If you are craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you have to try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. It takes all the magical cinnamon roll flavors you adore and transforms them into a cozy baked dish that is absolutely perfect for weekends, holidays, or any time you want to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls soaked in a creamy cinnamon-infused custard, baked until golden and served with a luscious cream cheese glaze — this recipe is as indulgent as it is comforting, marking it as a go-to brunch favorite that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients each play a starring role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavor and texture that makes this casserole irresistible. With everyday staples and a couple of pantry favorites, this recipe is straightforward yet impressive.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (2 cans, 17.5 oz each): The base of your casserole, offering that soft, doughy essence packed with cinnamon and sugar.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the custard beautifully, adding richness and structure to your dish.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Gives the custard its silky texture and indulgent mouthfeel.
- Milk (¼ cup): Lightens the custard just enough to keep it from being too dense.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Enhances the warm spice notes that bring this casserole to life.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds a sweet depth and aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel-like flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Creates the rich, tangy glaze that balances the sweetness.
- Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Smooths out the glaze and adds a subtle richness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese glaze to the perfect consistency.
- Milk for thinning glaze (1 to 2 tablespoons): Adjusts your glaze consistency so it drizzles beautifully over the casserole.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Take the cinnamon rolls and cut each into quarters. Spread these bite-sized pieces evenly in the dish. This creates the base that will soak up the custard and bake into a golden, fluffy masterpiece.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. This flavorful custard is what brings all the elements together, infusing the cinnamon roll pieces with moisture, spice, and sweetness for the perfect French toast texture.
Step 3: Combine and Soak
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure every corner gets soaked. Gently press down the pieces to help them absorb the custard fully. This step is key to achieving that ooey-gooey, melt-in-your-mouth comfort that makes this recipe a standout.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s puffed up and gloriously golden on top. Let it cool slightly so it holds its shape when sliced, but don’t wait too long — this dish is best enjoyed warm straight from the oven.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the casserole is baking, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and a tablespoon or two of milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This luscious glaze is what makes the top layer heavenly, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Step 6: Drizzle and Finish
Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm casserole. Add any reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls and an extra splash of maple syrup if you like it extra decadent. The glaze will melt slightly, seeping into the cracks and pooling deliciously around the edges.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut the casserole into portions and serve immediately. Each bite will bring you the perfect mix of creamy custard, spiced dough, and sweet glaze — an irresistible combination that feels like a warm, delicious hug on a plate.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries add a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast to your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. A dusting of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, adds delightful crunch and texture, balancing the softness of the casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a side of crisp bacon or sausage for a savory counterpoint that rounds out the meal. Fresh fruit salad or a vibrant green smoothie can also add a refreshing note to your brunch spread to keep things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch that’s perfect for guests. You can also top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream when serving warm for a decadent dessert-like treat that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate if possible and drizzle it on before serving to maintain that perfect creamy texture and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, cool completely and wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing in the freezer. It can be stored frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh glaze or icing afterward for that just-baked taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using homemade cinnamon rolls will add a fresh, personal touch. Just be sure they aren’t overly sticky on top to avoid sogginess, and cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even soaking and baking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the heavy cream and milk with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze. The flavor and texture will still be deliciously satisfying.
How long can I leave the custard-soaked casserole before baking?
It’s best to bake the casserole soon after pouring the custard to prevent the cinnamon roll pieces from becoming overly soggy. However, you can prepare it a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free cinnamon rolls from your grocery store or homemade gluten-free cinnamon rolls. The rest of the recipe stays the same and will turn out just as scrumptious.
What is the best cinnamon to use?
Use ground cinnamon with a strong, sweet aroma such as Ceylon or Saigon cinnamon for the best flavor boost. These varieties give your casserole that deep, rich warmth that makes it so irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is truly a breakfast game changer. It offers all the flavor, warmth, and comfort of cinnamon rolls with the easy, hands-off magic of a baked French toast dish. Whether you’re hosting a special morning or simply want to spoil yourself, this recipe promises smiles around every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect blend of gooey, spiced, creamy goodness firsthand!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in a decadent breakfast treat with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole. Featuring soft, sweet cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich custard and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze for an irresistible morning delight.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (17.5 oz each)
- 4 large eggs
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (for thinning glaze)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cut and Arrange Cinnamon Rolls. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish for even custard coverage and baking.
- Make Custard Mixture. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well-combined to form the custard for soaking the cinnamon rolls.
- Pour Custard Over Rolls. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, pressing gently so that the rolls soak up the liquid thoroughly for a moist casserole.
- Bake the Casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden brown. Once baked, let it cool slightly before glazing.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze. In a separate bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and drizzleable, adjusting milk to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the Casserole. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm casserole. Optionally, top with reserved cinnamon roll icing and an extra drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness and flavor.
- Serve. Slice the casserole into servings and serve warm for a delicious, comforting breakfast or brunch.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole the night before by assembling it, covering, and refrigerating overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup and glaze according to your preference.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the glaze.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
