Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Intro

There are certain mornings that call for something extra special. Slow mornings. Holiday mornings. The kind where everyone gathers in the kitchen before they are fully awake, drawn in by the smell of cinnamon and sugar in the air. For me, that smell always means one thing: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole.

The first time I made Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole, it was for a cozy Sunday brunch at home. I wanted something comforting but easy. I did not want to stand at the stove flipping individual slices of French toast while everyone else relaxed.

So I combined two of my favorite breakfast treats—soft cinnamon rolls and classic custardy French toast—into one warm, baked dish. The result was rich, gooey in the center, golden on top, and full of sweet cinnamon flavor.

As a female chef who loves simple but impressive recipes, I adore dishes that look like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually come together without stress. This casserole does exactly that. It is sweet, soft, slightly crisp on the edges, and drizzled with creamy icing that melts into every bite.

Let me show you how to make it.

What is Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole?

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a baked breakfast dish made by cutting cinnamon rolls into pieces and soaking them in a rich custard mixture of eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Instead of cooking French toast slice by slice in a pan, everything bakes together in one dish.

The cinnamon rolls puff up and absorb the custard. The tops become lightly golden and slightly crisp, while the inside stays soft and creamy. After baking, the casserole is usually topped with a sweet glaze or cream cheese icing.

It combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the classic texture of French toast. It is perfect for holidays, brunch gatherings, potlucks, or even a regular weekend when you want something comforting and indulgent.

Equipment List

You do not need complicated tools for this recipe. That is one reason I love it.

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

That is it. Simple tools, simple process.

Recipe Card Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 8
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast
Calories: Approximately 420 per serving

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing included)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for greasing dish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Glaze (if not using included icing):

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions (Step by Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Make sure the bottom and sides are well coated so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing packets. Cut each cinnamon roll into four small pieces. Spread the pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish.

If you are adding nuts or raisins, sprinkle them over the cinnamon roll pieces.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Pour and Soak

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. Use a spatula to gently press the pieces down so they absorb the liquid.

Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the bread soak up the custard.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

You will know it is ready when the middle is no longer liquid and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the casserole bakes, mix powdered sugar, milk, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. If using the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls, warm it slightly in the microwave for easier drizzling.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Once the casserole comes out of the oven, let it cool for 5–10 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the top.

Serve warm.

When I First Served This at Brunch

I remember placing the baking dish right in the center of the table. The icing was still melting into the golden top. Steam rose gently from the edges. Everyone leaned in.

The first spoonful was soft and custardy, with swirls of cinnamon sugar in every bite. The top had that slight crisp edge that I love, while the inside stayed rich and tender. It tasted like a warm hug.

From that day on, this recipe became part of our family brunch tradition.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

There is something magical about the combination of eggs and dairy soaking into bread. The custard transforms simple cinnamon rolls into something almost creamy inside.

The brown sugar adds depth. The vanilla makes it warm and fragrant. The cinnamon enhances what is already inside the rolls. And the cream gives richness that makes it feel indulgent.

Because everything bakes together, the flavors blend beautifully.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Do Not Skip the Soaking Time

Letting the rolls absorb the custard makes a big difference in texture.

Do Not Overbake

Overbaking can dry it out. The center should be set but still soft.

Use Whole Milk and Cream

The fat adds richness and prevents the casserole from tasting thin.

Add Texture

Nuts add crunch, which balances the softness.

Make It Ahead Option

This is one of my favorite overnight breakfast recipes.

Assemble everything the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

This makes holiday mornings much easier.

Flavor Variations You Will Love

Apple Cinnamon Version

Add 1 cup of diced apples tossed with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Chocolate Chip Twist

Sprinkle 1/2 cup chocolate chips between the layers.

Berry Delight

Add fresh blueberries or raspberries before baking.

Pumpkin Spice

Replace 1/4 cup milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice.

What to Serve With It

Because Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is sweet and rich, I like pairing it with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Scrambled eggs
• Crispy bacon or sausage
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh orange juice or coffee

It creates a balanced brunch table.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for about 30–40 seconds.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not greasing the pan properly
• Using too little custard
• Baking uncovered the entire time
• Skipping the resting time before serving

These small details make a big difference.

Nutritional Overview

This casserole provides carbohydrates for energy, protein from eggs, and calcium from dairy. It is indulgent but perfect for special occasions.

If you want a lighter version, you can:

• Use low-fat milk
• Reduce sugar slightly
• Add more fruit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Yes, absolutely. Just make sure they are slightly baked before cutting.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can use almond milk and dairy-free cream, but the texture may change slightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use two baking dishes or one very large pan.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is more than just breakfast. It is comfort. It is warmth. It is laughter around a table.

I love recipes that bring people together, and this one always does. It smells incredible, tastes rich and sweet, and looks beautiful when served. Whether it is Christmas morning, a birthday brunch, or just a quiet Sunday, this casserole makes the day feel special.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe fills your home with the sweet scent of cinnamon and happy memories.