Name: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole - Best Breakfast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 12-16 frozen cinnamon rolls, thawed; 6 large eggs; 1 ½ cups milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is not just a breakfast; it’s a delightful symphony of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds to a state of pure bliss. Imagin extracte the comforting warmth of a French toast casserole infused with the sweet, spiced essence of a classic cinnamon roll. This dish has captured the hearts (and stomachs!) of many because it perfectly marries two beloved breakfast icons into one undeniably delicious creation. It’s the ultimate weekend brunch indulgence, a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, yet feels incredibly decadent. What truly sets this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole apart is the magical way the soft, custardy bread soaks up the rich cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating gooey pockets that are simply irresistible. Every bite offers a delightful contrast – a slightly crispy edge from the baked casserole, yielding to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior, all swirled with that unmistakable cinnamon goodness.

Ingredients:

12-16 frozen cinnamon rolls, thawed
6 large eggs
1 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
½ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-4 tablespoons milk or cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Cutting and Arrangin extractg the Cinnamon Rolls

The first step in creating this delightful Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is to prepare the star of the show: the frozen cinnamon rolls. Ensure your cinnamon rolls are fully thawed but not overly soft. You want them to hold their shape when cut. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut each thawed cinnamon roll into four equal pieces. The size of these pieces is important; too small and they might dissolve into mush, too large and the custard might not penetrate evenly. Aim for bite-sized chunks that will soak up all that delicious eggy goodness. As you cut them, arrange the pieces in a single layer in your greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Try to distribute them evenly, filling in any gaps as best you can. This even distribution will ensure that every bite of your casserole is filled with that classic cinnamon roll flavor and texture. If any of the icing packets came with your cinnamon rolls, you can reserve them to drizzle over the top after baking for an extra touch of sweetness, though we will be making a separate glaze.

Whisk the Custard Mixture

Step 2: Creating the Rich Custard Base

Now it’s time to create the flavorful custard that will transform these cinnamon roll pieces into a decadent casserole. In a large mixing bowl, crack the 6 large eggs. Whisk them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy. Next, add the liquid ingredients: 1 ½ cups of milk and ½ cup of heavy cream. Using whole milk and heavy cream will contribute to a richer, more luxurious custard that coats the cinnamon roll pieces beautifully. To the wet ingredients, add ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon, and the vanilla extract enhances the overall sweetness. Whisk everything together vigorously until the sugar is dissolved and all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This custard is the flavor foundation of your casserole, so ensure it’s well combined.

Soaking and Chilling

Step 3: Infusing the Cinnamon Rolls with Custard

With your cinnamon rolls prepped and your custard ready, it’s time for the crucial soaking step. Carefully and evenly pour the prepared custard mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Gently press down on the cinnamon roll pieces with the back of a spoon or a spatula to ensure they are submerged as much as possible in the liquid. This will help them absorb the custard and become soft and cake-like during baking. Once all the pieces are saturated, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For the best results, and to allow the flavors to meld and the cinnamon rolls to fully absorb the custard, refrigerate the casserole for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling period is key to achieving that perfect, tender texture and ensuring the cinnamon roll flavors fully infuse the entire dish. Don’t skip this step; it makes a significant difference!

Baking the Casserole

Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection

When you’re ready to bake your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven and how well the cinnamon rolls absorbed the custard. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and puffed, and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with perhaps a few moist crum extractbs attached. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly, a testament to the deliciousness that awaits.

Making the Glaze and Serving

Step 5: Crafting the Sweet Glaze and Serving Suggestions

While the casserole is baking, prepare the simple yet essential glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Start with 2 tablespoons of liquid and add more, ½ tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle easily. If it’s too thick, add a touch more milk; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Once the casserole has finished baking and is slightly cooled for about 5-10 minutes, generously drizzle the prepared glaze over the top. You can also drizzle any reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls at this stage. Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole warm, scooping out generous portions. It’s fantastic on its own, but a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries can elevate it even further. This casserole is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your delicious, make-ahead Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is ready to impress! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the delightful texture of French toast, all baked into a convenient casserole. Whether you’re looking for a special weekend brunch option or a sweet treat to prepare for a crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it!

For serving, consider a drizzle of extra icing, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s also wonderful served with fresh berries or a side of crispy beef bacon. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Remember, the goal is to have fun in the kitchen!

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this incredible Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole as much as I do. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble it the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to let it come closer to room temperature, then bake as directed. This makes it ideal for busy mornings or when hosting guests.

What kind of bread is best for this recipe?

While brioche or challah bread are excellent choices due to their rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture, you can also use other day-old or slightly stnon-alcoholic ale breads like Texas toast or even a hearty white bread. The key is to use bread that has a bit of sturdiness to soak up the custard without becoming too mushy.

Can I freeze leftovers of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole?

Yes, you can! Once cooled, cut the casserole into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. You can also store larger pieces in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through. The texture might be slightly different after freezing, but it will still be delicious!