If you have a soft spot for weekend brunch or a sweet, comforting breakfast treat, you are going to love this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. Imagine the gooey, buttery goodness of cinnamon rolls lovingly transformed into a rich, custardy casserole that bakes up golden and fluffy. It’s the perfect dish to feed a crowd or cozy up with your loved ones, offering a magical combination of familiar cinnamon roll flavors and satisfying French toast texture all in one easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but crucial to building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. Each element works in harmony to give the casserole its creamy custard base, that iconic cinnamon sweetness, and the irresistible glaze that ties it all together.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (17.5 oz each): The base of the casserole, providing that soft, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced dough that’s iconic in every bite.
- 4 large eggs: Helps create the rich custard that soaks into the cinnamon rolls, making the casserole tender and fluffy.
- 0.5 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the custard mixture.
- 0.25 cup milk: Lightens the custard just enough to keep it silky and smooth.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Double down on that warm cinnamon flavor that’s essential to this dish.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely fragrant sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds depth and natural sweetness to the custard.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Forms the base of the decadent glaze that you’ll drizzle over the top.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds smooth richness to the cream cheese glaze.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (for thinning glaze): Adjusts the glaze thickness so it’s easy to drizzle but still creamy.
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 to prevent sticking. Take your refrigerated cinnamon rolls, cut each one into quarters, and spread those delightful chunks evenly across the dish. This cuts them into perfect bite-sized pieces that will soak up the custard beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until everything is well combined. This custard mixture will seep into the cinnamon rolls and bake into a luscious, custardy texture that makes every forkful feel indulgent yet comforting.
Step 3: Combine Cinnamon Rolls and Custard
Pour the custard evenly over the cut cinnamon rolls in your baking dish. Take a moment to gently press down on the pieces with a spatula or your hands so each piece absorbs the custard. This step is key to getting that perfect blend of soft interior and golden crust once baked.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to bake it until it’s puffed up and golden on top with those baked edges peeking out deliciously. Once done, let it cool slightly to allow the custard to set just enough so it slices beautifully.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While your casserole is cooling, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl until you get a thick but drizzle-friendly glaze. This creamy topping will give your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe that extra wow factor.
Step 6: Drizzle and Decorate
Drizzle your luscious cream cheese glaze over the warm casserole. For the perfect finishing touch, add the reserved icing that came with the cinnamon rolls and an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you love that little burst of sticky sweetness.
Step 7: Slice and Serve Warm
Cut your casserole into generous slices and serve warm for the best experience. Every bite is a warm hug in food form, perfectly blending golden custard with cinnamon, cream cheese glaze, and just the right amount of sweetness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe, simplicity wins. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can add a welcome crunch. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries bring a pop of color and a tart balance to the sweetness, while a dusting of powdered sugar offers a delicate, snowy finish.
Side Dishes
To round out your brunch or breakfast, pair this casserole with crispy bacon or savory sausage links to contrast its sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also work wonderfully, keeping the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation extra special by serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch or layering it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and fruit for a dramatic brunch centerpiece. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a decadent dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to preserve the creamy custard texture and prevent the glaze from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it and wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to achieve that perfect golden top.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or warm the entire casserole in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes. To revive that fresh-baked feel, consider adding a quick drizzle of warm maple syrup or a touch more glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a lovely personal touch and can make this dish even more special. Just make sure they are fully cooled before cutting and assembling.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, it’s possible to substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream, and use dairy-free cream cheese. Just expect a slightly different but still delicious flavor and texture.
How sweet is this casserole? Can I reduce the sugar?
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is sweet but balanced, thanks to the custard and cinnamon. You can reduce powdered sugar in the glaze or skip the added maple syrup if you prefer a milder sweetness.
Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
You can! Assemble the casserole and custard, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. It’s a perfect make-ahead option that lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just bake it fresh in the morning for a warm, welcoming breakfast.
What’s the best way to ensure the casserole is cooked evenly?
Cutting the cinnamon rolls into evenly sized pieces and distributing them uniformly helps. Also, pouring the custard evenly and gently pressing the pieces ensures they soak up the liquid, which promotes consistent baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about waking up to a warm, homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas. It’s more than just breakfast; it’s a celebration of comfort food that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any weekend you want to make feel extra cozy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to to impress guests or treat yourself to a sweet, memorable morning.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole combines the gooey sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls with the rich, custardy texture of French toast baked to perfection. A decadent breakfast or brunch treat, it’s topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze and extra cinnamon roll icing for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into quarters and evenly spread them out in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
- Combine and Soak: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Gently press down the pieces to ensure they absorb the custard evenly.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it is puffed up and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, and 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to create a smooth glaze. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm casserole. Optionally, add reserved cinnamon roll icing and extra maple syrup on top. Slice and serve the casserole warm for best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh refrigerated cinnamon rolls for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to press the cinnamon rolls gently into the custard to help them soak thoroughly.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before by assembling it, covering with foil, refrigerating, and baking in the morning (adding a few extra minutes to baking time).
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and milk with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
