If you’re ready to turn a classic breakfast into something utterly unforgettable, Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic is calling your name! Imagine fluffy slices of brioche, soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard, cooked to golden perfection, and lavishly drizzled with a luscious cream cheese icing. It’s the ultimate marriage of two beloved brunch favorites, bringing together the gooey sweetness of a cinnamon roll with the comforting crispness of perfect French toast. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or just want to spoil your loved ones, this dish will have everyone swooning at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, from the rich bread to the creamy icing—a true celebration of flavor and texture in every bite.
- Brioche or challah bread: Thick, slightly sweet slices provide the ideal base for soaking up the custard and yield a plush, tender texture.
- Eggs: Essential for creating a rich, custardy soak that transforms ordinary bread into something magical.
- Whole milk: Adds extra creaminess to the custard, making each bite luxuriously soft.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the richness and helps achieve that classic cinnamon roll indulgence.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps caramelize the exterior for a golden finish.
- Ground cinnamon: The heart of the recipe, this spice infuses every bite with cozy warmth and flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and rounds out the sweetness in both the custard and icing.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Butter: For greasing the pan, it ensures a crisp, golden crust and a touch of extra flavor.
- Powdered sugar: The base for the dreamy cream cheese icing that tops the finished toast.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, this gives the icing its signature tang and silkiness.
- Milk (for icing): Adjusts the icing to the perfect drizzle consistency, so every slice is perfectly topped.
- Vanilla extract (for icing): Ties the whole dish together with a fragrant, sweet aroma.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic
Step 1: Whisk the Custard
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is the secret to infusing every slice with those classic cinnamon roll flavors, so make sure everything is thoroughly combined and silky smooth.
Step 2: Prep the Skillet
Preheat your favorite non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous pat of butter and let it melt, coating the surface. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a golden, buttery finish to each slice—don’t skip it!
Step 3: Soak the Bread
Take each thick slice of brioche or challah and dip it into the custard mixture, letting it soak for several seconds on both sides. The goal is to let the bread absorb as much custard as possible without falling apart. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush!
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Place the soaked slices onto your hot, buttered skillet. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining soft and custardy in the center. Repeat with the remaining slices, adding more butter as needed to keep things beautifully golden.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
While your French toast is sizzling, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Adjust the milk to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency—you want it thick enough to stay put, but thin enough to drizzle generously over the warm slices.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Arrange the freshly cooked Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic on a serving platter. Drizzle each piece with the cream cheese icing while it’s still warm so the frosting melts into every nook and cranny. Prepare for delighted smiles all around!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic
Garnishes
Elevate your Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic by topping it with a shower of chopped pecans, a dusting of extra cinnamon, or even a handful of fresh berries. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of brown sugar or a dollop of whipped cream is always welcome.
Side Dishes
This decadent breakfast pairs beautifully with crisp bacon, fresh fruit salad, or even a simple green salad if you want to balance the sweetness. Serve alongside a piping-hot mug of coffee or creamy chai for the ultimate morning treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping brunch, stack slices high and drizzle with icing right at the table. Or cut the toast into fingers for a playful, dippable option—perfect for little hands or festive gatherings. You can even arrange slices in a spiral, cinnamon-roll-style, for a whimsical twist that highlights just how special Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic truly is.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the cream cheese icing separate, if possible, so the toast stays crisp and the icing remains smooth and creamy.
Freezing
To freeze, layer slices of French toast between sheets of parchment paper and seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the icing in a separate container. This way, you can reheat individual portions quickly without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat until heated through and slightly crisp on the edges. For a quick fix, the microwave works in a pinch, but the texture is best when reheated with dry heat. Drizzle the reserved cream cheese icing just before serving for that fresh-from-the-skillet taste.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche or challah?
While you can use regular sandwich bread, the results won’t be quite as rich or fluffy. Brioche or challah gives Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic its signature pillowy texture and slightly sweet flavor, so it’s worth seeking out if you can.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and use a plant-based cream cheese for the icing. Coconut cream or oat milk also work well in the custard, keeping everything creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk up the custard the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before dipping your bread in the morning for the freshest results.
What’s the best way to keep French toast warm for a crowd?
Place cooked slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This keeps each piece crisp and warm while you finish the rest. Hold off on the icing until just before serving.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic is perfect for feeding a crowd. Simply double the ingredients and cook in batches, using a large griddle if you have one.
Final Thoughts
If you love cozy breakfasts or brunches that feel like a celebration, you have to try making Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic. Every bite is pure comfort, with all the flavors you crave in one gorgeous, crowd-pleasing dish. Give it a go—you might just discover your new signature breakfast favorite!
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Delicious Twist on a Breakfast Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast offers a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite by using thick slices of brioche or challah bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard and cooked to golden perfection. Topped with a luscious cream cheese icing drizzle, this recipe combines the warm flavors of cinnamon rolls with the comforting texture of French toast for an irresistible morning treat.
Ingredients
For the French Toast
- 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into thick slices
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing the pan
For the Cream Cheese Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk, plus more as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter, coating the surface evenly to prevent sticking.
- Soak the Bread: Dip each thick slice of brioche or challah into the custard mixture, letting it soak for several seconds on each side to absorb the flavors thoroughly without becoming too soggy.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and cook through. Continue cooking the remaining slices, adding more butter to the pan as needed to maintain a non-stick surface.
- Make the Cream Cheese Icing: While the French toast cooks, whisk together powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Add more milk a little at a time if necessary to achieve a pourable drizzle consistency.
- Serve: Serve the French toast slices warm, generously drizzled with the cream cheese icing. Optionally, garnish with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra texture and sweetness.
Notes
- For a richer, more authentic cinnamon roll flavor, substitute brioche or challah with day-old cinnamon swirl bread.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving for additional crunch and flavor.
- A sprinkle of brown sugar on top before serving can enhance sweetness and add a caramelized touch.
- Use a non-stick pan and moderate heat to prevent burning while ensuring the French toast cooks evenly.
- If you prefer thicker icing, reduce the milk slightly during preparation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
