This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Soft cinnamon rolls soak in a yummy egg mixture and bake to golden perfection.
Talk about a hug in a dish! I love serving this with maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It feels like a treat, yet it’s super easy to whip up—perfect for lazy weekends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: Stick with large, unbaked cinnamon rolls, usually found in the refrigerated section. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use homemade rolls or even flavored ones like caramel or pumpkin spice for a fun twist.
Eggs: Four large eggs work well to bind everything together, but you can substitute with flax eggs (1 flax egg = 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) if you’re vegan or looking for a healthier option.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream offer a rich texture. If you’re dairy-free, use almond, oat, or a coconut option but keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Spices: The ground cinnamon is key for that classic cinnamon roll flavor. Consider adding nutmeg or vanilla bean for extra warmth, or even using pumpkin spice during the fall.
How Do I Make Sure the Rolls Absorb the Custard Properly?
The soaking step is important for ensuring every bite is delicious. After cutting the cinnamon rolls, arrange them tightly in the dish and pour the egg mixture over them. Here’s how to ensure they soak up the liquid:
- Press down gently on the rolls after pouring the custard to help them absorb it better.
- Let the casserole chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight if you can, to allow the rolls to become nice and soggy.
Baking covered initially helps steam the casserole, keeping it moist. Don’t skip the uncovered baking for a few minutes at the end to achieve that lovely golden top!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 6 large cinnamon rolls (store-bought, unbaked)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
For the icing (glaze) drizzle:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour to sit in the fridge before baking. Baking usually takes around 40-45 minutes in total. So, in all, set aside about 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious breakfast treat!
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×9-inch casserole dish so the casserole doesn’t stick when baking.
2. Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls:
Take your unbaked cinnamon rolls and cut them into quarters. Arrange the pieces evenly in the prepared casserole dish so they’re well spread out.
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional sugar. Make sure everything is well combined and looks nice and creamy!
4. Soak the Cinnamon Rolls:
Now pour the egg mixture gently over the cinnamon roll pieces in the casserole dish. Press lightly on the rolls with a fork or your fingers to help them soak up the delicious liquid.
5. Refrigerate:
Cover the casserole dish with foil to keep it nice and moist, then pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, letting it sit overnight is even better!
6. Bake Time!
When you’re ready to bake, take the casserole out of the fridge and remove the foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes covered. Then, take off the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set in the center.
7. Prepare the Icing:
While your casserole is baking, you can make the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and perfect for drizzling. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm, drizzled generously with the icing glaze on top. Enjoy your warm and gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole—perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Can I Use Frozen Cinnamon Rolls for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen cinnamon rolls completely before cutting and using them in the casserole. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours until soft.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to cover it well with foil to prevent it from drying out.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can replace it with all milk or use a combination of half-and-half. This will still give you a creamy texture without losing too much flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.