If you have a sweet tooth and morning hospitality in mind, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. Imagine buttery, cinnamon-spiced cinnamon rolls transformed into a rich, custardy breakfast bake that effortlessly feeds a crowd. Tender pieces soaked in a creamy egg mixture bake to golden perfection and crowned with that luscious icing, making every bite a dreamy mix of cinnamon roll goodness and classic French toast comfort. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a lazy weekend treat, this casserole is everything you want for a cozy start to your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this casserole is as straightforward as it is delightful. Each element plays a star role—from the fluffy cinnamon rolls providing that iconic swirl and sweetness, to the custard blend that brings everything together with creamy depth and warm spices.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The base of the dish, these rolls offer convenience and that classic cinnamon flavor with melty icing to finish.
- 6 large eggs: Eggs act as the binder, creating the custardy texture key to luscious French toast casseroles.
- 0.5 cup milk: Adds creaminess and moisture, helping to keep the dish tender.
- 0.5 cup heavy cream: Elevates the richness and gives the custard a velvety feel.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Enhances the natural cinnamon roll flavors and adds warm spice.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Offers a sweet, aromatic depth that ties all the flavors together.
- 0.25 cup maple syrup: Provides subtle sweetness and a hint of that beloved maple flavor to balance the spice.
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 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. Open the canned cinnamon rolls, cutting each roll into four pieces. Spread these pieces nicely in a single layer across the baking dish, ensuring there’s room for the custard to soak in.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and fully combined. This custard will soak the cinnamon roll chunks, imbuing them with moisture and spice while baking.
Step 3: Combine and Let It Rest
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cut cinnamon rolls in the dish, pressing gently to help it absorb. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes so the bread pieces soak up as much of that rich custard as possible — this step is key for that perfect texture.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep moisture locked in. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial baking helps the custard set around the rolls while keeping the top soft.
Step 5: Bake Uncovered Until Golden
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is golden, bubbly, and fully set. The top will develop a beautiful, slightly crisp golden crust that contrasts so well with the tender custard.
Step 6: Cool and Drizzle with Icing
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before drizzling the canned icing generously over the top. The warm casserole melts the icing slightly, creating a gooey, irresistible glaze.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch and nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture and sweet, cinnamony flavor. Fresh berries on the side introduce a bright, tart burst that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a balanced breakfast, serve this casserole with crispy bacon or maple-glazed sausages for savory contrast. A fresh fruit salad brings freshness and color to the plate, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe extra special by serving it in individual ramekins for a charming personal twist. Alternatively, lay a bed of lightly whipped cream or mascarpone underneath to add extra creaminess and elegance for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled, making it a great option for easy breakfasts all week.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly with foil, and freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds or place the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. This revives the custardy comfort without sacrificing texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and add an extra touch of love, though canned rolls offer quick convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for overnight prep?
Yes, after assembling the casserole and pouring the custard, you can cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free brunch.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can swap the milk and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, but the texture may be slightly less rich. Use dairy-free cinnamon rolls to keep it fully dairy-free.
What is the best way to warm leftovers?
Microwaving is quick and convenient, but reheating in an oven helps preserve a pleasant texture by keeping the casserole evenly warm without getting soggy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans, adjusting bake time slightly if necessary, and you’ll have plenty to feed everyone happily.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your breakfast rotation. It’s wonderfully easy, crowd-pleasing, and delivers those indulgent cinnamon roll flavors with all the comfort of French toast baked into one gorgeous casserole. So go ahead, bring this warm, sweet delight to your table and prepare to make some delicious memories!
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 decadent and easy-to-make breakfast dish that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls with a rich custard soak. Baked until golden and topped with a sweet icing drizzle, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy 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 tubes of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Spread these 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 the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak Rolls: Pour the custard mixture over the quartered cinnamon rolls evenly. Press gently on the pieces to help them absorb the custard.
- Rest: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes, allowing the cinnamon rolls to soak up the custard fully.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or 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 evenly over the top. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh refrigerated cinnamon rolls rather than frozen ones.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before baking ensures the custard soaks into the rolls thoroughly.
- You can add chopped nuts or fruit on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the maple syrup amount slightly.
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated to bake fresh in the morning.
