This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a warm, gooey treat everyone will love! It combines sweet cinnamon rolls and fluffy eggs for a tasty twist on breakfast.
The best part? It’s super easy to make! Just layer the rolls, pour the egg mixture, and bake. I like to serve it with a drizzle of icing on top—who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: Use store-bought cinnamon rolls for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade rolls can add a personal touch. You can also use frozen cinnamon rolls—just thaw them first. For a different twist, try using sticky buns!
Eggs: The eggs provide structure and richness. If you’re looking for a vegan option, replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes).
Milk: Whole milk is creamy and gives a rich flavor. You can swap it for almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep control over the sugar levels in the casserole.
Brown Sugar: This is optional, but I love the added depth it brings. If you’re out of brown sugar, use white sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Soaks Up the Egg Mixture Properly?
To make sure your cinnamon rolls soak up the egg mixture, cut them into quarters. Spread them evenly in the baking dish for consistent soaking. Gently press the rolls down after pouring the egg mixture over them. This gives them a chance to absorb all the flavors!
- Letting the casserole sit for 10–15 minutes is essential. This resting time allows the egg mixture to seep in better.
- If you want an even creamier texture, consider covering the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerating it overnight. In the morning, just pop it in the oven!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Casserole:
- 6 to 8 large cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup brown sugar (for extra sweetness)
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 30 to 40 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10-15 minutes for the casserole to soak up all those yummy flavors before baking. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour to enjoy this tasty breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar casserole dish and grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls:
Next, take your cinnamon rolls and cut each one into quarters. Lay them evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish, creating a nice even layer for soaking up the egg mixture.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Pour and Press:
Now pour the egg mixture evenly over your arranged cinnamon roll pieces. Use a spatula to gently press down on the rolls to help them soak in the delicious custard mixture.
5. Let It Soak:
Allow the casserole to sit for 10–15 minutes. This gives the cinnamon rolls time to soak up all that tasty egg mix!
6. Bake Until Perfect:
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. You want it to be puffed up and delicious!
7. Prepare the Glaze:
While the casserole is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. This creamy glaze is the finishing touch!
8. Cool and Drizzle:
Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top for that scrumptious sweet finish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve it warm and enjoy the gooey goodness of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or any special occasion with loved ones!
This recipe yields a rich, decadent breakfast that everyone will adore!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! Whole wheat cinnamon rolls can be a healthier alternative, giving you a bit more fiber. Just remember that the texture and taste may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some fresh fruits like berries or bananas for added flavor. You can also add chopped nuts or even chocolate chips for a fun twist!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free cinnamon rolls, which are widely available in stores. Be sure to check the other ingredients for gluten, particularly in the cream cheese glaze!