Imagine a breakfast that combines the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with the comforting warmth of a classic French toast casserole. This Cinnamon Roll Overnight French Toast Casserole is the ultimate morning indulgence, perfect for special occasions or leisurely weekend brunches. Prep it the night before, then bake to golden, cinnamony perfection in the morning. Get ready to savor every melt-in-your-mouth bite!
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Overnight French Toast Casserole
This decadent casserole is the perfect fusion of two breakfast favorites. The rich, custard-like base is studded with swirls of cinnamon sugar, creating a craveable texture and flavor that will have your family and guests coming back for seconds. The make-ahead nature of this dish makes it a true time-saver, allowing you to enjoy a fancy brunch without the morning stress. Plus, the intoxicating aroma of baked cinnamon will fill your kitchen, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. This casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to delight every palate.
Ingredients
This casserole comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients. You’ll need cubed bread, eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a few pantry staples. The rich, velvety texture comes from the perfect ratio of eggs, dairy, and spices. Feel free to use your favorite type of bread, whether it’s challah, brioche, or even cinnamon-swirl bread for an extra flavor boost.
- 8 cups – cubed bread
- 8 large – eggs
- 2 cups – whole milk
- 1 cup – heavy cream
- 1/2 cup – brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons – ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon – vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon – salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Heavy Cream: half-and-half or whole milk (for a slightly lighter texture)
- Dairy Ingredients: non-dairy milk and omit the heavy cream (for a dairy-free version)
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overnight French Toast Casserole
This casserole comes together in three simple steps, with the bulk of the work done the night before. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cutting your bread into cubes and arranging them in a greased baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Pour this custard mixture over the bread, making sure all the cubes are evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight, allowing the bread to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In the morning, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole until it’s golden brown and the custard is set, about 45-55 minutes. The house will be filled with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the top with a sweet vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired. The end result is a decadent, gooey, and utterly satisfying breakfast that will impress everyone at the table.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Add a layer of cinnamon roll dough or a swirl of cream cheese to the casserole before baking.
- Topping Ideas: Top the finished dish with toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra richness.
- Customize the Flavors: Experiment with different types of bread, spices, or mix-ins to make this casserole your own.
- Dietary Swaps: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread, and for a dairy-free version, swap out the heavy cream and milk for non-dairy alternatives.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a side of crispy bacon.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave. The texture may become a bit more firm as the casserole cools.
Make-Ahead: This casserole is best prepared the night before and baked in the morning for a stress-free brunch.
Nutrition Information
This Cinnamon Roll Overnight French Toast Casserole is a decadent, indulgent dish that’s perfect for special occasions. While it’s not the lightest breakfast option, it’s packed with protein from the eggs and calcium from the dairy. A single serving provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, fats, and nutrients to fuel your day.
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the casserole
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is the beauty of an overnight French toast casserole. Simply assemble the dish the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, all you have to do is pop it in the oven.
Can I use different types of bread?
Yes, you can use a variety of breads for this recipe. Challah, brioche, or even cinnamon-swirl bread work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut the bread into cubes before assembling the casserole.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes, with a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread. For a dairy-free version, swap out the heavy cream and milk for non-dairy alternatives.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! This casserole is a great canvas for all sorts of delicious additions. Try folding in chopped pecans, fresh berries, or a swirl of cream cheese for extra flavor and texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set. You can also insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the casserole is fully cooked.
Try These Next
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole With Maple Syrup
- Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
- Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole With Cream Cheese Drizzle
Cinnamon Roll Overnight French Toast Casserole
- 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 Overnight French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and French toast. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a holiday gathering!
Ingredients
6 cinnamon rolls, cut into quarters
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar, for serving
Maple syrup, for drizzling
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
2. 2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. 3. Arrange the quartered cinnamon rolls in the baking dish.
4. 4. Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls, ensuring they are well coated.
5. 5. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
6. 6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. 7. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
8. 8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
9. 9. Let it cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for entertaining. You can also add nuts or raisins for extra flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll, french toast, casserole, breakfast