Indulge in the ultimate breakfast decadence with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup. Imagine the aroma of warm cinnamon and the rich, velvety texture of French toast, all infused with the sweet and comforting flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls. This cozy dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or anytime you crave a truly epic and indulgent breakfast experience.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup
This casserole is a fusion of two breakfast classics – cinnamon rolls and French toast – creating a zesty, comforting, and utterly craveable dish. The cinnamon-infused custard soaks into the soft, pillowy bread, resulting in a lush and velvety texture. The gooey, melty cinnamon swirls add pockets of warm, gooey delight, while the maple syrup drizzle provides a bright and satisfying finish. It’s the ultimate in comfort food indulgence, perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to an epic brunch at home.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create the ultimate cinnamon roll French toast casserole. You’ll need bread, eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of maple syrup. The cinnamon rolls can be store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer.
- 8 cups – Cubed French bread or challah
- 8 large – Eggs
- 2 cups – Milk
- 1/2 cup – Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons – Ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons – Pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup – Maple syrup, plus more for serving
- 8 ounces – Cinnamon rolls, cut into 1-inch pieces
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk: Combine milk and Greek yogurt or use low-fat milk (for a lighter version)
- Bread: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup
This easy-to-prepare casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, making it the perfect weekend or holiday brunch dish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by lightly greasing a baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Tear or cut the bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in the prepared dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined. Pour the custard mixture over the bread, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Unwrap the cinnamon rolls and cut them into pieces, then scatter them evenly over the top of the soaked bread. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Uncover the casserole and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cinnamon roll pieces are melted and gooey. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Drizzle the warm casserole with maple syrup and serve immediately, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Savor every bite of this epic, comforting, and indulgent cinnamon roll French toast casserole.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking
- Extra Decadence: Add a layer of cream cheese or a dollop on each serving
- Custardy Texture: Reduce the amount of bread and increase the egg and milk mixture
- Festive Touch: Top the casserole with fresh berries or a dusting of cinnamon
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave before serving.
Reheat: Warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it a great option for a stress-free brunch or holiday breakfast.
Nutrition Information
This indulgent breakfast casserole is a delightful treat, but it’s also important to enjoy it in moderation. Each serving contains a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to provide a satisfying and nourishing start to your day. Remember to savor every bite and share this epic dish with your loved ones.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 55 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for a stress-free brunch or holiday breakfast.
Can I use different types of bread?
Absolutely! While the classic French bread or challah work beautifully, you can experiment with other types of bread, such as sourdough, brioche, or even croissants, for a unique twist.
Can I make this dish dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes, with a few simple substitutions. For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy milk and omit the cream cheese. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread and gluten-free cinnamon rolls.
How can I reheat leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in a skillet on the stovetop.
Can I add any additional toppings or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, chopped nuts, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Try These Next
- Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole With Cream Cheese Drizzle
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
- Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole
Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole with Maple Syrup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🍳 Breakfast & Brunch Upgrades
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a decadent breakfast dish that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and traditional French toast. It’s perfect for serving a crowd or for a cozy family brunch!
Ingredients
1 (12 oz) package of cinnamon roll dough
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. 3. Cut the cinnamon roll dough into quarters and place in the baking dish.
5. 4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. 5. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish.
7. 6. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes so the bread absorbs the egg mixture.
8. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
9. 8. Remove from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.
10.
Notes
– Feel free to add nuts or raisins for extra flavor.
– This dish can be prepared the night before; just cover and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: cinnamon rolls, french toast, breakfast, brunch