When two beloved breakfast classics come together, magic happens. Cinnamon roll french toast casserole combines the sweet warmth of cinnamon rolls with the rich, custardy texture of baked French toast in one cozy, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s an easy win for family breakfasts, holiday mornings, and brunch gatherings—especially when you want something special without standing at the stove.
The best part? You can keep it simple with Pillsbury-style refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or any similar brand), or use homemade rolls if you have them. Either way, the cinnamon-sugar swirls soak up the vanilla-cinnamon custard, bake into a golden top, and finish with that classic cream cheese icing drizzle.
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The Sweet Story Behind Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
This bake brings together cinnamon roll dough and a classic French toast custard for a warm, bakery-style breakfast at home.
It’s the kind of comforting casserole that feels festive, yet stays simple enough for any weekend.
The roots of French toast date back to ancient times, where soaking stale bread in a milk-and-egg mixture was a clever way to reduce waste. Cinnamon rolls, meanwhile, have long been loved across Northern Europe and beyond, with variations like Sweden’s famous “kanelbulle.” The fusion of these two classics likely grew popular in American kitchens, where creativity meets comfort food. For more on cinnamon roll inspiration and variations, explore this article from BBC Good Food.
This casserole combines the soft, spiced dough of cinnamon rolls with the rich, custardy experience of French toast. With minimal prep and bold flavor, it transforms everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting breakfast casserole that feels both homemade and special.
Besides being delicious, it’s also satisfying: eggs add protein, and the custard base turns simple ingredients into a filling brunch-style dish. It’s versatile, too—you can tweak the milk, add fruit or nuts, or prep it overnight without losing that classic cinnamon swirl comfort.
Why Should You Make This Recipe
If you’re searching for a breakfast that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is your answer. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion, from lazy Sundays to festive brunches.
A Breakfast Worth Waking Up For
One of the best reasons to make this cinnamon roll french toast casserole is how simple it is to prepare. Using either homemade cinnamon rolls or refrigerated cinnamon roll dough, you can create a bakery-quality breakfast without the fuss. The egg mixture soaks into the cinnamon roll pieces, creating a custardy texture that tastes like the best parts of a cinnamon bun and French toast combined.
This casserole saves you time. Instead of standing over a hot stove flipping slices of bread, you layer everything in a casserole dish and let the oven do the work. It’s a great recipe to prepare ahead—perfect for overnight gatherings or holidays when you’d rather spend time with family than cooking.
Plus, it’s easy to customize. Want a little more spice? Add extra ground cinnamon. Craving extra sweetness? Drizzle with maple syrup and cream cheese icing right before serving. This flexibility makes it a true kitchen hero.
Ingredients
This easy cinnamon roll french toast casserole uses simple, everyday ingredients. Each item plays a key role in creating a cozy, sweet, and satisfying breakfast that’s hard to resist.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole
- Cinnamon Rolls: 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury-style or any similar brand), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Eggs: 5 large eggs to make the rich, custardy base
- Milk or Cream: ¾ cup whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream (heavy cream = richer custard)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for warmth and depth
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon to boost that cozy cinnamon flavor
- Maple Syrup: ¼ cup to sweeten the custard naturally
- Cream Cheese Icing: Comes with the cinnamon rolls—save it to drizzle after baking
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted, to grease the dish and add flavor
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting before serving
These ingredients come together to create a breakfast casserole that is fluffy, sweet, and full of classic cinnamon roll flavor. If you want a different base with bread, you can swap in brioche or challah cubes (see Tips & Variations) while keeping the same custard and cinnamon profile.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Cut, soak, and bake—this method is designed for low effort and reliable results.
A short soak helps the center bake soft and custardy instead of dry.
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Take your canned cinnamon rolls and cut each one into small bite-sized pieces. Arrange the roll pieces in an even layer over the bottom of the prepared dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined. Gently pour this egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, allowing them to soak in the flavors.
Step 3: Bake and Finish
Put the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the casserole is fully set. Once baked, drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls over the warm casserole before slicing and serving.
For tips on baking casseroles, check out this Martha Stewart guide.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings, making it ideal for breakfast or brunch.
Serve it warm for the best texture: gooey center, lightly crisp top, and melty icing.
Pair it with something fresh or savory to balance the sweetness.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole served with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup on a white plate.
This recie is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings, making it ideal for breakfast or brunch.
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Casserole
With Fresh Fruit:
Serve the casserole with a side of fresh fruit like berries, sliced bananas, or citrus for an easy balance. The sweetness and tang of fruit pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon flavor.
Top with Extra Syrup:
Drizzle warm maple syrup over the casserole for an extra touch of sweetness. If you love caramel flavors, swap syrup for a light caramel drizzle for an indulgent twist.
A Dollop of Whipped Cream:
Add whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish that still feels special.
Pair with Bacon or Sausage:
For a savory contrast, serve it with crispy bacon or sausage links. Sweet + savory is always a brunch favorite.
Make it a Brunch Buffet:
This casserole is great for a crowd. Add a cozy drink like a homemade chai latte and a simple side for a complete spread. Try:
These simple serving ideas elevate your cinnamon roll french toast casserole into a memorable brunch everyone will love
Tips & Variations
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is incredibly adaptable. With a few simple adjustments, you can make your own cinnamon roll bake or use ingredients you already have. Here are some tips and variations to enhance your dish.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Let it Soak:
For an extra-soft and custardy texture, allow the cinnamon rolls to soak in the egg mixture for 10–15 minutes before baking. This ensures that each bite is rich and flavorful. - Use Stale Cinnamon Rolls:
If you have leftover cinnamon rolls that are a bit stale, they’re perfect for this casserole! The slightly drier texture helps the bread absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
Fun Variations to Try
- Add Fruit to the Mix:
Toss in sliced apples, berries, or even bananas for added freshness and natural sweetness. Apples and cinnamon are a classic pairing that elevates the flavor. - Swap for Brioche or Challah to enhance the flavor of your french toast casserole recipe.
If you want a more indulgent base, substitute the cinnamon rolls with brioche or challah bread. Both have a rich, soft texture that complements the custard filling beautifully.
These small changes can take your casserole to the next level and make it your own.
How to Store, Freeze, and Thaw
Storing your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole properly is essential to keeping it fresh and ready to enjoy later. With the right techniques, you can extend the shelf life of this delicious cinnamon roll casserole.
Storing Leftovers
Once your casserole has cooled down to room temperature, place the leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the casserole in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until it is thoroughly heated.
Freezing the Casserole
If you have leftovers you want to save for a longer period, freezing the casserole is a great option. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then follow with a layer of foil to protect your french toast casserole recipe from freezer burn. You can store the cinnamon roll french toast bake for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating your french toast bake.
Reheating Frozen Casserole
To reheat the casserole from frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil, and bake for 30-40 minutes. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional details of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole can help you make informed decisions when serving this delicious breakfast treat. Here’s a general breakdown of the key nutrients per serving.
Per Serving (1 Slice, Approximately 1/8 of the Casserole)
- Calories: 300–350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15–20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6–8 g
- Cholesterol: ~50 mg
- Sodium: 300–350 mg
- Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
- Dietary Fiber: ~1 g (higher if using whole-grain bread in a bread-based version)
- Sugars: 18–22 g (varies by icing and syrup)
- Protein: ~6 g
- Calcium: ~6–8% DV
- Iron: ~8–10% DV
FAQs
What is the most common mistake when making French toast?
A common mistake when making French toast is not using enough egg mixture or letting the bread soak too briefly. For the best results, ensure each slice of bread is fully soaked and the egg mixture has a good balance of eggs, milk, and spices.
How do you bake French toast with cinnamon rolls?
To bake French toast with cinnamon rolls, first cut the cinnamon rolls into pieces and arrange them in a baking dish. Pour a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar over the rolls. Bake in a preheated oven until golden and puffed, then serve with syrup or icing.
Does IHOP put cinnamon in their French toast?
Yes, IHOP’s French toast does often contain cinnamon, either mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top. This gives it a warm, spiced flavor that complements the sweetness of the syrup.
What is the trick to not soggy French toast?
To avoid soggy French toast, be sure not to soak the bread too long. Choose sturdy, thick-cut bread that soaks up the egg mixture well without falling apart. Cooking at the right temperature, ensuring the pan is hot enough, also helps create a crispy exterior.
Why is restaurant French toast so much better?
Restaurant French toast often benefits from higher-quality ingredients, such as thick, fresh bread like brioche or challah. It’s also cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and soft, moist interior.
Conclusion & Call to Action
A homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole offers a comforting, easy-to-make breakfast that everyone will love. Its rich cinnamon flavor, soft texture, and simple preparation make it a standout choice for busy mornings or special gatherings.
This casserole combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls and French toast into one delicious dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any breakfast table. After you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you — feel free to leave your feedback and share your version with others!
For more delicious Breakfast Recipes, check out our collection!
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