Imagine waking up to the warm, irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen, promising a breakfast experience that feels like a cozy hug from the inside. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe combines the soft, gooey delight of cinnamon rolls with the custardy goodness of French toast, all baked together into one spectacular dish. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any time you want to treat yourself and loved ones to a decadent, crowd-pleasing breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you; each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance between rich, sweet, and comforting flavors. These kitchen staples come together quickly, making this dish a breeze to prepare without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Cinnamon Rolls with Icing (2 cans): These ready-made rolls provide the fluffy, cinnamon-spiced base and glaze that makes this casserole irresistible.
- Large Eggs (6): The eggs create the rich, custard-like texture that holds the casserole together beautifully.
- Milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and keeps the custard light and creamy.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Enhances the richness and makes every bite decadently smooth.
- Ground Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Boosts the cinnamon flavor, making each mouthful burst with warmth and spice.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a sweet floral note that rounds out the dish.
- Maple Syrup (¼ cup): Infuses natural sweetness and a subtle depth that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the casserole from sticking and to add a hint of buttery flavor along the edges.
Step 2: Cut and Place the Cinnamon Rolls
Open your cinnamon roll tubes and cut each roll into quarters. This ensures you get perfectly sized portions that absorb the custard evenly. Spread the pieces out across the greased baking dish in an even layer so they cook uniformly.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until everything is well combined and smooth. This custard mixture is what transforms the cinnamon rolls into a soft, flavorful French toast casserole that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Pour and Press
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure every square gets a good soak. Gently press down with your hands or a spatula so the rolls absorb the liquid, which will help create that perfect custard texture throughout.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time gives the cinnamon roll pieces enough chance to fully soak up the custard, resulting in a moist and tender bake.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven, baking for 30 minutes. The foil traps steam, helping the casserole cook evenly without drying out.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered Until Golden
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the top get beautifully golden and slightly crisped while ensuring the custard is fully set.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Once out of the oven, cool the casserole for about 5 minutes before drizzling the icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the top. Serve while still warm for the best taste and texture experience.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar over the warm casserole. These add texture and a pop of color that makes your breakfast table look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair this sweet and rich casserole with fresh fruit salad, crispy bacon, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides bring balance to the meal by adding freshness and a savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, consider dividing the casserole into individual ramekins before baking or topping servings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent brunch treat that doubles as dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as delightful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Once baked and cooled, wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Keep frozen for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or a 350°F oven until warmed through. For a crispier top, the oven is your best bet to bring back that freshly baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using homemade cinnamon rolls is a fantastic way to add a personal touch. Just be sure they are slightly firm so they hold up during soaking and baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the milk and heavy cream for your favorite dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut cream. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole the evening before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The flavors will meld overnight. Simply bake it fresh in the morning for a stress-free breakfast.
What if I want it less sweet?
You can reduce the maple syrup or use less icing on top. Adding a pinch of salt to the custard mixture also helps balance sweetness without losing any flavor.
Can I add fruit to the casserole?
Yes! Sliced apples, berries, or even bananas make great mix-ins or toppings. Just be mindful of excess moisture which can affect the texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe that makes mornings feel special and cozy all at once. It blends simplicity with indulgence, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Once you try it, I promise, it will become one of your go-to recipes for lazy weekend breakfasts and memorable holiday brunches. So go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 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 breakfast treat combining the gooey, sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls with the soft, custardy texture of French toast. Perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion, it’s easy to prepare and bakes into a golden, aromatic casserole that’s drizzled with rich icing for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cut and Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll tubes and cut each roll into quarters. Spread the pieces evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Soak Cinnamon Rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press down gently to ensure the custard soaks well into the rolls.
- Let Soak: Allow the casserole to sit and soak for 10 minutes so the cinnamon rolls absorb the custard for a soft, custardy texture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the custard to set and start cooking.
- Bake Uncovered to Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is fully set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the included icing over the top of the casserole and serve warm for a delicious breakfast treat.
Notes
- Allowing the casserole to soak before baking ensures the custard penetrates the cinnamon rolls, making for a tender and moist texture.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or brown sugar syrup if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and cream alternatives and omit the icing or use a dairy-free icing.
- Make sure to cover the casserole during the initial baking to prevent the top from drying out.
