If you love the cozy warmth of cinnamon rolls and the comforting charm of French toast, then you are about to adore this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. It takes all those indulgent flavors and textures, layering them into one irresistible breakfast bake that’s perfect for sharing or treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning. Imagine bites of soft, cinnamon-spiced rolls soaked in a rich custard, baked until golden, and finished with a sweet icing drizzle. This dish is as fuss-free as it is delicious, making it an absolute winner whether you’re whipping up breakfast for a crowd or just craving something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. Each straightforward component plays a starring role, from the spiced cinnamon rolls that provide the base, to the creamy custard mix that brings moisture and richness. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so delightful:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The foundation of the casserole, these bring the classic cinnamon swirl and sticky sweetness.
- 6 large eggs: Eggs create the custard that soaks into the rolls, giving you that luscious, French toast texture.
- 0.5 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the custard without weighing it down.
- 0.5 cup heavy cream: Elevates the richness for a custard that’s indulgent and smooth.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Boosts the warm spice notes that cinnamon rolls are famous for.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant depth to the custard mixture.
- 0.25 cup maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to balance the spices.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps it brown perfectly. Then, open your cinnamon roll tubes and cut each roll into quarters—this bite-sized approach lets the custard soak in evenly and guarantees every piece is filled with cinnamon goodness.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard blend is where all those flavors meld beautifully, soaking into the cinnamon rolls and transforming them into a tender, fragrant base.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly spread the quartered cinnamon roll pieces across the greased baking dish. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the pieces, pressing gently so the rolls soak up the custard thoroughly. This step is key to ensuring each bite is perfectly soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Rest and Bake
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing the custard to fully absorb. Then, cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to gently cook the custard. After this, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is set. The golden crust seals in the custard for a delightful texture balance.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Then, drizzle the included icing from the cinnamon roll cans generously over the top. Serve this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe warm to enjoy the perfect combination of gooey icing, soft custard-soaked rolls, and a lightly crisped top.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra toppings can make this dish shine even brighter. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts add texture and burst of color, while a light dusting of powdered sugar deepens the visual appeal and sweetness. If you want an extra cozy twist, a dollop of whipped cream is always welcome.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is already rich and flavorful, pairing it with fresh fruit or a simple green salad helps balance the meal. Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage also make excellent savory companions, cutting through the sweetness and complementing the cinnamon and maple notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, consider baking the casserole in individual ramekins for charming personal servings. Alternatively, serve slices alongside a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-inspired twist. Presentation is half the fun, so get creative and have fun sharing this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe with loved ones!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Covering the dish tightly ensures it stays moist and prevents it from absorbing any other fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, prepare the dish but hold off on baking; wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the edges regain some crispness. Microwaving is quicker but may result in a softer texture. For the best experience, bring it back to life with a quick oven reheat and a fresh drizzle of icing.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully and let you customize flavors. Just make sure they’re slightly cooled and cut into quarters before soaking in the custard.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon rolls or bake your own gluten-free rolls, this recipe can easily be adapted. Just follow the same soaking and baking steps for the perfect gluten-free version.
Can I make this casserole the night before?
Definitely! Assembling it the night before allows the custard plenty of time to soak into the cinnamon rolls, intensifying flavors. Just cover the dish and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk if you don’t have heavy cream on hand, though the casserole may be slightly less rich and creamy. Adjust the milk quantity to keep the right custard consistency.
How do I keep the casserole from turning soggy?
The key is balancing soak time and baking properly. Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes helps custard absorption, but don’t let it sit too long before baking. Baking covered then uncovered creates a crisp top while setting the inside perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings that homey, indulgent breakfast feeling quite like this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s a simple way to turn the ordinary into something truly special, with layers of cinnamon, cream, and sweetness baked into every bite. Whether you’re hosting family, surprising friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a favorite you return to again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast treat combining the sweet, spiced flavors of cinnamon rolls with a rich custard bake. It’s perfect for brunch or a special morning gathering, featuring tender cinnamon roll pieces soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard and baked to golden perfection, then topped with luscious icing.
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 Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Arrange these pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish. Press gently on the pieces to help them soak up the custard.
- Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes so the cinnamon rolls absorb the custard thoroughly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle the included icing from the cinnamon roll cans over the top before serving warm.
Notes
- Allowing the casserole to rest before baking ensures the cinnamon rolls soak up the custard fully for a moist texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter casserole, add extra maple syrup to the custard or drizzle additional syrup when serving.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the baked casserole into squares for neat serving portions.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk, though texture may vary.
- Refrigerate any leftovers and reheat gently before serving.
