If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole. It’s the ultimate combination of fluffy French toast soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard with gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar, all baked together into one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: This casserole comes together quickly, so you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
Comfort Food Classic: Combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls and French toast into one heartwarming dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before for a stress-free morning.
Perfect for Groups: Serves a crowd, ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Customizable Flavors: Easily add nuts, fruits, or dairy-free options to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is selected to bring out warm, comforting flavors and the perfect texture. From rich custard elements to sweet, cinnamony layers, these simple ingredients deliver a gourmet breakfast without hassle.

Day-old bread: Thick slices or cubed pieces give the casserole a tender yet sturdy base that soaks up all the custard.
Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the casserole beautifully.
Milk: Adds creaminess and keeps every bite moist and soft.
Cinnamon sugar mixture: The heart of the cinnamon roll flavor, layered generously for gooey, spiced swirls.
Brown sugar: Enhances caramel notes and complements the cinnamon’s warmth.
Vanilla extract: Infuses subtle sweetness that amplifies all other flavors.
Butter (or plant-based butter): Used to dot on top for a golden, slightly crisp finish.
Powdered sugar glaze: Made with powdered sugar and a splash of almond or vanilla milk for drizzling.

Variations for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

This recipe is delightfully versatile, making it easy to customize your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole to fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Veggie-friendly swap: Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Fruit additions: Layer fresh berries, diced apples, or sliced bananas between the bread for a fruity twist.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for added texture.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for extra warmth and complexity.
Sweet glaze options: Swap powdered sugar glaze for a cream cheese frosting drizzle for more richness.

Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Cinnamon Mixture

Start by cubing your favorite thick bread, then mix brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. This mixture will be layered throughout the bread cubes to mimic that luscious cinnamon roll swirl.

Step 2: Make Custard Mixture

Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon in a large bowl until fully combined. This custard is what gives the casserole its rich texture and soak.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grease your baking dish lightly with butter. Layer half the cubed bread into the dish, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, then repeat the layering with the remaining bread and cinnamon sugar. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the top, pressing lightly so all the bread soaks up the custard.

Step 4: Refrigerate

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight. This soaking time helps the bread absorb the custard perfectly for a creamy texture.

Step 5: Bake

Before baking, dot slices of butter on top of the casserole. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 to 55 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Once slightly cooled, drizzle powdered sugar glaze over the top to add that final sweet touch reminiscent of a cinnamon roll’s frosting.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Use sturdy bread: Brioche, challah, or Texas toast hold up best and create a soft yet structured casserole.
Don’t skip the soak: Refrigeration time allows the custard to fully penetrate the bread for richness.
Add texture last: Sprinkle nuts or extra cinnamon sugar on top if you want a delightful crunch.
Serve warm: This casserole is best enjoyed right out of the oven when gooey and fresh.
Make it in advance: Prep fully the night before to save time on busy mornings.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Garnishes

Top your casserole with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup for an extra-special presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair with crispy smoked turkey bacon or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness and create a well-rounded breakfast spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for a personal touch or load your platter with generous slices garnished with mint and nuts to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, covering loosely to prevent drying out, or microwave individual portions for quick enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free bread works well but choose a sturdier option to hold the custard without turning mushy.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute milk and butter with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and plant-based margarine.

Can I prepare the casserole the morning of serving?

While you can, letting it soak overnight really enhances the custard’s richness and texture.

What can I use instead of cinnamon sugar?

Try a mixture of sugar and pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg for a different warm spice profile.

How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?

Use slightly stale bread and ensure it’s well-coated but not overly saturated with custard. Also, don’t over-soak before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a delightful way to start any day with comforting, gooey sweetness and warm spices. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to many tastes, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your breakfast table. Give it a try soon you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Author: Kevin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus soaking time (minimum 1 hour, overnight preferred)
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a warm, comforting breakfast combining fluffy French toast soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard with gooey swirls of cinnamon sugar, all baked together into an irresistible dish. Perfect for busy mornings or brunches, it offers a customizable and make-ahead friendly option that serves a crowd and delights every bite.

Instructions

Prepare the Bread and Cinnamon Mixture: Cube your favorite thick, sturdy bread. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar mixture that will be layered between the bread cubes for that classic cinnamon roll swirl.
Make Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon until fully combined. This custard mixture will soak into the bread, giving the casserole its rich texture.
Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter. Layer half of the bread cubes in the dish, sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the bread, then repeat the layering with the remaining bread and cinnamon sugar. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the layers, pressing lightly to ensure all bread soaks up the custard.
Refrigerate: Cover the assembled casserole and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight. This soaking step allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, creating a creamy texture.
Bake: Before baking, dot the top of the casserole with slices of butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
Add the Glaze: After allowing the casserole to cool slightly, drizzle the powdered sugar glaze over the top to add a sweet finish reminiscent of cinnamon roll frosting.

Notes

Use sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast for best texture and soaking.
Do not skip the refrigeration soak; it ensures rich custard penetration into the bread.
For added texture, sprinkle nuts or extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Serve the casserole warm for gooey, fresh flavor.
Prepare the casserole fully the night before to save time in the morning.
Substitute plant-based milk and butter to make dairy-free and vegan-friendly versions.
Gluten-free bread can be used; choose sturdier types to prevent sogginess.
To avoid sogginess, use slightly stale bread and avoid over-soaking the custard.
For a different spice profile, replace cinnamon sugar with sugar and pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: cinnamon roll french toast casserole, breakfast casserole, brunch recipe, make-ahead breakfast, cinnamon sugar custard, baked French toast