Dive into a breakfast sensation that marries the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls and the comforting embrace of French toast. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, perfect for cozy weekend mornings or special brunch gatherings. Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is deliciously satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is the ultimate breakfast treat that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. The soft, pillowy bread is infused with the warm, aromatic cinnamon swirls of a classic cinnamon roll, creating a mouthwatering harmony. The custard-like baked French toast provides a lush, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, while the golden, crispy edges add a satisfying crunch. This dish is a true comfort food delight, sure to leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and eager to savor every bite.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a few simple, yet high-quality ingredients that come together to create an epic breakfast masterpiece. You’ll need bread, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt to balance the flavors. The star of the show is the cinnamon roll filling, made with a blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk (for a creamy, dairy-free twist).
- Reduced Sweetness: Use less brown sugar or a sugar substitute to adjust the sweetness level (for a less indulgent option).
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece that will have your family and friends swooning with delight.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by slicing the bread into cubes and arranging them in a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Pour this custard mixture over the bread, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate the dish for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the bread to soak up all the flavors.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter for the cinnamon roll filling. Dollop this mixture over the soaked bread and gently swirl it through using a fork or spoon, creating those irresistible cinnamon roll-inspired pockets.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle the baked dish with a simple powdered sugar glaze or a generous dollop of maple syrup. Optionally, you can garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for a visually stunning presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bread Varieties: Experiment with different types of bread, such as challah, brioche, or even a mix of day-old croissants and bread, to create unique textures and flavors.
- Mix-Ins: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of fresh or frozen berries to the cinnamon roll filling for added texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: For a richer, more decadent dish, you can use a combination of cream cheese and cinnamon in the filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the bread with a gluten-free loaf or use gluten-free rolls or biscuits to make this dish gluten-free.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage: Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to add the cinnamon roll filling right before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a delightful indulgence, made with wholesome ingredients like eggs, milk, and bread. Each serving provides a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making it a satisfying and nourishing breakfast option. While it’s not the lightest dish, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 463 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 57 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 512 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the bread to fully soak up the custard mixture, resulting in an extra-lush and flavorful dish. Just be sure to add the cinnamon roll filling right before baking.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for classic sandwich bread, you can experiment with different types of bread, such as challah, brioche, or even a mix of day-old croissants and bread. Each will provide a unique texture and flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting the bread with a gluten-free loaf or using gluten-free rolls or biscuits. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as the texture of the gluten-free bread may vary.
Can I add any extra toppings or mix-ins?
Definitely! This recipe is highly customizable. You can fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of fresh or frozen berries to the cinnamon roll filling. For a more decadent twist, you can swirl in a layer of cream cheese.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through. You can also slice individual portions and reheat them as needed.
Try These Next
- Cinnamon Roll Pancake Bake For Brunch
- Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
- Cinnamon Roll Waffles With Cream Cheese Drizzle
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🍳 Breakfast & Brunch Upgrades
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a delightful twist on your classic French toast, featuring rich cinnamon rolls baked to perfection and topped with a creamy glaze. Perfect for brunch or a cozy breakfast!
Ingredients
4 large cinnamon rolls, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Butter or cooking spray (for baking dish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup.
4. Add the cinnamon roll pieces into the egg mixture and gently fold until well coated.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
7. While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk to create the glaze.
8. Once the bake is done, let it cool slightly, then drizzle the glaze over the top.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Feel free to use store-bought cinnamon rolls or homemade, depending on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll, french toast, breakfast, brunch