If you are craving a cozy, indulgent breakfast that’s bursting with warm, sweet flavors, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is going to be your new weekend favorite. Imagine soft, gooey cinnamon rolls transformed with a rich custard soak and baked to golden perfection—a perfect marriage between classic cinnamon rolls and comforting French toast. This dish is effortless to prepare, yet it delivers that wow factor every time you serve it. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles and happy taste buds to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe calls for simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and irresistible aroma. From the gooey cinnamon rolls to the creamy custard, everything comes together beautifully.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The star of the dish, providing sweetness and that signature cinnamon swirl texture.
- 6 large eggs: Essential for the custard base, giving the casserole its rich, custardy texture.
- 0.5 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps thin out the custard for an even soak.
- 0.5 cup heavy cream: Elevates the custard with creamy richness and decadence.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Boosts the cinnamon flavor for that warm, comforting spice.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the custard mix.
- 0.25 cup maple syrup: Sweetens and complements the cinnamon, infusing every bite with natural syrupy goodness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9-by-13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Then, open the cinnamon roll tubes and slice each roll into quarters. This bite-sized approach allows the custard to soak each piece perfectly, ensuring every forkful is deliciously soft yet slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until everything is thoroughly combined. This custard mixture is the magical component that transforms simple cinnamon rolls into a luscious French toast casserole rich with flavor and moist texture.
Step 3: Combine and Rest
Spread the cinnamon roll quarters evenly in the greased baking dish. Then, pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces, making sure to press them gently so each piece soaks up that beautiful custard. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to ensure the custard fully seeps into the rolls for maximum flavor and softness.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. The foil helps keep the casserole moist and allows the custard to set gently without drying out. This step is key to achieving that creamy interior everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake Uncovered to Finish
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole turns golden brown and feels set in the middle. This final bake creates a delightful slightly crisp top while maintaining a soft, custardy center.
Step 6: Cool and Drizzle
Let your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the included icing over the top. Serving it warm allows the icing to melt slightly, adding a perfectly sweet finishing touch.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the icing from the cinnamon rolls is delicious on its own, you can elevate presentation and flavor with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts, or even fresh berries. These little touches add texture, sweetness, and a pop of color that makes your breakfast table extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads, crisp bacon, or creamy yogurt. These sides balance the sweetness and richness of the casserole with fresh or savory notes, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, consider serving this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe family-style on a beautiful platter garnished with mint leaves and fruit slices. You can also portion it into individual ramekins before baking for a charming, personal-sized treat that looks stunning on the plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this delightful casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the custard’s creamy texture and ensures every bite is just as flavorful when reheated.
Freezing
If you want to prepare the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe in advance, you can assemble it fully and freeze it before baking. Wrap it well with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the same instructions, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or heat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This keeps the texture soft and the flavors fresh, making leftover breakfasts just as enjoyable as the first time.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using homemade cinnamon rolls can add a personalized touch. Just be sure they are slightly firm so they hold up during soaking and baking instead of turning too mushy.
Can I make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute plant-based milk and cream alternatives, and opt for vegan cinnamon rolls if available. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Is it possible to prepare this the night before?
Yes, assembling the casserole and letting it soak overnight in the refrigerator makes morning prep effortless. Just bake it fresh in the morning for a hot, comforting breakfast.
What if my custard mixture is too runny or too thick?
The custard should be pourable but not watery. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk. If too thin, a few extra eggs can help it set better when baked.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
For a bigger gathering, simply double all the ingredients and use two baking dishes or a larger casserole dish. Keep an eye on baking times as larger casseroles may need a bit more time to cook through.
Final Thoughts
There is just something magical about the comforting mix of cinnamon rolls and French toast all baked into one delicious casserole. The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is not only simple to make but will quickly become a cherished crowd-pleaser for every special breakfast or brunch occasion. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll bring warmth, sweetness, and smiles to your mornings like nothing else.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat combining the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls with the comforting texture of French toast. It features refrigerated cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich custard mixture, baked to golden perfection and drizzled with sweet icing, making it ideal for brunch or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Rolls
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the tubes of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Spread these pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press the pieces gently down to help them soak the custard thoroughly.
- Rest: Allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes so the cinnamon rolls can absorb the custard fully, which enhances the texture when baked.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This helps cook the custard through while keeping the casserole moist.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle the provided icing over the top. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls saves time and ensures freshness.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before baking ensures better custard absorption.
- Covering with foil during initial baking keeps the casserole moist.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey if preferred.
- Serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
