Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

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

  • Prep Ahead for Breakfast Bliss: Assemble the casserole the night before to save morning time and let flavors meld beautifully, creating a more delicious and tender dish.
  • Perfect Egg-to-Milk Ratio: Whisk eggs and milk thoroughly to ensure a creamy, smooth custard that coats every cinnamon roll piece evenly without making the dish too soggy.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with different garnishes like chopped nuts, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon to add personal flair and boost flavor complexity.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to help it set and prevent excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly textured breakfast treat.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap regular milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk to create a delicious alternative for those with dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Storing and Reheating Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

  • Store leftover cinnamon roll French toast casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • Warm individual servings in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and keep the casserole moist.
  • For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds. Watch carefully to avoid overheating, which can make the casserole tough or rubbery.
  • Freeze the casserole for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Toppings and Pairings for Cinnamon Roll Casserole

  • Perfect Pairings
  • Dark roast or espresso-based drinks cut through the casserole's sweetness, balancing the rich cinnamon and creamy custard flavors. French press or pour-over methods highlight subtle taste nuances.
  • Crisp mixed berries or sliced strawberries add bright, tangy contrast to the sweet casserole. Their natural acidity refreshes the palate and provides a lighter counterpoint to the indulgent dish.
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice or a light mimosa brings citrusy brightness, cutting through the casserole's richness. The zesty notes cleanse the palate and enhance the overall breakfast experience.
  • Scrambled eggs or crispy bacon provide savory balance, creating a well-rounded morning meal that satisfies both sweet and salty cravings.

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

  • Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole offers incredible make-ahead convenience for busy mornings.
  • Whisk together simple ingredients and let the oven do the heavy lifting, creating a stress-free cooking experience that delivers restaurant-quality results.
  • Perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or holiday mornings, this dish transforms classic breakfast ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece that delights both kids and adults.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by adding nuts, fresh berries, or experimenting with different toppings to suit personal preferences and make each batch uniquely delicious.

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:
  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the casserole. Fresh eggs ensure the best texture and flavor.
  • Milk: Creates a creamy, soft base for soaking the rolls. Whole milk recommended for richness.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the top of the casserole. Granulated white sugar works perfectly.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon: Boosts the existing cinnamon flavor in the rolls. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a rich, aromatic undertone. Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor profile.
Optional Toppings:
  • Cinnamon Roll Icing: Original icing from the rolls or homemade glaze. Adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.
Baking Essentials:
  • Butter or Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps create a golden exterior. Non-stick baking spray works well.

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:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

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

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

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.

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