If you love the idea of indulging in a breakfast that feels like dessert, then this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite morning treat. Imagine the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls combined with the custardy, golden delight of French toast baked all together in one dish. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for a crowd or a lazy weekend brunch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever had breakfast without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole actually starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an important role. From the sweet cinnamon rolls that provide that signature flavor to the creamy custard that gives the dish its rich, fluffy texture, every element is essential to the magic.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: Using pre-made rolls saves time without sacrificing flavor and the icing adds a finishing touch of sweetness.
- Large eggs: Eggs are the base for the custard, providing structure and that luscious, soft bake.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps to create a smooth custard consistency.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the richness, ensuring a creamy, decadent texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic spice character that’s perfect with the cinnamon rolls.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet, aromatic background flavor.
- Maple syrup: Balances the spices with natural sweetness and helps caramelize the top as it bakes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, grease a 9 by 13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly golden on the edges. This simple step is key for an easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. This helps them bake evenly and soak in the custard better. Spread these pieces evenly across the greased baking dish so each bite gets a fantastic swirl of cinnamon and dough.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until they’re fully combined. This custard mixture will soak into your cinnamon rolls, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Soak and Rest
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, then gently press down on the rolls so they absorb all those rich flavors. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes to let everything meld together beautifully before baking.
Step 5: Bake Your Masterpiece
Cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning and bake it for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the casserole is set and has a gorgeous golden color on top. The timing here creates that perfect balance between custardy softness and a slight crisp on the edges.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for five minutes. Then drizzle the included icing over the top. This finishing glaze melts slightly from the warmth, adding a glossy, sweet finish that makes every bite extraordinary.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider topping your casserole with fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness, or sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to complete your meal, serve it alongside crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage. These savory sides are perfect for balancing the sweetness and add a satisfying protein punch to your brunch plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely brunch gathering, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins for easy, charming personal servings. You could even layer the casserole with sliced fruit between the custard-soaked cinnamon rolls for a fruity surprise in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind the texture is best enjoyed the same day, but refrigeration helps preserve the flavors for quick enjoyment later.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Adding a little extra drizzle of syrup or icing after reheating revives the fresh-baked feeling flawlessly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls can add even more flavor and personalization to your casserole. Just make sure they are soft and slightly underbaked, so they soak the custard well in the casserole.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with additional milk or half-and-half, though the texture might be slightly less rich. The casserole will still be delicious and tender.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it so the rolls soak in the custard overnight. Then bake it fresh in the morning for a simple, stress-free breakfast.
Is this dish suitable for a large crowd?
Definitely. This recipe makes 12 servings, so it’s perfect for family gatherings or brunch parties. You can easily double the recipe if you need to feed more people.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cinnamon rolls available in many stores or bake your own gluten-free rolls ahead of time. The custard and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe that brings comfort and joy to breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, it combines convenience with indulgence perfectly. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and discover how it can elevate your mornings to something truly special.
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
A luscious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole that combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with a rich custard, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this dish is easy to prepare ahead and delivers decadent flavor with minimal effort.
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 the pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Custard: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Custard Over Rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press gently on the pieces to help them soak up the custard.
- Rest the Mixture: Allow the mixture to rest and soak for 10 minutes to absorb the custard fully.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 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 included icing over the top. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey, sweet breakfast treat.
Notes
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Use whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before; refrigerate after assembling and bake in the morning.
- If cinnamon rolls don’t come with icing, you can make a simple glaze by mixing confectioners’ sugar with a little milk and vanilla.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
