Introduction

This Ultimate Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is the easiest way to serve a crowd a warm, comforting breakfast. Using ready-made cinnamon rolls simplifies preparation while delivering that signature sweet, spiced flavor everyone loves. For more delightful baked treats, try this Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe or these Perfectly Peach Cobbler Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole combines warm, gooey cinnamon rolls with a rich custard base, creating a decadent breakfast that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked cinnamon and vanilla.

• 8 cinnamon rolls (canned, with icing reserved)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for richer texture)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes since you skip making the cinnamon roll dough from scratch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open two 12.4-ounce cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Cut each roll into quarters and arrange them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Set aside the included icing packets for later use.

Step 2 — Make the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

For best results, use room temperature ingredients to help the mixture combine smoothly.

Step 3 — Soak the Cinnamon Rolls

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Gently press down with a spatula to ensure all pieces are submerged.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4 — Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Sprinkle the top with ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch, if desired.

Step 5 — Bake the Casserole

Bake the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole uncovered for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean, with no liquid egg mixture.

Step 6 — Rest and Drizzle with Icing

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set further for easier slicing.

Warm the reserved icing packets in a bowl of hot water for 30 seconds, then drizzle generously over the top.

Step 7 — Serve and Enjoy

Slice the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole into squares and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, extra maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	11g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	16g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	420mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use whole-grain bread — Adds fiber and nutrients while maintaining the classic French toast texture.
• Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt — Provides extra protein and tanginess with less fat.
• Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener — Offers sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels.
• Choose almond or oat milk — Creates a dairy-free Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole with a nutty flavor.
• Opt for gluten-free cinnamon rolls — Makes the dish celiac-friendly while keeping the spiced taste.
• Add egg whites instead of whole eggs — Boosts protein content and reduces cholesterol.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter — Introduces a subtle tropical note and dairy-free richness.
• Reduce added salt — Lets the cinnamon and vanilla flavors shine while lowering sodium intake.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with cream cheese glaze and toasted pecans for extra richness
• Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast
• Pair with fresh berries or fruit salad to balance the sweetness
• Perfect for holiday brunches, overnight guests, or special weekend breakfasts
• Bake in individual ramekins for elegant single-serving presentations
• Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for visual appeal
• Complement with strong coffee or cold milk to cut through the cinnamon sweetness

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole shines as a make-ahead breakfast centerpiece that transforms ordinary mornings into festive occasions with minimal last-minute effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using stale or dry cinnamon rolls. Fix: Use fresh or slightly thawed frozen rolls for better custard absorption.
• Mistake: Pouring cold custard over the rolls. Fix: Bring egg-milk mixture to room temperature so it soaks evenly without cooling the dish.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest before baking. Fix: Refrigerate assembled dish for at least 30 minutes so bread fully absorbs the liquid.
• Mistake: Overbaking until dry and rubbery. Fix: Bake just until set with a slight jiggle in the center—about 35–45 minutes at 350°F.
• Mistake: Skipping the foil tent during baking. Fix: Loosely cover with foil for the first 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
• Mistake: Adding icing before baking. Fix: Drizzle cream cheese glaze after baking so it doesn’t melt away.
• Mistake: Cutting servings straight from the oven. Fix: Let casserole rest 10 minutes so layers set for clean slices.
• Mistake: Using a shallow baking dish. Fix: Choose a deep 9×13 dish to contain custard and prevent spills.
• Mistake: Forgetting to add extra cinnamon-sugar. Fix: Sprinkle extra mix between roll layers for stronger swirl flavor.
• Mistake: Baking straight from the freezer without thawing. Fix: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp before baking.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Bake covered at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F when reheating.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that’s guaranteed to impress. If you love easy morning bakes, try our Air Fryer Pumpkin French Toast Recipe next. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I prepare the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole the night before?

Yes, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is perfect for overnight preparation. Assemble all the ingredients in your baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the cinnamon rolls to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a richer flavor and easier morning baking.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers of this casserole?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick warmth or in an oven at 350°F until heated through for a crispier top. The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole retains its moisture well, making leftovers almost as good as the first serving.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?

Absolutely, using homemade cinnamon rolls can elevate your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole. Just ensure they are not frosted and are cut into pieces similar to the size of store-bought rolls. This substitution allows for a more personalized and potentially richer flavor profile.