Heavenly Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Dreamy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe For Brunch

Lazy weekend mornings call for something special, and this cinnamon roll french toast casserole will steal your heart with its irresistible aroma.

Sweet layers of bread, creamy custard, and warm spices create a breakfast dream that melts in your mouth.

The classic comfort dish takes an unexpected turn, blending the best of two beloved breakfast favorites.

Soft, pillowy bread soaks up a rich egg mixture infused with vanilla and cinnamon.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of crispy edges and tender center.

Topped with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, this casserole transforms an ordinary morning into a decadent celebration.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this crowd-pleasing breakfast treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 8

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Grocery List

For Bread Base:
  • Cinnamon Rolls: Soft, pre-flavored base that adds sweet warmth and texture to the dish, choose freshly baked or high-quality store-bought rolls for best results.
For Custard Mixture:
  • Eggs, Milk: Creamy foundation that binds and enriches the casserole, use whole milk for richer texture and farm-fresh eggs for deeper flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the top, opt for granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Warming spice that amplifies the roll's inherent flavor, use freshly ground for more intense aroma.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and rounds out the sweet profile, choose pure extract over artificial for authentic taste.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Cinnamon Roll Icing: Pre-made sweet glaze that adds luxurious finish, can substitute with homemade powdered sugar glaze if desired.

Tools to Prep Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the creamy custard ingredients.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending eggs, milk, and spices into a smooth mixture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to cut cinnamon rolls into quarter pieces.
  • Spoon: Useful for pressing rolls into custard and spreading evenly.
  • Plastic wrap: Optional for covering casserole during chilling.
  • Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole with Ease

  • Slice and Arrange Cinnamon Rolls

Cut cinnamon rolls into quarters and spread them evenly in a greased baking dish. Keep the icing packet for later.

  • Create Flavor-Packed Custard

Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and well-combined. Thisal mixture will transform your rolls into a dreamy breakfast treat.

  • Soak the Rolls

Gently pour the custard over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring every morsel gets saturated. Press down lightly to help the rolls absorb all the delicious liquid.

  • Chill and Prep

Cover the casserole and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion. This resting time allows the rolls to soak up all the goodness.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center sets beautifully.

  • Add the Finishing Touch

Drizzle the reserved icing over the warm casserole. For a lighter option, whip up a quick glaze using powdered sugar and milk.

  • Serve and Savor

Cut into squares and serve with your favorite breakfast companions like fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Helpful Hints for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

  • Prepare the entire casserole the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This method allows the cinnamon rolls to soak up the custard beautifully, intensifying the flavor and creating a more decadent breakfast dish.
  • Replace regular cinnamon rolls with gluten-free cinnamon rolls to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Check that all ingredients, including the icing, are gluten-free.
  • Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk. Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative to make this casserole friendly for those avoiding dairy products.
  • Experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a sprinkle of chocolate chips to create different flavor profiles. Pecans or sliced almonds can add a delightful crunch to the top of the casserole.
  • This casserole freezes wonderfully. Cut into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick breakfast treat.

Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Fresh

  • Fruity Fresh Finish: Top the casserole with a vibrant mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and tangy sweetness that cuts through the rich, creamy texture.
  • Creamy Companion: Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean yogurt on the side to provide a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, cinnamon-spiced casserole.
  • Syrup Splash: Drizzle pure maple syrup or homemade caramel sauce over each serving to enhance the decadent flavors and add an extra layer of indulgent sweetness that complements the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
  • Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle chopped pecans or sliced almonds over the casserole for a delightful textural contrast and a subtle, toasted nutty flavor that elevates the overall breakfast experience.

Best Ways to Store Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

  • Store the uncooked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 days before baking, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper richness.
  • Wrap the baked casserole tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 weeks, ensuring a delicious breakfast is always within reach.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, restoring its original gooey texture.
  • Cut the casserole into individual servings, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for easy grab-and-go breakfast options throughout the week.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade cinnamon rolls work perfectly! Just ensure they are similar in size and texture to store-bought rolls for consistent results.

  • Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Simply bake it fresh in the morning for a delicious breakfast without morning stress.

  • Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

  • What if I don't have whole milk?

You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk without significantly affecting the recipe’s texture.

Print
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Heavenly Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Heavenly Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole merges classic breakfast favorites into one incredible dish. Rich layers of sweet cinnamon bread and creamy custard create a morning masterpiece that brings comfort to weekend dining tables.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (340 g, 12 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup (237 ml, 8 fl oz) heavy cream
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60 ml, 2 fl oz) maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml, 1 fl oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Quarter cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces and distribute evenly across a thoroughly greased rectangular baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
  2. Custard Fusion: Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, well-integrated liquid with consistent texture and color.
  3. Liquid Infusion: Gently pour the custard mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring complete coverage by carefully pressing the rolls to maximize liquid absorption and flavor penetration.
  4. Resting Phase: Cover the assembled casserole with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight, allowing the custard to deeply permeate the rolls and develop rich, complex flavors.
  5. Baking Process: Preheat the oven to 350°F with the rack positioned centrally. Transfer the chilled casserole directly into the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes until the surface achieves a golden-bronze hue and the interior sets completely.
  6. Finishing Touch: Once baked, remove from oven and allow brief cooling. Artfully drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing across the surface, creating an elegant and indulgent presentation.
  7. Serving: Cut into generous portions and accompany with optional garnishes like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a delicate maple syrup drizzle to elevate the breakfast experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Use day-old cinnamon rolls for better absorption and structural integrity, preventing excessive moisture that can lead to a mushy texture.
  • Customize Dairy Options: Substitute whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk for lactose-free or vegan alternatives without compromising the creamy custard consistency.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into the custard mixture to add complexity and subtle warmth to the overall taste profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and creating a convenient make-ahead breakfast option for busy mornings.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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