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The Perfect Weekend Breakfast That Tastes Like Dessert
Table of Contents | Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Imagine combining the best parts of cinnamon rolls and French toast into one incredible dish. This cinnamon roll french toast casserole delivers exactly that – fluffy, custardy goodness with warm cinnamon swirls that’ll have your family begging for seconds!
Perfect for: Weekend brunches, holiday mornings, overnight guests, or anytime you want breakfast to feel special Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 8-10 people
Why This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe Works
Unlike traditional French toast that requires standing over the stove flipping individual pieces, this baked french toast cinnamon roll casserole lets you feed a crowd with minimal effort. The Pillsbury cinnamon rolls provide the perfect base – they’re already seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, so you get maximum flavor with less work.
Pro Tips Before You Start:
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing
- Let the casserole sit for 10-15 minutes before baking for better absorption
- Double this recipe easily for larger gatherings
- Can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning
Want to see this recipe in action? Check out our step-by-step video tutorial below the ingredients list.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
For the Base:
- 2 tubes (12.4 oz each) Pillsbury cinnamon rolls with icing (save the icing packets!)
- 3 Tbsp butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the French Toast Custard:
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp butter, cubed
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Extra maple syrup
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the melted butter evenly across the bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Remove both tubes of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packets. Cut each cinnamon roll into 6-8 pieces (don’t worry about making them perfect – rustic is better!). Arrange the pieces evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the French Toast Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth. The mixture should be well combined with no streaks of egg whites visible.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure to get into all the corners. Drizzle maple syrup over the top, then sprinkle with brown sugar and dot with cubed butter pieces.
Step 5: Let It Rest (Optional but Recommended)
Allow the casserole to sit for 10-15 minutes so the cinnamon roll pieces can absorb some of the custard. This creates a more cohesive, French toast-like texture.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan). If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Warm the reserved icing packets in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then drizzle over the entire casserole. Add any optional toppings while the casserole is still warm.
Expert Tips for the Best Results | Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire cinnamon roll casserole the night before, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking and add 5-10 extra minutes to the cook time.
Texture Perfection: For a more custardy texture, use an extra egg. For a lighter texture, substitute half the milk with additional heavy cream.
Flavor Variations: Try adding 1/2 cup of cream cheese cubes for extra richness, or mix in 1/2 cup of chopped apples for a fall twist.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions | Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of Pillsbury? Absolutely! This recipe works great with any type of cinnamon rolls. Homemade, bakery-bought, or different brands all work well.
What’s the difference between this and a regular biscuit french toast bake? While biscuit french toast bakes use plain biscuits, this recipe uses cinnamon rolls which already have cinnamon-sugar filling and come with icing, creating a more indulgent, dessert-like breakfast.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! Assemble without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
This cinnamon roll french toast casserole combines the convenience of a make-ahead breakfast with the indulgent flavors everyone craves. It’s impossible to mess up, feeds a crowd, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when you really spent just minutes assembling it.
The beauty of using Pillsbury cinnamon rolls is that they’re consistently available, affordable, and already perfectly spiced. You get bakery-quality results without the bakery-level effort or cost.
Perfect Pairings | Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Serve this french toast cinnamon roll casserole alongside:
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
- Fresh fruit salad
- Greek yogurt with berries
- Strong coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice
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Rate this recipe: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Made this for Christmas morning and it was absolutely perfect. So easy and everyone loved it!” – Mike D.
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