If you love the cozy, sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls but want to shake up your breakfast routine, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is going to be your new favorite weekend treat. Imagine thick slices of cinnamon swirl bread soaked in a luscious egg mixture infused with cinnamon and vanilla, then cooked to golden perfection. Topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze that melts over the warm toast, every bite tastes like a comforting hug on a plate. It’s indulgent yet surprisingly simple, bringing the best of both cinnamon rolls and French toast together in one delicious dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to bringing out the irresistible flavors and silky textures in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from the rich eggs that create the perfect custard soak to the cinnamon and vanilla that bring those classic warm notes.
- 4 large eggs: The base for the custard that soaks into the bread, giving it richness and structure.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps make the egg mixture smooth and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with a floral warmth that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this dish that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and intensifies the sweetness and cinnamon.
- 8 slices cinnamon swirl bread: Thick, soft bread with cinnamon folded in, ideal for soaking up the custard.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For frying the bread to a golden, crispy finish without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Creates the sweet base for the luscious cream cheese icing.
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese: Adds creamy tang and richness to the icing.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing): Thins out the icing for drizzling consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Boosts flavor in the creamy topping.
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream to customize your serving experience.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by cracking your eggs into a large bowl and whisk them until smooth and slightly frothy. Then add the milk and vanilla extract, whisking to create a silky custard base. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and salt and give it one last good mix to ensure all those flavors meld beautifully before you start dipping the bread.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet and Melt Butter
Place a large skillet or griddle on medium heat and add the butter, letting it melt fully. Butter is essential here to give the French toast that gorgeous golden crust and a subtle richness without burning. Be ready to keep an eye on the heat so the bread fries evenly and perfectly.
Step 3: Soak the Bread Slices
Take each slice of your cinnamon swirl bread and dip it into the egg mixture on both sides. Don’t soak too long or the bread might become mushy; just a quick dip to soak up enough custard to create a fluffy interior and crispy edges when cooked.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Carefully place the soaked slices on your hot skillet without crowding them. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until a deep golden brown forms, then flip and repeat. The goal is to get a crisp exterior with a tender, custardy center – that’s the secret to perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe every time.
Step 5: Keep Warm While Finishing
As you cook each batch, transfer the French toast to a plate and keep it warm in a low oven set around 200°F. This little trick ensures every slice is served warm and fresh without drying out or getting cold.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
In a small bowl, blend the powdered sugar with softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until you achieve a creamy, drizzle-ready consistency. You can add a touch more milk if needed to keep it pourable but thick enough to coat the French toast deliciously.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Stack your warm French toast slices on plates, then generously drizzle the cream cheese icing over the top. This is where your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe truly shines – the icing melts over each slice, mimicking a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll glaze but with the best French toast texture underneath.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, top your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Fresh berries or sliced bananas offer a fresh contrast, while a dollop of whipped cream makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty. For a lighter option, fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie complement the richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe stacked high on a rustic wooden board for a brunch crowd or arranged neatly on individual plates with decorative syrup drizzles and fruit slices. Using mini skillets or cast iron pans for one-serve presentations also boosts presentation charm and keeps the toast warm longer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the toast from becoming soggy, separate layers with parchment paper and avoid covering too tightly until fully cooled.
Freezing
These French toast slices freeze beautifully if you want to prep ahead. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to one month and make easy mornings a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, use a toaster oven or conventional oven set at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisped back up. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bread soggy and lose that desirable texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of cinnamon swirl bread?
Absolutely! While cinnamon swirl bread enhances the cinnamon roll flavor, any thick, sturdy bread like brioche or challah will work well when soaked in the custard.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine. The cream cheese icing can be made with vegan cream cheese alternatives.
Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
It’s best to prepare the custard fresh for optimal flavor and texture, but you can mix it up to a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Don’t soak the bread too long in the custard; just a quick dip on each side. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before cooking to create that crispy exterior immediately.
Can I add more cinnamon for extra flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the cinnamon in the custard to your taste. Just remember that too much might change the texture or make the flavor overpowering, so start with small increments.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe combines the best of two beloved breakfasts in one delicious, comforting dish. It’s a perfect treat for lazy weekend mornings, special occasions, or anytime you want to delight your taste buds with something sweet, warm, and indulgent. Give it a try and watch it become a fast family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in Cinnamon Roll French Toast, a delightful breakfast twist that combines the rich flavors of cinnamon swirl bread with a creamy vanilla-cinnamon custard. Topped with a luscious cream cheese icing and optional maple syrup or fresh fruit, this recipe transforms classic French toast into a sweet, bakery-inspired treat perfect for any morning.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices cinnamon swirl bread (or any bread of your choice)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cream Cheese Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Sprinkle in ground cinnamon and salt, then whisk again until the mixture is combined and slightly frothy.
- Heat the skillet: Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt completely, coating the surface of the skillet for even cooking.
- Dip the bread: Take a slice of cinnamon swirl bread and dip it into the egg mixture, coating both sides without letting it soak for too long to avoid sogginess.
- Cook the French toast: Place the coated bread slice onto the hot skillet. Repeat with additional slices without overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep warm: Transfer cooked French toast slices to a plate and keep warm in a low oven set around 200°F while cooking the remaining slices.
- Make the cream cheese icing: In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar and softened cream cheese. Add milk and vanilla extract and stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if needed.
- Serve: Place French toast slices on serving plates, stacking as desired. Drizzle generously with the cream cheese icing. Serve with optional toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Notes
- Use cinnamon swirl bread for the best cinnamon roll flavor; regular white bread can be substituted.
- Don’t soak the bread too long in the custard mixture to prevent sogginess.
- Keep cooked slices warm in the oven to serve all at once and maintain crispiness.
- Adjust the icing thickness by adding more milk for drizzling or less for spreading.
- Optional toppings such as fresh berries or whipped cream enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
