I absolutely love waking up on a weekend and diving straight into this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of cinnamon rolls and French toast rolled into one bake-and-forget-it dish. Seriously, it’s perfect for when you want a cozy breakfast without standing over the stove flipping slices – just prep, pop it in the oven, and relax while your kitchen fills with those amazing sweet-spicy smells.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how simple it is yet so indulgent. Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls means you get all the flavor and gooey layers with less hassle, and the custardy egg mixture makes everything melt together beautifully. I promise, once you try this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe, it’ll become a go-to for brunches or those mornings when you want a little extra treat. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser – my family goes crazy for it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy Prep: Using store-bought cinnamon rolls cuts down on time but not on flavor.
- Combines Two Favorites: Enjoy the taste of cinnamon rolls and French toast all in one dish.
- Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Makes enough to serve a family or a brunch gathering without the fuss.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning for an easy breakfast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a way that’s both indulgent and straightforward — using simple pantry staples plus ready-made cinnamon rolls makes this recipe a breeze. Here’s what I use and why each is important for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: These are the star – premade dough keeps things quick and already loaded with cinnamon and sweetness.
- Butter: Melting it on the pan gives the base a rich flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Eggs: They create that custard-like texture that’s essential for French toast casseroles.
- Milk: Makes the custard smooth and creamy without being too heavy.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the warmth and spicy notes, doubling down on that classic flavor.
- Vanilla: Adds depth and rounds out sweetness beautifully.
- Maple syrup: Pouring it over the casserole before baking gives a lovely natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly.
Variations
I love how versatile this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is. Once you have the base down, feel free to make it your own by adding flavors or swapping ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Fruit Add-ins: I often toss in some fresh berries or apple slices on top before baking for a pop of freshness and color.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap regular milk for almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter to keep it plant-based and still delicious.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking—I discovered this adds a wonderful texture contrast.
- Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture to give it a cozy twist.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Cinnamon Rolls
Start by melting your butter and pouring it evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish — this not only adds rich flavor but creates a non-stick layer for your casserole. Next, cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into 8 pieces; this breaks down the rolls into bite-sized chunks that soak up the custard perfectly. Spread them evenly over the melted butter. I learned the hard way that chopping the rolls too finely can turn the casserole mushy, so keep the pieces chunky but manageable.
Step 2: Whisk and Pour the Custard Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth and well combined. This mixture is what transforms your cinnamon rolls into that luscious French toast texture. Pour it evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure everything gets nicely coated. Pour the maple syrup evenly over the top; this bit of sweetness caramelizes as it bakes, creating that irresistible golden crust. Be sure to use pure maple syrup if you can – it really makes a difference in flavor.
Step 3: Bake Until Puffy and Golden
Pop the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll want to look for puffiness and a light golden color on the edges — that’s when you know it’s done. Ovens vary, so keep an eye near the end of baking to avoid overcooking, which can dry it out. When it’s finished, take it out and immediately drizzle or spread the icing from the cinnamon roll package over the top while it’s warm. I discovered this trick adds that authentic cinnamon roll finish everyone loves.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Chunk Size Matters: Cutting cinnamon rolls into 8 pieces balances soaking and texture perfectly.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Layer: It helps the bottom crisp up and prevents sticking — I learned this the hard way when I tried baking without it!
- Maple Syrup Magic: Pouring syrup over before baking adds caramelization that amps up flavor.
- Timely Icing Addition: Add the cinnamon roll icing right after baking to get that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with a simple drizzle of extra maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar because it keeps the focus on that decadent cinnamon flavor. Sometimes, I toss on a few fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color and a little tartness that cuts through the sweetness. On special mornings, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans takes this breakfast over the top.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast that makes the meal feel balanced. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie also work beautifully if you want to keep things light alongside all that richness. For particularly indulgent brunches, a side of scrambled eggs or a cheese plate rounds out the table well.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday mornings or special occasions, I like to bake the casserole in individual ramekins — it makes everyone feel like they’ve got a personal serving but without extra fuss. Another time, I layered sliced bananas between the cinnamon roll pieces before pouring the custard for a surprise fruity layer. Setting the casserole on a cake stand garnished with fresh flowers and fruit always impresses guests, turning breakfast into a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop them in the refrigerator – they stay good for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I find it best to warm individual portions in the microwave just until heated through to avoid drying them out. Personally, I feel like the casserole tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled!
Freezing
Freezing this casserole works fine if you want to prep in advance. I bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best texture – microwaving frozen leftovers tends to make it soggy. I’ve found freezing sliced portions makes the thawing and reheating easier too.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven to keep the edges crisp. I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through. This method keeps it from drying out and preserves that soft, custardy texture inside. If you’re in a rush, a quick microwave zap works, but just be careful not to overheat or it can turn rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work beautifully in this casserole, but you might want to chill the dough before cutting to help with clean slices. Keep in mind that baking time may vary slightly depending on your dough’s moisture content.
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Is it necessary to pour the maple syrup before baking?
Pouring maple syrup before baking helps create a caramelized, slightly sticky topping that adds tons of flavor. However, if you prefer, you can drizzle syrup after baking for a less gooey finish — it’s all about your personal preference!
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Can I prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you wake up, just bake it fresh in the oven. This saves time in the morning and deepens the flavors.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This warms them evenly and keeps the texture soft inside with a little crisp on the edges. You can also microwave portions, but watch the timing to avoid drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those rare breakfasts that feels like a treat but is so foolproof and fast you can whip it up any morning. I love how it brings people to the table without you standing over a hot pan, and that comforting cinnamon sweetness just hits the spot every time. If you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a cozy morning, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll be making it again and again, just like I do!
Print
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a delightful and simple breakfast recipe that combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and French toast into a warm, gooey casserole. Made with just a few ingredients including refrigerated cinnamon rolls, eggs, milk, and maple syrup, it’s perfect for a crowd and quick to prepare for any morning occasion.
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 Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the melted butter evenly onto the bottom of a 9×13 inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cut and Layer Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into 8 pieces. Spread these cinnamon roll pieces evenly over the layer of melted butter in the baking dish, creating a base layer for the casserole.
- Mix Egg Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined to make a flavorful custard.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Then, drizzle 1 cup of maple syrup over the entire mixture to sweeten and add moisture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is set and golden on top.
- Add Icing: Once baked, remove from the oven and generously spread the icing that came with the refrigerated cinnamon rolls over the hot casserole while still warm so it melts slightly.
Notes
- This recipe requires just 7 simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Using premade refrigerated cinnamon roll dough speeds up preparation.
- Ideal for serving a brunch crowd as the recipe yields 12 servings.
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or fresh fruit on top before serving.
- Ensure to bake in a glass baking dish for even cooking and easy cleanup.
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
