Sweet & Cozy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Lazy weekend mornings call for this dreamy cinnamon roll french toast casserole that combines two breakfast favorites into one irresistible dish.
Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising pure comfort and joy.
Layers of soft bread soak up creamy custard and swirls of warm spice.
Memories of childhood breakfasts might dance in your mind as you assemble this simple yet decadent creation.
Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction with this crowd-pleasing recipe.
Expect smiles and requests for seconds when you serve this delightful morning masterpiece.
Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious bite.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Tips You Can Use
Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Toppings and Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Casserole
Ways to Customize Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular cinnamon rolls with gluten-free cinnamon rolls from specialty bakeries or make homemade versions using gluten-free flour blends.
Low-Sugar Version: Swap traditional cinnamon rolls with sugar-free alternatives and use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the custard mixture to reduce overall sugar content.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cow’s milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter when preparing the casserole for those with lactose intolerance.
Protein-Packed Modification: Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans between cinnamon roll layers and incorporate protein powder into the custard for a more nutritionally balanced breakfast dish.
What Makes Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Shine
Ingredients That Go into Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Main Ingredients:
Cinnamon Rolls:- Pre-made Cinnamon Rolls, Store-bought Cinnamon Rolls: Classic sweet pastry that forms the base of the casserole. Soft and tender rolls work best for maximum absorption.
Custard Base:Flavor Enhancers:Optional Toppings:Baking Essentials:How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Step 1: Chop Cinnamon Rolls
Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. Spread the pieces across a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure the pieces are distributed evenly. Set aside the icing packet.
Step 2: Create Custardy Magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine:Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and smooth.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Gently pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces. Use a spoon to press down and help the rolls absorb the liquid. Every piece should be nicely saturated.
Step 4: Rest and Chill
Cover the casserole with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This resting time allows the rolls to soak up all the delicious custard flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Look for a golden-brown top and a set center. The casserole will puff up beautifully during baking.
Step 6: Drizzle with Sweet Finish
Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing over the top. Alternatively, whip up a quick glaze using powdered sugar and milk.
Step 7: Serve and Delight
Cut the casserole into squares. Serve with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a splash of maple syrup.
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Comforting cinnamon roll french toast casserole brings classic breakfast magic to weekend mornings with sweet layers of custardy bread and rich cinnamon swirls. Hearty family gatherings will love this indulgent morning treat that blends beloved breakfast traditions into one irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Bread and Base Ingredients:
- 2 (340 grams) cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 6 large eggs
Main Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) maple syrup
Topping and Spice Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Slice cinnamon rolls into bite-sized quarters and distribute them uniformly across a generously greased rectangular baking vessel, ensuring even coverage and creating a foundational layer.
- Craft a luxurious custard mixture by thoroughly blending eggs, milk, sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl until the ingredients form a smooth, homogeneous liquid with consistent texture.
- Delicately cascade the prepared custard over the cinnamon roll pieces, employing a gentle pouring technique that guarantees complete saturation of each roll fragment, using a spoon to softly press and encourage maximum liquid absorption.
- Enhance flavor development by covering the assembled dish with plastic wrap and allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, which permits deeper custard penetration and more complex taste integration.
- Heat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center, and transfer the chilled casserole directly from refrigeration to the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, monitoring until the surface achieves a golden-bronze coloration and the interior sets completely.
- Remove the baked casserole and let it cool momentarily, then embellish with the reserved cinnamon roll icing, drizzling in an artistic pattern across the surface for an additional layer of decadent sweetness.
- Portion the casserole into generous squares, presenting with complementary accompaniments like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light maple syrup drizzle to elevate the breakfast experience.
Notes
- Prep Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole the night before to save precious morning time and let flavors meld beautifully overnight.
- Texture Trick: Slightly stale cinnamon rolls work best as they absorb the custard more effectively, preventing a soggy bottom and creating perfect layers.
- Customization Options: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free cinnamon rolls to make this dish celiac-friendly.
- Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between layers for added crunch and nutty depth, or fold in diced apples for extra moisture and autumnal flair.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.