Cinnamon roll French toast is the ultimate indulgent breakfast, combining the sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the cozy flavors of classic French toast. Whether baked as a casserole or pan-fried, this dish is perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. Topped with cinnamon roll icing, it’s a warm and gooey treat everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Easy to Make and Bake
This recipe takes the hassle out of breakfast. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls and a simple custard, you can have a warm, satisfying meal ready with minimal effort.
2. Perfect for Special Occasions
Whether for a cozy weekend or a holiday breakfast, this cinnamon roll French toast is a crowd-pleaser. The aroma of baked cinnamon and vanilla will fill your kitchen and create the perfect morning atmosphere.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast
For the Casserole:
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packet)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Custard:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (120 ml) maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for at least 20-30 minutes to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease an 8×8-inch (20 cm) baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
3. Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
Cut each cinnamon roll into 6-8 pieces and place them in a single layer in the bottom of the prepared dish. Set the icing packet aside for later.
4. Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Add the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup, whisking until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the cinnamon custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure each piece is coated.
6. Bake the Casserole
Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the dish. The custard should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Top with Icing
Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before topping with the reserved cinnamon roll icing.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Fully cool the baked cinnamon roll French toast and store it in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Variations
- Classic Pan-Fried Version:
Instead of baking, prepare the cinnamon roll custard mixture and cook the cinnamon roll pieces in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through. - Add Toppings:
Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit like berries or bananas. - Nutty Twist:
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon roll pieces before baking for extra crunch.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Let the custard soak: For extra flavor, let the cinnamon roll pieces soak in the custard for 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole, as overbaking can make it dry. The center should be soft and slightly custardy.
- Room-temperature ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs and milk helps the custard bake evenly.
Cinnamon roll French toast is a warm, sweet, and comforting breakfast that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you bake it as a casserole or pan-fry it, this dish brings together the flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup in every bite. Perfect for a cozy weekend morning or a festive holiday gathering, it’s a breakfast treat you’ll reach for again and again!
FAQ Section
Q: Can I make cinnamon roll French toast ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. The next morning, let it come to room temperature before baking.
Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! If you have time, homemade cinnamon rolls will make this dish even more special.
Q: How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
A: The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.