If you love the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls and the wholesome goodness of French toast, then you are absolutely going to adore this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s a dreamy blend of soft, sweet cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich custard, baked to golden perfection, and finished with a luscious drizzle of icing. This recipe is perfect for cozy weekend breakfasts or special brunches with family and friends. Once you try it, you’ll find it impossible not to make it a breakfast staple that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is surprisingly simple, relying on a handful of trusty ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays an important role from the gooey cinnamon rolls forming the base to the creamy custard that gives the dish its melt-in-your-mouth softness and that perfect golden-baked color.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: These are your star ingredient, providing sweetness, cinnamon flavor, and that iconic spiral texture.
- 6 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add richness to the custard.
- 0.5 cup milk: Adds moisture and lightens the custard texture.
- 0.5 cup heavy cream: Provides extra creaminess and helps the casserole bake up tender and custardy.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Enhances the warm spice flavor that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a luscious aroma and depth to the custard.
- 0.25 cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle hint of caramel complexity.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out with a perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange Cinnamon Roll Pieces
Open your cinnamon roll tubes and cut each roll into quarters. Spreading these bite-sized pieces evenly in the baking dish is key for even cooking and ensures every forkful includes that delightful swirl of cinnamon sugar.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth and well-blended custard. This mixture will soak into each piece, infusing it with richness and flavor.
Step 4: Pour Custard Over Cinnamon Rolls
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces and gently press down so the rolls soak up the mixture. This step is important to ensure the rolls absorb all the delicious custard, creating a flaky yet moist texture.
Step 5: Rest Before Baking
Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes so the cinnamon roll pieces can fully absorb the custard. This resting period makes all the difference for a luxurious texture once baked.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover your baking dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 30 minutes. This helps the custard set without drying out the casserole.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered Until Golden
Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the middle. That beautiful golden color signals it’s just right to come out.
Step 8: Add Icing and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes, then drizzle the icing from the cinnamon roll packages over the top. Serve it warm to enjoy the perfect mix of soft cinnamon rolls, creamy custard, and sweet glaze.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top right after drizzling the icing. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add a pop of color and brightness that balances the sweetness wonderfully. A dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate its presentation instantly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple breakfast sides such as crispy bacon or sausage links to add savory contrast. A refreshing fruit salad or fresh orange slices can lighten the meal, making it feel both indulgent and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch, or turn it into a portable meal by cutting it into squares and wrapping them for on-the-go brunches. For special occasions, top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to make it feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked casserole for up to one month. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy mornings or holidays.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or reheat the entire casserole in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on top. Avoid overheating to keep it soft and custardy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will work perfectly and add a personal touch. Just be sure they’re pre-baked and cooled slightly before cutting and soaking with custard.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream, and ensure your cinnamon rolls are dairy-free as well.
Can I add fruits or nuts into the casserole?
Definitely! Blueberries, chopped apples, or toasted pecans mixed into the cinnamon roll pieces before soaking add wonderful texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of maple syrup in the custard?
You can swap maple syrup for honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar dissolved in the milk, depending on the sweetness level you prefer.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch, and the center should be set without any liquid custard. A knife inserted should come out mostly clean with maybe a slight custardy coating.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe to brighten up your morning or impress guests at brunch. It’s easy to make, delightfully indulgent, and endlessly versatile. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how this simple casserole can become your new favorite breakfast tradition!
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 is a delightful and decadent breakfast dish combining the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast. With a creamy custard soak and a golden baked finish topped with sweet icing, it’s perfect for a brunch or special morning treat.
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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) 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 to ensure even baking.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 0.5 cup milk, 0.5 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 0.25 cup maple syrup until fully combined for a smooth custard.
- Pour Custard Over Rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. Gently press down to help the cinnamon rolls soak up the custard.
- Rest the Mixture: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This allows the cinnamon rolls to absorb the custard and ensures a moist bake.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is golden brown and fully set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the top, then serve warm for a luscious breakfast treat.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Use full-fat dairy for a richer flavor.
- Covering with foil during baking prevents the top from burning while ensuring the inside cooks through.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- This recipe yields 12 servings, perfect for feeding a brunch crowd.
