This cinnamon roll french toast casserole is truly a breakfast dream come true! Imagine the comforting warmth of custardy French toast combined with the sweet, spiced magic of store-bought cinnamon rolls, all baked into one incredible, easy-to-make dish. It’s an irresistible treat that will make any morning feel special and incredibly delicious. Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a festive holiday gathering, this casserole promises a delightful and comforting experience for everyone at your table. Get ready to bake a showstopper with minimal effort!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
You’ll adore this cinnamon roll french toast casserole for so many reasons! It brings together everything wonderful about a sweet breakfast with surprisingly little fuss.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is incredibly simple to assemble, making it ideal for busy mornings or when you crave an impressive dish without the stress.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare for rave reviews! This sweet treat is a surefire hit for family brunches, holiday breakfasts, or any special weekend meal where you want to impress.
- The Best of Both Worlds: Savor the chewy texture and sweet swirl of classic cinnamon rolls, now baked into a rich, custardy French toast base. It’s truly a magical combination.
- Warm & Cozy Flavors: Indulge in the comforting aroma and taste of cinnamon, vanilla, and real maple syrup, mingling beautifully in every forkful of this delightful casserole.
- Simple to Customize: Easily adapt this versatile casserole with your favorite nuts, fruits, or extra drizzles to personalize it and make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
Crafting this delicious cinnamon roll french toast casserole starts with a handful of accessible ingredients. Gather these items to create a truly unforgettable breakfast or brunch experience that everyone will love. You likely have many of these staples ready in your kitchen!
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with original icing (8 count per can)
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup maple syrup
- Icing from cinnamon roll cans (reserved)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- 1/2 cup extra maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this delightful cinnamon roll french toast casserole to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Any preferred brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls will work wonderfully. Choose your favorite!
- Cream: For a slightly lighter option, you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half for the heavy whipping cream, though it may result in a slightly less rich texture.
- Pecans: Feel free to omit the pecans entirely if you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use them. Chopped walnuts or slivered almonds are excellent alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract; its deep, aromatic flavor truly elevates the entire dish.
- Maple Syrup: Using real, pure maple syrup is highly recommended for its superior, authentic taste compared to pancake syrup.
- Spices: For a seasonal twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping out some cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes baking this incredible cinnamon roll french toast casserole a breeze. You’ll need just a few standard kitchen tools for success.
- 13×9-inch (3-quart) baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife or kitchen shears
- Small microwave-safe bowl (for icing)
- Wire cooling rack
- Small fine-mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)
How To Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create a truly spectacular cinnamon roll french toast casserole. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious result every time.
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the 1/4 cup of melted butter into an ungreased 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, coating the bottom evenly.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Separate both cans of dough into 16 rolls, reserving the icing for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into 8 uniform pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
- Arrange Rolls: Place all the cut cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the melted butter in the prepared dish. They will form the base of your delicious casserole.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the 6 large eggs. Whisk in the 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until well blended.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Gently and evenly pour the whisked egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring they are all coated.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the 1 cup of chopped pecans over the casserole. Drizzle 1 cup of maple syrup evenly across the dish.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Warm Icing: While cooling, remove covers from the reserved icing. Microwave on Medium (50% power) for 10 to 15 seconds, until thin and drizzly.
- Drizzle and Dust: Drizzle the warm icing over the baked cinnamon roll french toast casserole. For an elegant finish, dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve Warm: Serve this decadent breakfast warm. If desired, spoon any syrup from the dish over individual servings and offer the additional 1/2 cup maple syrup on the side.
Pro Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Unlock the full potential of your cinnamon roll french toast casserole with these helpful tips for the best results!
- Cutting Rolls: Cut rolls into uniform, smaller pieces for even absorption and baking.
- Doneness: Look for a golden brown, puffed top and a firm, set center.
- Cooling Time: Cooling for 10 minutes is crucial for the casserole to set properly.
- Icing Consistency: Microwave icing briefly until it’s thin and drizzly for a smooth glaze.
- Bake Immediately: This dish is best assembled just before baking; overnight prep makes dough too soft.
- Even Distribution: Pour egg mixture and scatter toppings evenly for balanced flavor.
- Preventing Dryness: Spoon any remaining syrup over leftovers before storing to maintain moisture.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
- Enhance your cinnamon roll french toast casserole with these ideas! Serve it alongside fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries, or balance the sweetness with savory crispy bacon or scrambled eggs. For an indulgent dessert-like twist, offer whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Garnish with extra toasted pecans for crunch.
- Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in an oven or air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or quickly in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture.
- Get creative with variations! Add diced apples or fresh berries before baking. Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or shredded coconut. Explore spices like pumpkin pie spice or cardamom. Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for extra decadence.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your food can be helpful for meal planning. This information provides estimated values for one serving of our delicious cinnamon roll french toast casserole. Please remember that actual nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact measurements, and individual preparation methods. These values are provided for informational purposes only, so enjoy this delightful treat!
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 Serving |
| Calories | 410 |
| Calories from Fat | 210 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Trans Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Potassium | 85mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 19g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 0% |
| Calcium | 4% |
| Iron | 8% |
Learn more about the health benefits of maple syrup and why it’s a great natural sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making your incredible cinnamon roll french toast casserole, designed to help you succeed, quickly and easily!
Can I prepare this cinnamon roll french toast casserole the night before?
It’s best to assemble and bake this dish fresh. Preparing it ahead of time can make the cinnamon roll dough too soft, affecting its delightful texture.
How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?
Look for a beautiful golden brown top and a puffed appearance. The center should feel firm when gently pressed, and a knife inserted should come out mostly clean.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe! We recommend using two separate 13×9-inch dishes and baking them side-by-side if your oven allows for even cooking.
What kind of cinnamon rolls should I use for this recipe?
Standard refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls work perfectly. Brands like Pillsbury or similar store-bought varieties are ideal for this easy recipe.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in the egg mixture?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half. Just note that using milk might result in a slightly less rich and creamy texture compared to heavy cream.
Conclusion
You’ve now got the recipe for an undeniably delicious and easy cinnamon roll french toast casserole! This delightful blend of sweet cinnamon rolls and custardy French toast is both simple to make and incredibly impressive. It’s the perfect way to bring joy and warmth to any morning, making it feel extra special. We encourage you to try this recipe soon, share your beautiful creations, and savor a truly sweet and wonderful start to your day. Happy baking, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Decadent Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Equipment
- Oven
- 13×9-inch baking dish
- Medium bowl
- Microwave
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 2 cans (12.4 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Cinnamon Rolls with Original Icing (8 Count)
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup maple syrup
- Icing from cinnamon rolls
- Powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup if desired, for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat oven to 375°F.
- Pour melted butter into an ungreased 13×9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish.
- Separate both cans of dough into 16 rolls, setting the icing aside.
- Cut each roll into 8 pieces and place them over the butter in the dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, then beat in the cream, cinnamon, and vanilla until well blended.
- Gently pour the egg mixture over the roll pieces.
- Sprinkle with pecans and drizzle with 1 cup of maple syrup.
Baking and Serving
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown, then cool for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, remove covers from the icing and microwave on Medium (50%) for 10 to 15 seconds until thin enough to drizzle.
- Drizzle the icing over the top and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- If desired, spoon syrup from the dish over individual servings and serve with the additional 1/2 cup maple syrup.