If you have a soft spot for breakfast treats that bring warmth, sweetness, and a hint of nostalgia in every bite, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender cinnamon roll dough baked within a custardy French toast, topped with crunchy pecans, gooey maple syrup, and finished with a luscious icing drizzle. It’s the perfect cozy dish to brighten up weekend mornings or special occasions, blending the best of two classic breakfast treats into one unforgettable casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe means gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Nothing fancy, just comfort food essentials that come together effortlessly.
- Butter (¼ cup melted): Creates a rich base in your baking dish to keep the casserole moist and add a hint of buttery flavor.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (2 cans, 12.4 oz each): The star of the dish, delivering that soft cinnamon sweetness and fluffy texture.
- Large eggs (6): Bind everything together and create the custard that soaks into the dough for that luscious French toast feel.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds richness and creaminess to the custard, making every bite velvety smooth.
- Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Enhances and deepens the warm, spicy cinnamon flavor throughout the casserole.
- Vanilla extract (1 Tbsp): Brings a sweet, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon and sweet dough perfectly.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft, tender casserole.
- Maple syrup (1 cup): Drizzled throughout the casserole for natural sweetness and that signature breakfast syrup charm.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Pour the melted butter directly into an ungreased 13×9-inch glass baking dish. This buttery layer will not only prevent sticking but also infuse the bottom of the casserole with rich flavor as it bakes.
Step 2: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
Separate both cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls into 16 individual rolls. Don’t forget to set aside the icing packets—they’ll make the perfect finishing touch later. Now, cut each roll into 8 bite-sized pieces, then spread all these dough pieces evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. This ensures every forkful has that irresistible cinnamon roll goodness.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Custard
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. This custard mixture will soak into the cinnamon roll pieces, transforming them into a custardy, creamy delight. Pour this over the cinnamon dough in your dish, then sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle all over with maple syrup so all those flavors mingle in the oven.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Perfect
Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 to 28 minutes or until the top is gloriously golden brown and the custard is set. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 15 minutes to firm up just a bit—this rest time makes serving easier and enhances the flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Icing Drizzle
While the casserole cools, remove the plastic covers from the reserved icing packets. Microwave the icing at 50% power for 10 to 15 seconds until it thins enough to drizzle smoothly over the casserole. This step adds that signature sweet glaze that elevates the dish.
Step 6: Finish with a Sweet Touch
Drizzle the softened icing generously on top of the casserole and sprinkle a little powdered sugar if you like for an extra pretty presentation. When serving, spoon some of the maple syrup pooled in the dish over each portion for maximum indulgence.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe even more inviting, consider freshening it up with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of extra chopped pecans. A few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also brighten the plate and add a touch of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Because this dish is wonderfully rich and sweet on its own, simple sides work best. Serve with fresh fruit like sliced oranges, kiwi, or a mixed berry salad to balance that sweetness with some fresh, juicy tang. A side of crispy bacon or sausage adds a savory contrast if you want to round out your breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personal servings—perfect for brunch guests. You can also layer it with extra nuts or even swirl in some cream cheese before baking to add an extra layer of creamy luxury. For a festive touch, try sprinkling edible flowers or adding a cinnamon stick garnish on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it airtight to preserve moisture and freshness so it tastes just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to prepare ahead. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, pop individual servings in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes to maintain that fresh-baked texture and warmth.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will add a personal touch and likely an even fresher flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as usual.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or an unsweetened plant-based milk mixed with a little cornstarch to mimic heavy cream, and swap the icing for a vegan glaze to keep it deliciously dairy-free.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Definitely. You can assemble everything up to the baking step, cover the dish, and refrigerate overnight. Then bake fresh in the morning for a time-saving breakfast treat.
How sweet is this casserole? Should I add extra sugar?
The sweetness from the cinnamon rolls, icing, and maple syrup is just right, creating a balanced flavor. Extra sugar is usually unnecessary and could overwhelm the dish.
What’s the best way to make this for a crowd?
Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two 13×9-inch pans. This recipe scales beautifully and keeps the same flavors and textures, perfect for feeding a hungry group.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe that feels like a hug in food form. Whether it’s a festive brunch or a weekend treat, this dish invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and enjoy that wonderful blend of cinnamon, creaminess, and sweet drizzles. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own cozy memories around the breakfast table!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole combines the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the comforting texture of French toast baked into a delightful casserole. Perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch, this dish features chunks of cinnamon roll dough soaked in a rich egg and cream mixture, topped with pecans and maple syrup, then baked to golden perfection and drizzled with the included cinnamon roll icing.
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- 2 (12.4 oz) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Heat your oven to 375°F. Pour the melted butter into an ungreased 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, coating the bottom evenly.
- Prepare Cinnamon Roll Pieces: Separate both cans of cinnamon roll dough into a total of 16 rolls; set the icing aside. Cut each roll into 8 pieces and arrange these dough pieces evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish.
- Mix and Pour Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Pour this egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish. Then sprinkle chopped pecans over the top and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the uncovered baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 28 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Icing for Drizzling: While the casserole cools, remove covers from the cinnamon roll icing and microwave it at 50% power for 10 to 15 seconds, just until it’s thin enough to drizzle smoothly over the casserole.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the warmed icing over the top of the casserole and sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar. Serve by spooning syrup from the baking dish onto individual servings.
Notes
- Ensure not to grease the baking dish; the melted butter at the bottom helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
- The microwave step for icing should be brief to avoid overheating or melting the icing too much.
- Chilling the casserole before baking is not necessary but can help the egg mixture absorb better if prepared in advance.
- Maple syrup adds sweetness and moisture but can be adjusted or substituted according to preference.
- Feel free to add fresh berries or sliced bananas as a fresh topping for added flavor and texture.
