Easy French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls

Short Description:

This Easy French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that combines two favorites into one irresistible treat. Featuring layers of soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls and a rich, custardy French toast filling, it’s baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet glaze. This casserole is perfect for lazy mornings, holiday breakfasts, or any time you want a warm, comforting dish with minimal effort!

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Why You’ll Love This Recip

This French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls is a breakfast lover’s dream come true. It combines the comfort of traditional French toast with the indulgence of cinnamon rolls, resulting in a sweet, gooey, and satisfying dish. The cinnamon rolls add that soft, buttery texture, while the custard filling soaks into every nook and cranny, making each bite irresistibly delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and little hands-on time. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this casserole is guaranteed to impress!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 oz each) cinnamon rolls (with icing)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (optional for drizzling)
• Icing from the cinnamon rolls (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and separate them. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press down gently on the rolls to make sure they are all submerged in the custard. Let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the bread to soak up the custard.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and puffed up. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
6. Top with Icing: While the casserole is baking, remove the icing from the cinnamon rolls and microwave it for a few seconds to soften. Once the casserole is done, drizzle the icing over the top for a sweet, gooey finish.
7. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add Fruit: You can add fresh berries, sliced bananas, or apples to the casserole before baking to introduce some fruity sweetness.
• Use Brioche or French Bread: Instead of cinnamon rolls, you can use cubed brioche or French bread for a more traditional French toast casserole base.
• Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• Chocolate Version: Add chocolate chips to the casserole for a chocolate-cinnamon combination that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, bake it as instructed.

2. Can I use other types of bread instead of cinnamon rolls?

Yes! If you prefer, you can use any type of bread you like—croissants, challah, or French bread work great as alternatives.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual. If freezing after baking, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the milk and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream, and use dairy-free cinnamon rolls.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when it’s golden brown on top and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. It should also be puffed up and firm to the touch.

6. Can I add more cinnamon?

Yes, if you love cinnamon, you can add a bit more ground cinnamon to the custard mixture or sprinkle it over the casserole before baking.

7. Can I use pre-made cinnamon roll dough instead of canned cinnamon rolls?

Yes, if you have fresh cinnamon roll dough, you can roll it up, slice it, and layer it in the baking dish just like the canned version.

8. How do I make the casserole less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of icing drizzled on top or even skip the maple syrup. The cinnamon rolls will still provide plenty of sweetness.

9. Can I use a different frosting than the one included with the cinnamon rolls?

Yes, if you prefer a different frosting or glaze, feel free to use your favorite cream cheese frosting or vanilla glaze.

10. Can I serve this casserole with something else besides syrup?

Yes, you could serve it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter, more decorative topping.

Conclusion

Easy French Toast Casserole with Cinnamon Rolls is a simple yet indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It combines the rich flavors of French toast with the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls in one easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a weekend treat, this casserole is bound to be a hit with everyone at the table!

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