If using raisins or chopped nuts, stir them in now.

Step 5: Transfer to the baking dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly so the noodles bake uniformly.

Smooth the top using a spatula.

Step 6: Prepare the cinnamon topping

Mix brown sugar with additional ground cinnamon.

Sprinkle evenly across the top of the kugel.

Dot with a few small pieces of butter to encourage beautiful caramelization during baking.

Step 7: Bake until golden

Bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes.

The edges should become lightly browned while the center appears just set.

A gentle jiggle in the center is perfectly normal since it will continue firming as it cools.

Step 8: Cool before serving

Allow the kugel to rest for at least 15 minutes.

This resting period helps the custard finish setting, making it much easier to slice cleanly.

Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled depending on your family’s preference.

FAQ for Common Questions

What is Homemade Cinnamon Kugel?

Homemade Cinnamon Kugel is a traditional baked noodle casserole made with egg noodles, creamy dairy ingredients, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. It can be served as a sweet side dish, breakfast, brunch item, or dessert.

Can I make Homemade Cinnamon Kugel ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, refrigerate it covered, then bake just before serving for the freshest texture.

Can Homemade Cinnamon Kugel be frozen?

Yes. Bake completely, cool thoroughly, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Why is my kugel watery?

Excess moisture usually comes from overcooked noodles or not draining them thoroughly. Measuring dairy ingredients accurately also helps maintain the correct consistency.

Can I add fruit to Homemade Cinnamon Kugel?

Yes. Apples, raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped pears pair wonderfully with the warm cinnamon flavor.

Is Homemade Cinnamon Kugel served as breakfast or dessert?

Traditionally, it can be enjoyed either way. Many families also serve it alongside holiday meals as a sweet side dish.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration

Allow the kugel to cool completely before covering tightly. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped baking dish to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices or the entire casserole securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds.

For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Always ensure leftovers reach a safe serving temperature before eating.

Variations

Apple Cinnamon Kugel

Fold diced fresh apples into the noodle mixture before baking. The fruit softens beautifully and adds natural sweetness.

Raisin Cinnamon Kugel

Classic golden or dark raisins create little pockets of sweetness that pair perfectly with the creamy custard.

Crunchy Pecan Kugel

Top the casserole with chopped pecans before baking for extra crunch and rich nutty flavor.

Maple Cinnamon Kugel

Replace part of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that feels especially cozy during autumn.

Orange Vanilla Kugel

Add fresh orange zest to brighten the rich custard while complementing the cinnamon beautifully.

Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Kugel

Mini chocolate chips melt throughout the casserole, creating a fun twist that’s especially popular with children.

What to Serve with Homemade Cinnamon Kugel

Fresh Fruit

Fresh berries, sliced apples, grapes, oranges, or melon provide a refreshing contrast to the rich baked custard.

Breakfast Favorites

Serve alongside scrambled eggs, omelets, breakfast sausage, or crispy bacon for a comforting brunch spread.

Holiday Meals

This Homemade Cinnamon Kugel pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, brisket, glazed ham, or other festive family favorites for holidays.

Coffee and Tea

A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, cinnamon tea, or vanilla latte makes every slice even more comforting.

Light Salads

A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the kugel and creates a satisfying meal.

Sweet Finishes

Dust slices lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with a little honey for an extra-special presentation when serving as dessert.

Homemade Cinnamon Kuge

This Homemade Cinnamon Kugel is the ultimate cozy comfort food—rich, buttery, and perfectly spiced with warm cinnamon in every bite. Whether you're serving it for brunch, a holiday gathering, or a comforting family dessert, this easy baked kugel is irresistibly soft on the inside with a golden, crisp topping everyone will love.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 ounces wide egg noodles
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 16 ounces cottage cheese
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup raisins optional

Cinnamon Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs optional, for crunch

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and toss with the melted butter.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
• Fold the cooked noodles into the cheese mixture until evenly coated. Stir in the raisins if using.
• Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine the topping ingredients: sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs, if using. Sprinkle evenly over the kugel.
• Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
• Let the kugel rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.