This cinnamon roll French toast is what cozy weekend mornings are made for. It’s sweet, gooey, and loaded with warm cinnamon flavor in every bite. Imagine the soft, buttery richness of a cinnamon roll combined with the golden crisp of classic French toast, pure breakfast magic. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish always steals the show. I started making this when my kids begged for both cinnamon rolls and French toast one Saturday, and it’s been a brunch favorite ever since. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it too!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast
If you love cinnamon rolls and French toast, this recipe brings them together in the best possible way. It’s incredibly easy to make, and you don’t need to be a baking pro to pull it off. The inside turns out soft and custardy, while the top gets golden and slightly crisp. It’s sweet, comforting, and just a little indulgent, the perfect weekend treat. Whether you’re hosting brunch or craving something warm and cozy, this dish never disappoints. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings like icing, syrup, nuts, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Essential Ingredients
To make cinnamon roll French toast, here’s what you’ll need:
- Cinnamon rolls: You can use store bought rolls or homemade, both work great.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together and give that custardy texture.
- Milk or heavy cream: Adds richness to the egg mixture.
- Vanilla extract: For extra flavor and sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: To double down on that warm spice.
- Butter: For greasing your pan and adding flavor.
- Icing or maple syrup: For drizzling over the top after baking.
Note: You can find the printable recipe with exact measurements below.
Optional Add‑Ins and Toppings
Fresh Fruit Ideas
Fresh fruit brings a pop of color and a refreshing balance to the sweetness. Try topping your cinnamon roll French toast with sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. I like to toss on some berries just before serving, my kids love the juicy bites with every forkful!
Nutty Additions
Chopped pecans or walnuts are perfect for adding crunch and depth. You can sprinkle them on top before baking so they toast up, or add them after for more texture. My husband always insists on pecans, it gives the dish a nice bakery style feel that’s just so satisfying.
Icing and Syrup Options
Drizzle with the cinnamon roll icing packet for that classic gooey finish, or warm up some maple syrup if you prefer a cozy breakfast vibe. For something extra special, try cream cheese glaze. I sometimes mix a bit of orange zest into it, it gives it a bright twist!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Step‑by‑Step Guide
1. Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls:
Start by slicing your cinnamon rolls into bite sized pieces. You can use raw dough from a can or leftover baked rolls, either works fine. Lightly grease a baking dish or skillet and scatter the pieces evenly across the bottom. Don’t pack them too tightly, so they have room to puff up while baking. I like using a deep dish so everything gets soft in the center but still crispy on top.
2. Whisk the Custard Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon until smooth and frothy. This is what soaks into the rolls and gives you that rich, custardy texture. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll toss in a pinch of nutmeg too, it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing! Make sure everything is fully blended for the best results.
3. Pour and Soak the Rolls:
Slowly pour the custard mixture all over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure it soaks into every nook and cranny. Use a spatula or spoon to gently press the rolls down so they absorb more of the mixture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to really soak in. This step helps avoid dry spots and gives you that creamy, soft inside we all love in French toast bakes.
4. Bake or Cook Until Golden:
Place your dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If you’re using a skillet, cook over medium low heat with a lid on until everything firms up. I sometimes broil the top for the last 2 minutes for an extra toasty finish, it makes the edges crisp up beautifully.
5. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool slightly before adding your toppings. Drizzle with icing from the cinnamon roll pack, pour over warm maple syrup, or spoon on a cream cheese glaze. I love topping it with a handful of berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, it looks like something straight out of a cozy café. Don’t forget the final touch, a little cinnamon dust never hurts!
Alternate Ways to Make It
Skillet Method
Want a quicker stovetop version? Cook it like classic French toast. Dip whole slices of cinnamon rolls (or thick swirls) into the custard, then sear on a buttered skillet over medium heat. Cook each side until golden and set. This is my go to when I don’t want to heat up the oven, plus it gives you those crispy edges fast!
Overnight Casserole Version
For a make a head breakfast, assemble everything the night before. Cut the rolls, pour the custard over, then cover and refrigerate overnight. By morning, it’s fully soaked and ready to pop into the oven. This version is perfect for holiday mornings or when you’ve got guests, no morning prep stress! Just bake, drizzle, and serve. The overnight soak makes it even softer and more flavorful.
Air Fryer Variation
Yes, you can totally make cinnamon roll French toast in the air fryer! Just portion it into individual ramekins or a small baking dish that fits your air fryer. Cook at 320°F (160°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes until puffed and golden. It’s a fun, single serve option I use when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to make a full batch.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
Use day old cinnamon rolls or slightly stale bread for better texture, they soak up the custard without falling apart. For extra richness, swap milk with heavy cream or half and half. Don’t skip the vanilla and cinnamon in the custard, they bring warmth and depth. I also like to add a tiny pinch of salt, it balances the sweetness beautifully. And if you want a bakery style finish, broil the top for a minute or two until golden and slightly crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid pouring the custard too quickly, it can pool unevenly. Take your time and let it soak in gradually. Don’t underbake or you’ll end up with a soggy center, the top should be golden and the middle set. Skipping the resting time before baking is another common slip, it helps everything absorb evenly. Lastly, don’t overload with toppings before baking, they can burn. Add fresh fruit or icing after it’s baked for the perfect final touch.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast
What Goes Well With It
This cinnamon roll French toast is already a showstopper, but pairing it with a few simple sides makes it even better. Try serving it alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a sweet and savory combo. A cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk ties it all together. Want to go big? Pair it with Classic French Toast for a sweet breakfast spread everyone will love.
Serving for Brunch or Holidays
This dish was made for special occasions, think weekend brunches, Christmas morning, or Easter breakfast. I like to bake it in a pretty dish, dust it with powdered sugar, and add fresh berries on top for a festive look. You can even set up a toppings bar with different syrups, nuts, and whipped cream so guests can customize their slice. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser that looks impressive but is secretly super easy to pull off.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Nutrition Facts
Calories and Main Nutrients
A typical serving of cinnamon roll French toast has around 350 to 400 calories, depending on your ingredients. You’ll get a good mix of carbs for energy, fats for richness, and some protein from the eggs. It’s definitely a treat, but one that’s worth it when you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting.
How to Make It a Bit Lighter
To lighten things up, use low fat milk instead of cream, and go easy on the icing or syrup. You can also swap out canned rolls for homemade whole wheat cinnamon rolls or use a high protein bread. I’ve even made a version with egg whites and almond milk, it still tasted great and felt a little more guilt free!
How to Store & Reheat For Later
Best Storage Tips
Leftovers, lucky you! Let the cinnamon roll French toast cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also wrap individual slices in foil for easy grab and go reheating. If you’re planning to freeze it, slice it first and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for about a month. Just make sure to label it, trust me, it disappears fast!
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. For quicker reheating, pop a slice in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it and heat for 30 to 45 seconds. You can also reheat it in the air fryer at a lower temp for a crispier finish. I’ve tried all three methods, and honestly, they all work, you just can’t go wrong with this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store bought cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Store bought cinnamon rolls work great in this recipe and save time. You can use the kind that comes in a can or even day old bakery cinnamon rolls. I do it all the time when I want something quick but delicious. Just make sure to cut them into chunks before baking so the custard can soak in properly.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, use slightly stale or day old cinnamon rolls, and let them soak in the custard mixture just long enough to absorb it, about 10 minutes. Also, make sure to bake until the center is fully set and the top is golden brown. I like to give it a little broil at the end to crisp everything up just right.
Can I make it ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, and it actually turns out even better that way! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven. The overnight soak gives it an extra creamy texture. I do this every Christmas morning, it makes life easier and frees up time for coffee and gift opening!
What toppings go best with this recipe?
There are so many tasty topping options! The icing from the cinnamon rolls is a classic choice, but I also love maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Sometimes I’ll even add a little cream cheese glaze for an extra treat. Let your taste buds decide, this dish is easy to customize.
Can I use leftover homemade cinnamon rolls?
Definitely! Leftover homemade cinnamon rolls are perfect for this recipe. In fact, I think it’s one of the best ways to use them up. The rolls soak up the custard really well and bake into a soft, almost bread pudding like texture. Just make sure they’re not too frosted or gooey to start with, it’s best when they’re a bit firmer.
How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?
Once cooled, you can store cinnamon roll French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up really well and still tastes amazing when reheated. I usually make a double batch just for the leftovers. They make a perfect quick breakfast during the week when you want something cozy and satisfying without the fuss.
More Sweet Breakfast Recipes
If you loved this cinnamon roll French toast, here are a few more sweet breakfast favorites to try next:
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Quick fluffy cinnamon rolls made in minutes.
- Blueberry Bread: Moist loaf bursting with sweet berries.
- Easy Mini Pancakes: Bite sized pancakes perfect for brunch.
Let me know in the comments if you try any of these!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Equipment
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll French Toast
- 8 cinnamon rolls store‑bought or homemade
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup cream cheese icing
- fresh berries for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces and arrange in a greased baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour custard over cinnamon roll pieces, pressing gently so each piece absorbs the mixture. Let soak for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then drizzle with cream cheese icing and sprinkle fresh berries before serving.