If you’re craving a breakfast dish that’s both indulgent and easy to whip up, you’re going to adore my Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it combines the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the comforting warmth of French toast casserole, all baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become your go-to for weekend mornings or special occasions. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my best tips so you can nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Prep: This casserole comes together fast, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute guests.
- Comforting and Sweet: The perfect blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup creates an irresistible flavor combo.
- Minimal Ingredients Required: You only need seven common ingredients, many of which you might already have lying around.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish—it’s always requested for brunch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients is what makes this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe come alive. I find that using refrigerated cinnamon rolls saves so much time but still delivers that fresh-baked taste. Pair that with a simple custard base, and sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla take it to that dreamy level of flavor I know you’ll love.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: Using pre-made dough cuts down prep time dramatically and ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
- Butter: Melts beautifully and prevents the casserole from sticking while adding richness.
- Eggs: Create the custardy base that holds everything together perfectly.
- Milk: Helps soften the cinnamon roll pieces and balances the custard mixture.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that warm spiced flavor that makes this casserole irresistible.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet fragrance that complements the cinnamon.
- Maple syrup: Pour it over the top before baking for that classic sweetness and slight caramelization.
Variations
I love tweaking this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe based on what I have on hand or the season. It’s such a flexible dish—you can really make it your own!
- Add fresh fruit: My favorite twist is mixing in fresh blueberries or sliced apples before baking. It adds a natural sweetness and fresh texture.
- Use cream cheese glaze: If you want to elevate the icing drizzle, try mixing the provided icing with a little cream cheese for extra creaminess—my family can’t get enough!
- Dairy-free option: Swap the milk for almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter to suit dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips: For extra crunch or sweetness, sprinkle chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, pour the melted butter evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. This step is crucial because it prevents sticking and gives the casserole a buttery, golden base that your cinnamon roll pieces will soak up beautifully.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Grab your refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each one into 8 pieces. I like to use a sharp knife to get nice clean cuts without squishing them. Spread the pieces evenly over the melted butter in your baking dish. This ensures every bite gets a perfect cinnamon roll-to-custard ratio.
Step 3: Whisk and Pour the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until fully combined and smooth. This mixture is what transforms your cinnamon roll pieces into that creamy French toast casserole we all love. Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure they’re all nicely coated.
Step 4: Drizzle Maple Syrup and Bake
Pour 1 cup of maple syrup over the entire dish. Don’t worry—it sounds like a lot, but it bakes into the casserole, creating a sweet, caramelized top. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes at 375°F. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point? Pure happiness.
Step 5: Add the Icing and Serve
Once the casserole is out of the oven, immediately drizzle the icing from the cinnamon rolls over the top. I learned that the icing melts slightly from the heat but still keeps just enough structure for that signature luscious finish. Serve warm and watch everyone swoon!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Use room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can cause uneven cooking in the custard mixture, so take a moment to bring them to room temp before whisking.
- Don’t skip the butter base: I tried baking without butter once, and the casserole stuck terribly—avoid that hassle with this simple step.
- Slice cinnamon rolls evenly: Even pieces ensure uniform baking and consistent texture throughout.
- Serve promptly: This casserole is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be reheated effectively (more on that below).
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my casserole with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped toasted pecans for some crunch. Fresh berries on top add a pop of color and brightness that cuts through the sweetness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream is always a winner.
Side Dishes
To balance the sweetness, I often serve this casserole alongside crispy bacon or a sausage link. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs beautifully and makes the meal feel complete without being heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, I once served this casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions—everyone loved the personal touch! You can also layer it in a trifle bowl with cinnamon whipped cream for a stunning presentation that makes any occasion feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend covering the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap right after it cools to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen this casserole by baking it fully, cooling it completely, then wrapping tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat nicely in the oven or toaster oven.
Reheating
To reheat, I preheat my oven to 350°F and warm the casserole uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp on top. Alternatively, the microwave works for a quick fix, though it won’t have quite the same texture.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of refrigerated rolls?
Absolutely! Homemade dough works wonderfully, but keep in mind that prep time will increase since you’ll need to prepare and possibly proof the dough first. The flavor and texture will be just as delicious, if not better.
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Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter. For a vegan version, replace eggs with a flax-eggs mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and look for vegan cinnamon rolls or make your own.
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Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Definitely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, bake as directed. I find that letting it soak overnight actually enhances the flavor and texture.
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How do I avoid soggy or overly dry casserole?
Pouring the custard evenly and ensuring all the cinnamon roll pieces are coated helps prevent sogginess. Also, baking uncovered allows moisture to evaporate and gives you a nicely browned top. Avoid overbaking by checking at the 25-minute mark.
Final Thoughts
I hope you can tell how much I genuinely love this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe—it’s one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that brings smiles to the table every time. Whether you’re serving it for a lazy weekend breakfast or a holiday brunch, it’s sure to impress with minimal effort. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy cinnamon rolls with a French toast twist!
PrintEasy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole combines the warm, gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with a classic French toast custard, baked to perfection for a comforting breakfast or brunch dish. Utilizing refrigerated cinnamon rolls makes this recipe incredibly simple and quick to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
Custard Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour the melted butter evenly onto the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cut and Arrange Cinnamon Rolls: Slice each cinnamon roll into 8 pieces and spread them evenly over the buttered bottom of the dish, ensuring a uniform layer.
- Make the Custard: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine and Drizzle Syrup: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. Then, pour 1 cup of maple syrup evenly over the entire mixture to add sweetness and moisture.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 minutes until the custard is set and the cinnamon rolls are cooked through and slightly golden.
- Add Icing: Once removed from the oven, drizzle the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls over the hot casserole for a rich, sweet finish.
Notes
- This recipe requires just 7 simple ingredients, including premade refrigerated cinnamon rolls, making it a quick and easy breakfast option.
- The casserole is best served warm to enjoy the gooey texture and melting icing.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey or your favorite syrup for a different flavor profile.
- If desired, add fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas on top for added freshness and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 117 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 38 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
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