Introduction
Imagine the flavors of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls combined with rich, custardy French toast, all baked into a delicious breakfast casserole! This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is the perfect make-ahead dish for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or meal prep. With fluffy cinnamon sugar-coated bread, a luscious custard, and a sweet icing drizzle, it’s both indulgent and easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – No flipping individual slices like traditional French toast!
Perfect for Meal Prep – Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
Crowd Pleaser – Great for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Customizable – Add nuts, fruit, or cream cheese for extra flavor.
Tastes Like Dessert – But it’s acceptable for breakfast!
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife for cutting cinnamon rolls
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the French Toast Bake
- 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or use homemade cinnamon rolls)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk (whole milk or half and half for creaminess)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
For the Topping
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For the Icing Drizzle
- Reserved icing from the cinnamon roll package
- 1 tbsp milk or cream (to thin out, if needed)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fats: 14g
- Sugar: 24g
Step by Step Instructions
- Total Time: 40 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cut the Cinnamon Rolls
- Open the cinnamon roll package and cut each roll into quarters.
- Place the pieces evenly in the greased baking dish.
3. Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup.
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring all are coated.
4. Add Toppings & Bake
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top (if using).
- Drizzle with melted butter for extra richness.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and the center is set.
5. Drizzle with Icing & Serve
- While the bake is still warm, drizzle with the reserved icing.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Use Stale Bread (If Making from Scratch) – Slightly dry bread soaks up more custard.
Don’t Skip the Eggs – They create a custard-like texture.
Add a Crunchy Topping – Pecans, walnuts, or granola add texture.
Mix in Fruit – Sliced apples, bananas, or berries work well.
Make it Festive – Add a pinch of pumpkin spice for a fall twist!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a Hot Latte – Complements the cinnamon flavors perfectly.
Top with Fresh Berries – Strawberries and blueberries add brightness.
Serve with Crispy Bacon – The salty-sweet combo is irresistible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
A: Absolutely! Just use day-old rolls so they soak up the custard well.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use almond milk or oat milk and dairy-free cinnamon rolls.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is the ultimate cozy, indulgent breakfast perfect for holidays, meal prep, or special mornings. With its soft, custardy texture, warm cinnamon flavors, and sweet icing drizzle, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!