If you’re craving a breakfast dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, our Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the gooey cinnamon rolls you love, soaked in a rich, vanilla-spiked custard, baked together into an irresistible casserole that’s perfect for sharing. It’s the kind of recipe that turns any morning into a special occasion, with layers of sweet cinnamon, creamy custard, and a drizzle of icing tying it all together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe relies on a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each plays a crucial role: from the soft, doughy cinnamon rolls that bring sweetness and texture to the creamy custard that soaks in all those wonderful flavors.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: The star of the show, providing that classic cinnamon swirl and ready-made icing for topping.
- 6 large eggs: Acts as the base for the custard, adding richness and structure to the bake.
- 0.5 cup milk: Lightens the custard while keeping it creamy and smooth.
- 0.5 cup heavy cream: Adds lusciousness, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Boosts the warm, spicy notes that make this dish so comforting.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, fragrant depth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 0.25 cup maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel-like flavor throughout the casserole.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve once baked.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the cans and cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. Spread these pieces evenly in the greased baking dish, making sure they’re distributed in a single layer so each bite has a perfect blend of dough and cinnamon.
Step 3: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. This custard is where all the flavors meld together, creating a creamy soak that transforms the cinnamon rolls into glorious French toast.
Step 4: Pour and Press
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish. Gently press the rolls down to help them absorb the custard. Don’t worry if some custard pools around the edges—that adds extra moisture and flavor as it bakes.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes. This resting time is essential for the rolls to soak up the custard, ensuring each bite is creamy and perfectly flavored.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture locked in, then bake it in the oven for 30 minutes. This gentle heat cooks the custard through without drying the rolls.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered Until Golden
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes. This step is what gives the casserole that beautiful golden crust and slightly crisp edges, adding wonderful texture contrast.
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle with Icing
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Finally, drizzle the included icing over the top, allowing it to melt slowly and create that irresistible sweet finish.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped pecans makes a delightful, crunchy contrast to the custardy softness. Fresh berries add a bright, tart freshness that cuts through the sweetness and brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon for a lovely balance of sweet and savory. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt on the side also complements this dish wonderfully, making breakfast feel extra indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style breakfast, or portion it out into individual ramekins for a charming brunch presentation. You can also add a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a splash of warm caramel sauce for a decadent twist that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so the next-day casserole slices taste fantastic and are easy to reheat.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe freezes well if you want to prep it in advance. Freeze it either before baking or after it’s cooled down—just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat servings in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes until warm. For a crisper top, pop leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Either way, it’ll taste just as comforting as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Using homemade cinnamon rolls adds a personal touch and can make this casserole even more special. Just be sure they’re fully cooled before cutting and soaking in the custard.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the milk and heavy cream for your favorite dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free margarine to grease the dish. The casserole will still be comforting and delicious.
How long does the casserole stay fresh at room temperature?
For food safety, it’s best not to leave the casserole out for more than 2 hours. Any leftovers should be refrigerated promptly to keep them safe and tasty.
Can I add nuts or fruit inside the casserole?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts gives a wonderful crunch, and mixing in fruits such as diced apples or berries before baking adds juicy bursts of flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this for a crowd?
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd because it’s baked in one dish and portioned easily. Pair it with a variety of toppings and sides so guests can customize their plates.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe enough — it’s a pure joy for the senses and a surefire way to make breakfast feel like a celebration. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, the warm cinnamon, rich custard, and sweet icing will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try; your mornings will never be the same!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the rich custard texture of French toast, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a special breakfast or brunch, this dish is easy to prepare, featuring soft cinnamon roll pieces soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, baked until fluffy and topped with sweet icing and maple syrup.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Base
- 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 Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Open the refrigerated cinnamon roll tubes and cut each roll into quarters. Spread these pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base of the casserole.
- Mix Custard: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Custard and Cinnamon 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 evenly for better texture and flavor.
- Allow to Rest: Let the assembled casserole rest for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the cinnamon rolls to absorb the custard properly, ensuring a moist and rich final dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. The foil helps the casserole cook evenly without drying out.
- Bake Uncovered to Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the casserole is golden brown on top and fully set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes after baking to set. Drizzle the provided icing over the top and serve warm, optionally with extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh refrigerated cinnamon rolls rather than frozen.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before baking helps the pieces absorb the custard fully, enhancing flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the maple syrup amount or omit the icing drizzle.
- Make sure to cover the casserole with foil initially to trap moisture and prevent the top from burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
