This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is the ultimate mashup of two breakfast favorites. Sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls are baked into a soft, custardy French toast casserole, finished with a drizzle of icing and a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with rich flavors that make any morning feel like a celebration. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch, treating your family to something special, or just craving a decadent morning indulgence, this dish delivers. It comes together effortlessly using store-bought cinnamon rolls but tastes like something straight out of a bakery. Add chopped pecans for a nutty crunch, or serve as-is for pure, sweet simplicity.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 can (12.4 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
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3 large eggs
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons maple syrup
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1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing
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Extra maple syrup, for serving
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate the rolls. Cut each roll into quarters and place them evenly into the greased dish.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until well combined.
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Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure they are well coated.
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Sprinkle with chopped pecans, if using.
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Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls.
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Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with maple syrup on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 28 minutes | Total Time: 38 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Comforting Twist on a Classic Breakfast Favorite
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake brings together two of the most iconic breakfast indulgences into one unforgettable dish. The comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls meets the rich, custardy texture of French toast, making this recipe a go-to for cozy mornings, holiday brunches, or any time you want to treat yourself or loved ones.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of convenience and decadence. Using pre-made cinnamon rolls streamlines the process, allowing you to create a bakery-style brunch dish without the need for hours of prep. The custard-like egg mixture soaks into the cinnamon roll pieces, transforming them into a pillowy-soft, golden bake that’s drizzled with icing and dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible finish.
Why Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Works So Well
At its core, this dish is genius because it layers flavor and texture in every bite. The outer edges of the cinnamon rolls develop a light crisp in the oven, while the inside remains tender and gooey. The egg mixture adds moisture and body, ensuring that the casserole doesn’t dry out but instead has that French toast “bite” people love.
The cinnamon in the rolls is a natural appetite stimulant and brings warmth to the dish, while vanilla and maple syrup in the custard base elevate the aroma and depth of flavor. A sprinkle of chopped pecans adds crunch and nuttiness, enhancing the dish even more, though it’s completely optional.
Perfect for Holidays, Brunch, or Meal Prep
This is a crowd-pleasing recipe that works for so many occasions. During the holidays—whether it’s Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or a New Year’s Day family breakfast—this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning. It fills the house with the scent of cinnamon, butter, and warm vanilla, creating a sense of comfort and celebration.
It also works well for weekend brunches when you want something indulgent yet easy. Hosting guests? Serve this alongside fresh fruit, coffee, and orange juice for a complete spread. Or make it as part of your meal prep to reheat throughout the week for an elevated weekday breakfast.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Kids love this dish because it tastes like dessert but is served for breakfast. The soft cinnamon roll pieces are fun to eat, and the sweet icing drizzle makes it feel special. Parents love it because it’s easy to assemble, requires minimal cleanup, and keeps well in the fridge for several days.
If you have picky eaters at home, you’ll be relieved to know that this recipe is very adaptable. Skip the nuts if allergies are a concern. Want less sugar? Cut back on the maple syrup or use a light glaze instead of the icing. It’s a dish that can be customized without sacrificing taste.
Healthier Variations and Swaps
While this dish is undeniably indulgent, there are ways to lighten it up without losing the magic. Use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk in place of heavy cream. Opt for whole wheat cinnamon rolls if you can find them, or even make a homemade version using whole grain dough.
Add-ins like chopped apples, raisins, or even mashed bananas can increase the fiber and nutrient content. You can also sprinkle ground flaxseed or chia seeds into the custard mixture for a health boost that kids won’t even notice.
Another great trick? Serve with a side of Greek yogurt instead of extra syrup for added protein and less sugar. The tangy creaminess of the yogurt balances the sweetness of the dish beautifully.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
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Don’t overbake: The goal is a soft, gooey texture—check it around the 25-minute mark and remove it once it’s golden and set in the center.
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Use quality ingredients: Pure vanilla extract and real maple syrup elevate the flavor significantly.
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Let it rest: After baking, allow the dish to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
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Prepping ahead: You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just remove it 20–30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature.
Why This Recipe Is Better Than the Rest
Many cinnamon roll casseroles out there tend to be too soggy, overly sweet, or too complicated. This version strikes the perfect balance: it’s moist but not mushy, sweet but not cloying, and best of all—it’s incredibly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or special skills, and yet the final result is something you’d proudly serve at a brunch party.
What also sets this dish apart is its flexibility. You can make it your own with additions like fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips. The base recipe is reliable and delicious every time, but it’s also a blank canvas for creativity.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is everything you love about breakfast rolled into one dish: warmth, sweetness, comfort, and ease. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a weekend indulgence, it’s the kind of recipe that delivers every single time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s destined to become a household favorite—because who wouldn’t want dessert for breakfast that feels just a little bit like magic?