If you have a soft spot for sweet breakfasts that feel like a warm hug, you absolutely need to try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of cinnamon rolls and classic French toast baked into one luscious, gooey dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Each bite melts with creamy glaze and rich spices that make mornings shine a little brighter and bring everyone running to the table. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special holiday treat, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a cozy, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (17.5 oz each): The star of the dish, providing the classic cinnamon and dough base that soaks up the custard beautifully.
- 4 large eggs: Essential for binding the dish and creating that custardy French toast texture.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel that elevates every bite.
- ¼ cup milk: Balances the cream, lightening the custard just enough without losing creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Boosts the warm spice notes that make this dish so comforting.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Deepens the sweetness and adds a lovely aroma.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Infuses natural sweetness and complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: For an indulgent glaze that’s tangy and luscious.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds smoothness to the glaze and a hint of buttery richness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese glaze.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (for thinning glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency so it drizzles just right over the casserole.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters, and arrange them evenly in the dish. This makes sure that every bite gets a perfect cinnamon swirl.
Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This custard soaks into the cinnamon rolls, giving the casserole its irresistible French toast texture.
Step 3: Soak the Cinnamon Rolls
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press gently to help the rolls absorb the liquid, ensuring they become tender and flavorful when baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is puffed and beautifully golden brown. The smell at this point is heavenly, and the texture should be soft and custardy inside with a slightly crisp top.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the casserole cools slightly, prepare the glaze. Combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and milk in a bowl. Mix until smooth, adjusting milk for your desired drizzling consistency.
Step 6: Drizzle and Decorate
Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm cinnamon roll French toast casserole, then top with the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls and an extra splash of maple syrup for that perfect finishing touch.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Spear your casserole into portions and serve it warm for the ultimate comforting breakfast experience that everyone will love.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few simple garnishes can make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe look as good as it tastes. Try a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkling of chopped pecans for texture. Fresh berries or a light drizzle of additional maple syrup can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides light and fresh to balance out the richness. A crisp green salad, fresh fruit salad, or even some citrusy yogurt complements this casserole well. For a heartier brunch, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage pairs like a charm, adding savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant touch at brunch. Layer it in a clear glass baking dish to showcase the beautiful cinnamon swirls through the custard. Or, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the flavors fresh and the texture just right for easy reheating.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it completely and freeze it before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds or until warm throughout. For a crispier top, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered. This brings back that fresh-from-the-oven delight perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a lovely personal touch and fresh flavor. Just cut them into quarters as you would with store-bought. Baking times might vary slightly depending on roll size and dough density.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free cinnamon rolls if you have access to them. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free and adjust baking time as needed. The dish will be just as delicious!
Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely a great idea! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to baking time since the dish will be cold going into the oven.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the casserole might be slightly less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a tasty alternative but will add its distinct flavor.
How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, make sure to press the custard into the cinnamon rolls gently rather than stirring them, and bake uncovered so the top has a chance to crisp up. Also, avoid over-pouring custard to maintain the perfect custard-to-dough ratio.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together effortlessly. It’s a warm, welcoming breakfast that turns any morning into a celebration of comfort and sweetness. I’m so excited for you to try it and experience the joy of sharing this cozy casserole with your loved ones—it truly becomes a new favorite at the table.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole combines the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the comforting warmth of a baked French toast dish. Perfect for brunch or a special breakfast, it features chunks of cinnamon rolls soaked in a custard mixture and baked to golden perfection, then topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze and icing for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (17.5 oz each)
- 4 large eggs
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (for thinning glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into quarters and evenly spread the pieces in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
- Soak Cinnamon Rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces and gently press down to ensure all pieces are coated and start absorbing the custard.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed up and golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk. Stir until the glaze reaches a drizzle-able consistency.
- Glaze the Casserole: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm casserole. For extra sweetness, top with the reserved cinnamon roll icing and additional maple syrup if desired.
- Serve: Slice the casserole into portions and serve warm for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave syrup if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream and milk alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If desired, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added texture.
