This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is the perfect breakfast treat! Just imagine soft cinnamon rolls mixed with fluffy eggs, milk, and a sprinkle of sweet cinnamon on top.
It’s super easy to make, and your kitchen will smell amazing! I love to serve it warm with a drizzle of icing—it’s like having dessert for breakfast, and who wouldn’t want that? 🍽️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: You can use either store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls. If you’re short on time, store-bought is great! You could also substitute them with other sweet rolls or even croissants for a flaky twist.
Eggs: If you’re looking for an egg-free option, try using a mixture of 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer for each egg. It works well to keep the casserole moist.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk adds richness, but if you need a lighter option, you can use almond milk or oat milk. For the cream, a coconut cream can work as a dairy-free substitute too.
Granulated Sugar: If you want to reduce sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Just adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Ground Cinnamon: If you’re a fan of spices, feel free to add nutmeg or pumpkin spice for extra warmth. Just a pinch can elevate the flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Casserole Is Perfectly Soaked?
To get that delightful texture in your casserole, ensuring the cinnamon rolls absorb the custard mixture is crucial. Here’s how:
- Spread the cut cinnamon roll pieces in an even layer, avoiding any big gaps.
- After pouring the egg mixture, press the pieces down gently with a spatula. This helps them soak up the liquid.
- Let the casserole sit for 15-20 minutes before baking. This time allows the rolls to absorb moisture, making them fluffy instead of dry.
With these tips, you’ll achieve a beautifully soft and tasty cinnamon roll casserole that everyone will love!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 6 large cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade), cut into chunks
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep time, plus 30-35 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let the casserole sit for about 15-20 minutes to soak up the custard mixture before you bake it. Overall, plan for about 1 hour to get this tasty dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls:
Cut your cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces. Spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are distributed well so every piece can soak up all that yummy custard!
3. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is nice and smooth.
4. Combine the Casserole:
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure they get coated. Gently press down on the cinnamon roll chunks to help them soak up the mixture.
5. Let It Sit:
Allow the casserole to sit for about 15-20 minutes. This gives the cinnamon rolls time to absorb that delicious custard mixture.
6. Bake It Up:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes. You want it to be set and lightly golden on top—a perfect, soft bake!
7. Prepare the Icing:
While the casserole bakes, prepare your icing. Combine the powdered sugar, melted butter, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk in a medium bowl. Stir until it’s smooth. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk until you reach a nice drizzling consistency.
8. Cool and Drizzle:
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, generously drizzle the prepared icing over the warm casserole!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. It’s delightful on its own, but you can also enjoy it with some extra syrup or fresh fruit!
Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole! It’s sure to be a hit for breakfast or brunch!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
While cinnamon rolls are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of sweet bread or pastries, like brioche or croissants. Just adjust the baking time slightly based on the bread’s density.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can use gluten-free cinnamon rolls available in stores, or make your own using gluten-free flour. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the powdered sugar, are also certified gluten-free.
Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just remember to cover it with plastic wrap. In the morning, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before baking to take off the chill, and then bake as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. Enjoy it like it’s fresh from the oven!