If you have a weakness for warm, cozy breakfasts that feel like a hug in every bite, then you are absolutely going to love this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of gooey cinnamon rolls baked into a custardy, golden French toast that’s almost too good to be true. Imagine waking up to the sweet aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen, while a luscious drizzle of icing melts on top. This dish takes classic cinnamon rolls to a whole new level and serves it as a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s surprisingly easy to throw together. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe relies on simple ingredients that you might already have in your fridge or pantry. Each component plays a key role: from the cinnamon rolls bringing that irresistible sweetness and texture, to the custard mixture adding richness and flavor.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans): These are the star of the show, providing soft, spiced layers that soak up the custard beautifully.
- Large eggs (6): Eggs bind the custard, giving it structure and a silky texture when baked.
- Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and lightness to the custard base.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Brings a rich creaminess that makes every bite decadent.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Amplifies the warm spice notes inherent in cinnamon rolls.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Offers a fragrant sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Maple syrup (¼ cup): Adds a natural, deep sweetness that balances the spiced custard.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Greasing ensures the casserole won’t stick, making the serving and clean-up much easier. It also helps the edges crisp up just right.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the tubes of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters for perfect bite-sized pieces. Spread these evenly in the prepared baking dish. This even layering is key for consistent texture throughout the casserole.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard is where the magic happens—it seeps into the cinnamon roll pieces, soaking them with flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Pour Custard and Let it Rest
Pour this heavenly custard evenly over the cinnamon roll quarters, pressing gently to help the bread soak up all that goodness. Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes; this resting period helps the rolls absorb the custard perfectly so they bake evenly.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes to let everything set while keeping moisture locked in. The foil is essential here to prevent the casserole from drying out too early.
Step 6: Bake Uncovered Until Golden
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step browns the top, giving you that gorgeous golden crust that makes the casserole irresistible both visually and texturally.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Ice
After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the included icing over the top. The warm casserole softens the icing, creating a sweet glaze that makes every bite pure bliss.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe experience, consider fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries. The tartness of berries cuts through the sweetness beautifully, while a dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate snowy touch.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt also pairs wonderfully, balancing richness with extra creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling festive, serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You can even layer some toasted nuts or chopped apples between the cinnamon rolls before baking for added texture and surprise flavors. Presentation is all about that cozy, inviting feel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe also freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or warm the casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil to retain moisture. Freshly warmed cinnamon rolls with that gooey icing are just as dreamy the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will work wonderfully in this casserole. Just make sure they are slightly cooled before cutting and baking. They might add an extra touch of love and freshness to the dish.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed since it will be cold from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the milk and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk and cream. The texture might vary slightly but the delightful flavors remain intact.
How can I make it less sweet?
Reduce or omit the maple syrup in the custard, and skip the icing drizzle or serve it on the side. You can also add less cinnamon if you prefer a more subtle spice.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Definitely! This recipe scales up or down easily. Just adjust your baking dish size and keep an eye on baking time, which may vary depending on the casserole’s depth.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe that turns an ordinary morning into a celebration of sweetness and warmth. It’s an effortless yet impressive dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and your heart with comfort. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch it become a family favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole combines the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the comforting texture of French toast, baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make breakfast treat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a lazy weekend morning.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll tubes and cut each roll into quarters. Spread the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until well combined and smooth.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press gently to help the pieces soak up the custard.
- Rest: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the bread to absorb the custard.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the custard through without over-browning.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and set.
- Cool and Serve: Cool the casserole for 5 minutes, then drizzle the included cinnamon roll icing over the top. Serve warm for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk or heavy cream.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before baking ensures the cinnamon rolls absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the custard mixture for extra texture and taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
