Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you’re anything like me, breakfast is your favorite way to start the day with a little sweetness and comfort. This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe brings together the best of both worlds—soft cinnamon rolls transformed into a luscious baked French toast dish that’s perfect for weekend brunches or holiday mornings. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to put together, which makes it a total win for busy mornings or when you’re feeding a hungry crowd.

What I really love about this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is how it uses refrigerated cinnamon rolls—so you get that homemade vibe without the fuss of making dough from scratch. You’ll find that layering buttery cinnamon roll bites soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, baked to golden perfection, then drizzled with that gooey icing, creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Trust me, your family will go crazy for it, and you’ll want to make it again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients come together effortlessly yet produce a seriously indulgent dish. Stock up on refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing because they form the backbone of this casserole, while vanilla and cinnamon amp up the cozy flavors.

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: I find tubes with icing included save a step, and the pre-made dough ensures every bite is soft and pillowy.
• Butter: Melting it first and pouring it into the dish guarantees a rich base that stops the rolls from sticking.
• Eggs: These bind everything and add that custardy texture to the casserole.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% milk for the best creaminess without weighing it down.
• Cinnamon: A little extra cinnamon goes a long way in deepening the warm spice notes throughout the dish.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash brightens all the flavors and complements the cinnamon rolls beautifully.
• Maple syrup: Pouring this over before baking adds sticky sweetness and caramelizes perfectly in the oven.

Variations

One thing I encourage you to do is experiment a little with this casserole to make it your own. I’ve tried a few twists myself, and it’s always fun to see how a simple swap or addition can change things up.

• Add fresh fruit: I like tossing in blueberries or diced apples before baking to add a fresh burst of flavor and a bit of texture contrast.
• Use another syrup: Sometimes I sub maple syrup with honey or caramel sauce for a different kind of sweetness.
• Dairy-free version: Swap milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter to accommodate dietary needs—still delicious!
• Extra crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a lovely crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft casserole.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Butter Up Your Baking Dish

Start by melting your butter and pouring it evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish. This not only keeps the cinnamon rolls from sticking but adds a rich buttery flavor to every bite—trust me, this step is non-negotiable for that perfect texture.

Step 2: Slice and Spread the Cinnamon Rolls

Now, take your refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each one into 8 equal pieces. When I first made this, I was surprised how much easier it was to handle the dough this way. Spread those pieces out evenly over the butter, making sure they’re nicely distributed to cover the entire dish.

Step 3: Whisk Your Custard Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended—that way, each bite of your casserole absorbs that dreamy custard flavor. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces to soak in all that goodness.

Step 4: Drizzle with Maple Syrup and Bake

Pour the cup of maple syrup evenly over the whole dish—this syrup caramelizes as it bakes, creating pockets of sticky sweetness you won’t want to miss. Bake your casserole at 375°F for 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If your oven runs hot, keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn’t over-brown.

Step 5: Ice It and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, take the icing packet from the cinnamon rolls and drizzle it generously over the casserole while it’s still warm. This final touch is what brings all the flavors together in that classic cinnamon roll charm. Serve it right away for the best gooey, warm experience.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this casserole with extra icing drizzle, but sometimes I add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a little color and freshness. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also adds a lovely finishing touch that makes it look extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory balance, or serve alongside fresh fruit salad to brighten the meal. A hot cup of coffee or rich chai latte completes the cozy breakfast experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or brunch parties, I like to bake this in individual ramekins; it makes serving easier and feels more personal. Another fun idea is layering small cinnamon roll pieces with different flavored syrups between layers for a colorful surprise. You’ll impress your guests with minimal extra effort every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in the oven or toaster oven to keep the edges crisp rather than microwaving, which can make it a bit soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before by wrapping it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture holds up really well, making it handy to prep batches ahead of time for busy mornings.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop individual slices in the toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that freshly baked texture. If you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works but watch out for sogginess—you can always finish with a minute in a hot skillet or under the broiler to crisp it up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe has become a staple for me whenever I want to treat my family without spending hours in the kitchen. Its golden, gooey, cinnamon-spiced charm is just unbeatable, and I love that it’s flexible enough to customize for all kinds of tastes and occasions. Give it a try—I’m confident you’ll find it just as comforting and effortless as I do, turning any morning into a special memory around the breakfast table.

Print