This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is what weekend mornings were made for. Soft cinnamon roll pieces soaked in a sweet cinnamon custard, baked until golden and puffy, then drizzled with that perfect cream cheese icing. I first made this on a lazy Sunday when I had a can of cinnamon rolls sitting in the fridge and wanted something more special than just baking them plain. The smell alone had my daughter Lily running into the kitchen before they were even done.
If you're looking for more cozy breakfast ideas, you might also love my Easy Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls Recipe or this Easy Sausage and Egg Casserole for a savory twist.
The Morning Lily Declared It "Better Than Pancakes"
Last Saturday morning, I was putting this together when Lily wandered in wearing her favorite unicorn pajamas, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "What smells so good?" she asked, climbing onto her kitchen stool to watch.
I was cutting up the Cinnamon Roll French Toast, and one piece went rogue and rolled right off the counter. Lily caught it mid-air like a little breakfast ninja and popped it in her mouth before I could stop her. "Lily! That's raw dough!" I said, but she just grinned with cinnamon-sugar teeth.
"It's still good, Mama," she said, completely unbothered.
When the casserole came out of the oven twenty-five minutes later, all golden and puffed up with that sweet Cinnamon Roll French Toast smell filling every corner of the kitchen, Lily took her first bite and got very serious. She chewed thoughtfully, then announced, "This is better than pancakes. Maybe even better than ice cream."
I'm not sure about the ice cream part, but I'll take the pancake victory any day.
Jump to:
- The Morning Lily Declared It "Better Than Pancakes"
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Ingredients
- How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment For Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- How to Store Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this easy breakfast Cinnamon Roll French Toast.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For ingtedient Quantites
Unsalted butter: Melted butter greases the baking dish and adds richness to every bite. It also helps create those slightly crispy, caramelized edges.
Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: The star of the show. Using canned cinnamon rolls means you get that perfect cinnamon swirl without making dough from scratch. Don't forget to save the icing packet.
Large eggs: Eggs create the custard base that holds everything together and gives the casserole its soft, tender texture. Room temperature eggs mix more smoothly.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy custard. Whole milk works best, but any milk you have will do. Make sure it's at room temperature so it blends easily with the eggs.
Vanilla extract: A teaspoon of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the custard. It's a small amount, but you'll taste the difference.
Ground cinnamon: Extra cinnamon in the custard amplifies that cozy spice flavor. It blends beautifully with the cinnamon already in the rolls.
Maple syrup: Sweetens the custard and adds a hint of maple flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon. It also helps the casserole caramelize slightly as it bakes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast
This comes together quickly, so have everything ready before you start.
Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat while you prepare the dish. This ensures even baking and helps the custard set properly.
Grease the baking dish: Brush the melted butter all over the bottom and sides of an 8 x 8 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds a buttery richness to the edges.
Prepare the cinnamon rolls: Open the can and separate the rolls. Cut each roll into 6 to 8 equal pieces and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared dish. They should fit snugly but not be crammed in. Set the icing packet aside for later.
Make the custard: Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until lightly beaten. Add the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup, then whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
Soak the rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure each piece gets coated. Use a spoon to gently press down any pieces that aren't soaking up the custard.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the edges pull slightly away from the sides of the dish, the custard is set and no longer jiggly, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool and top: Let the casserole cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the custard time to set fully. Drizzle the reserved icing packet over the top, or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds if you want it more pourable. Serve warm and enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is pretty flexible, so feel free to adjust based on what you have or what you're craving.
Use any cinnamon roll brand: Pillsbury works great, but any refrigerated Cinnamon Roll French Toast will do. You can even use the Grands! version for bigger, fluffier pieces.
Try different milk: Whole milk gives the richest custard, but 2%, almond milk, or oat milk all work if that's what you have on hand.
Add a splash of cream: For an extra decadent custard, replace a tablespoon or two of the milk with heavy cream.
Swap the maple syrup: Honey or agave nectar can replace the maple syrup if you prefer a different sweetness.
Make it overnight: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then bake as directed. You might need to add 3 to 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Add mix-ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans, chocolate chips, or fresh berries over the top before baking for extra flavor and texture.
Equipment For Cinnamon Roll French Toast
You don't need much to make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast , just a few basic kitchen tools.
8 x 8 inch baking dish: This size is perfect for one can of cinnamon rolls. Glass or metal both work well.
Large mixing bowl: You'll use this to whisk together the custard ingredients. Make sure it's big enough to mix everything without splashing.
Whisk: A whisk incorporates the eggs and milk smoothly and helps prevent lumps in the custard.
How to Store Cinnamon Roll French Toast
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is best enjoyed warm, but leftovers reheat beautifully.
Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezer: You can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 12 minutes until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is rich and sweet, so it pairs well with a few lighter sides.
Fresh berries: A handful of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a bright, tart contrast to the sweetness.
Crispy bacon or sausage: The salty, savory flavor of breakfast meat balances the sweet Cinnamon Roll French Toast perfectly.
Whipped cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top makes it feel extra special.
Hot coffee or orange juice: A strong cup of coffee cuts through the richness, while fresh orange juice adds a refreshing citrus note. For more make-ahead breakfast ideas, try Strawberry Cheesecake Overnight Oats for busy mornings.
Expert Tips
Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature eggs and milk blend more smoothly and create a better custard texture.
Don't skip the resting time: Letting the casserole cool for 10 to 15 minutes after baking helps the custard set fully. If you cut into it too soon, it'll be a little runny.
Press down the rolls: After you pour the custard over the Cinnamon Roll French Toast pieces, gently press them down with the back of a spoon to make sure they're all soaking up the liquid.
Check for doneness: The edges should pull away slightly from the pan, and the center should look set but still a little soft. It'll firm up as it cools.
Warm the icing: If the icing packet is too thick to drizzle, microwave it for 5 to 8 seconds to make it more pourable.
Why You'll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is ridiculously easy and uses ingredients you probably already have. There's no complicated technique, no fancy equipment, just a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and a simple custard that comes together in one bowl. It's sweet enough to feel like a treat but not so sugary that you'll crash an hour later.
The texture is what really gets me. Those soft, doughy cinnamon roll pieces soak up the cinnamon-spiced custard and bake into something that's part Cinnamon Roll French Toast, part bread pudding, all delicious. The edges pull away from the pan and get a little caramelized, while the center stays tender and custardy.
It's also incredibly versatile. Make it as a casserole for a crowd, or cut the rolls into bigger pieces and bake them individually for a fancier presentation. Either way, you're getting that perfect combination of cinnamon roll sweetness and classic Cinnamon Roll French Toast comfort. And if you're planning a full brunch spread, pair it with Easy Starbucks Egg Bites Recipe for something savory on the side.
FAQ
What is one common mistake when preparing French toast?
The biggest mistake is not letting the bread (or in this case, cinnamon rolls) soak up enough custard. If you rush it, the center stays dry and doughy. Give the rolls a few minutes to absorb the liquid, and press them down gently with a spoon to help. Another common issue is baking at too high a temperature, which can make the outside cook too fast while the inside stays raw. A moderate oven temperature and a little patience make all the difference.
How do you make French cinnamon toast?
For classic French cinnamon toast, you whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon to make a custard. Dip slices of bread into the mixture, coating both sides, then cook them in a buttered skillet until golden brown. This recipe takes that same idea but uses cinnamon rolls instead of bread and bakes everything in the oven for an easier, casserole-style version. It's less hands-on and perfect for feeding a crowd.
What are some tips for making the best French toast?
Use thick, sturdy bread or rolls that can soak up the custard without falling apart. Let your ingredients come to room temperature so they mix smoothly. Add a little sweetness to the custard with maple syrup or sugar, and don't be shy with the cinnamon and vanilla. Baking instead of pan-frying gives you even cooking and less mess. And always let it rest for a few minutes after cooking so the custard can set properly. Lily always says the best tip is to eat it while it's still warm, and honestly, she's not wrong.
How to get cinnamon to dissolve for French toast?
Ground cinnamon doesn't fully dissolve in liquid, but you can prevent clumps by whisking it thoroughly into the custard. I like to add the cinnamon after the eggs and milk are already mixed together, then whisk vigorously for a few seconds. If you're still getting clumps, try sifting the cinnamon first or mixing it with the maple syrup before adding it to the eggs. The goal is to distribute it evenly so every bite has that warm cinnamon flavor.
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Pairing
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for at least 20-30 minutes before baking.
- Grease an 8 x 8 inch (20 cm) baking dish with the melted butter.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into 6-8 even pieces. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Set aside the icing packet that comes with the cinnamon rolls for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they are lightly beaten. Add the milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the cinnamon custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges of the rolls have slightly pulled away from the dish and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Once cooled, drizzle with the reserved icing packet.
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