This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a rich and delicious breakfast treat that combines the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls with the ease of a baked casserole. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or weekend mornings, this dish is simple to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Uses store-bought cinnamon rolls for convenience.
- Perfect for Brunch – A great dish for feeding a crowd.
- Sweet & Comforting – Warm cinnamon and vanilla flavors in every bite.
- Minimal Prep Time – Quick to assemble with just a few ingredients.
- Customizable – Add nuts, fruit, or extra icing for variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- Eggs
- Milk or heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh fruit (optional, for serving)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cut the Cinnamon Rolls – Slice each cinnamon roll into quarters and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Custard – In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Combine & Bake – Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and set.
- Drizzle with Icing – While warm, drizzle with the included cinnamon roll icing or maple syrup.
- Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Caramel Pecan Version – Drizzle caramel sauce and add chopped pecans.
- Berry French Toast Casserole – Mix in fresh or frozen berries before baking.
- Extra Creamy – Use half-and-half or add a bit of cream cheese to the custard.
- Spiced Version – Add nutmeg and cloves for extra warmth.
- Chocolate Lover’s – Sprinkle in chocolate chips for a rich twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning as directed.
What kind of cinnamon rolls should I use?
Refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (like Pillsbury) works best for convenience.
How do I prevent a soggy texture?
Ensure the casserole is baked until golden brown and set in the center.
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Yes! Pre-bake them slightly before using in the casserole.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Fresh fruit, bacon, or a side of scrambled eggs complement this dish well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce or omit the icing and maple syrup.
Can I add protein?
Yes! Serve with Greek yogurt or mix in chopped nuts for added protein.
What’s the best dish size for baking?
A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for even cooking.
Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes! Sprinkle crushed granola or streusel topping before baking.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a simple yet indulgent dish that makes breakfast or brunch extra special. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, holiday morning, or just because, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal!
PrintCinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy, make-ahead breakfast casserole combines the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast! Soft cinnamon roll pieces are soaked in a sweet vanilla custard, then baked to golden perfection and drizzled with icing. Perfect for holiday mornings, brunch, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 2 tubes cinnamon rolls (store-bought, about 12–16 rolls total)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Icing from cinnamon roll package (or homemade glaze)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread them evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the Custard:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble & Soak:
- Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Lightly toss to coat all pieces, pressing them down slightly so they absorb the custard.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.
- Drizzle with Icing & Serve:
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the icing over the top while warm.
- Serve with extra maple syrup, powdered sugar, or nuts!
Notes
- Make it Overnight: Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the morning!
- Want it extra gooey? Add extra icing or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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