If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch recipe that feels like a warm hug, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is it. Sweet, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make, it’s perfect for cozy family mornings or special occasions when you want something indulgent but simple.
Sweet, Buttery, and Perfectly Spiced
This casserole takes everything you love about cinnamon rolls and classic French toast and combines them into one irresistible dish. It’s soft and fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp top, and every bite is loaded with cinnamon and brown sugar goodness.
Unlike traditional French toast, there’s no flipping involved, and it feeds a crowd with ease. The best part? It’s prepared with minimal effort—ideal for those mornings when you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
You can even prep it ahead of time, making it a stress-free way to treat your family to something truly special.
Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Creating this delightful dish is simple when you have the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cinnamon Rolls – Use two cans of pre-made cinnamon rolls (about 12 rolls total). They’re the base of this casserole and bring all the sweet, spiced goodness we love.
- Eggs – You’ll need 4 large eggs to create the custard base, which holds everything together.
- Milk – Regular milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream gives the casserole a rich, velvety texture.
- Vanilla Extract – A teaspoon of vanilla enhances the flavor and adds warmth.
- Ground Cinnamon – Adds extra spice to deepen the cinnamon flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Sprinkled over the top for a caramelized sweetness that ties the dish together.
- Butter – Melted butter adds richness and helps create that golden, crispy topping.
- Optional Toppings – Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even chopped nuts can be added to make this dish even more indulgent.
Why These Ingredients Work
- Cinnamon rolls give this dish its signature flavor while also cutting down on prep time since you don’t need to make dough from scratch.
- The egg and milk mixture transforms into a custard as it bakes, creating a moist and fluffy texture.
- The butter and brown sugar topping adds a hint of crunch and caramelization, balancing the soft layers underneath.
This ingredient list ensures you’ll have a casserole that’s perfectly sweet, moist, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls. Cut each roll into 4 pieces and spread them evenly across the baking dish. Set aside the icing for later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they’re coated.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top, then drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle with the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like maple syrup or powdered sugar.
How Long to Bake Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Baking this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole to perfection requires just the right amount of time and temperature. Here’s how to get it right:
- Bake Time: The casserole should bake for 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the custard is set, and the top is golden brown. You can check by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
Tips for Adjusting Baking Time
- Oven Variations: All ovens are slightly different. If your oven runs hot, start checking around the 20-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
- Thickness of the Dish: If you’re using a deeper dish, the casserole may take an extra 5 minutes to cook through. For shallower dishes, check a bit earlier.
- Cover to Prevent Over-Browning: If the top is browning too quickly but the center isn’t fully cooked, tent the dish with foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
How to Store Leftovers
This casserole is just as delicious the next day!
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Tips
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This gives the custard time to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Make It Ahead: Prep the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the oven for a stress-free breakfast.
Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or savoring leftovers, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
PrintCinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Warm, gooey, and loaded with cinnamon goodness, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is the ultimate comfort breakfast. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for any morning!
Ingredients
- 2 cans cinnamon rolls (about 12 rolls total)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (or a mix of milk and heavy cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Open the cans of cinnamon rolls. Cut each roll into 4 pieces and spread them evenly across the baking dish. Set aside the icing for later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they’re coated.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top, then drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle with the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like maple syrup or powdered sugar.
Notes
- For an even richer casserole, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Prep the night before to save time. Cover and refrigerate, then bake in the morning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes