If you’ve ever debated between making cinnamon rolls or French toast, this cinnamon roll French toast recipe lets you enjoy both—at the same time. It’s warm, gooey, and oozing with buttery cinnamon goodness in every bite. Inspired by cozy weekend mornings, this mashup feels indulgent yet comforting, like something you’d find in a charming brunch café. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast, holiday brunch, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. And the best part? You’re using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast

This cinnamon roll French toast will become your go-to when you want something sweet and satisfying. Here’s why:

Decadent Flavor: It combines the rich taste of cinnamon rolls with the custardy texture of French toast.
Easy to Prepare: No kneading dough—just layer, soak, and bake!
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch parties or a special family breakfast.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before and bake in the morning.

Sweet Origins: The Story Behind Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Cinnamon roll French toast may sound like a modern brunch trend, but it actually draws from two rich breakfast traditions:

French toast, known as “pain perdu” in France, was a way to use up stale bread.
Cinnamon rolls originated in Sweden as “kanelbullar” and are celebrated every October 4th (Cinnamon Roll Day).
The combination became popular in the U.S. in the 2010s thanks to diner menus and viral TikTok breakfast hacks.
It’s now a favorite comfort food that bridges classic and contemporary brunch dishes.

Key Ingredients in Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: Fluffy dough with a cinnamon sugar swirl, ready to bake.
Eggs: Create a rich, custardy base.
Milk: Adds creaminess and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and aroma.
Ground Cinnamon: Enhances the spice flavor.
Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the custard mixture.
Butter: Greases the dish for flavor and easy release.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for at least 20–30 minutes before baking.
Prepare the Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
Cut the Rolls: Cut each cinnamon roll into 6–8 equal pieces and place them evenly in the dish. Set the icing aside.
Make the Custard: In a bowl, whisk the eggs until beaten. Add milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup. Mix well.
Combine: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces.
Bake: Bake for about 25 minutes. The custard should be set, and the rolls slightly pulled from the dish edges.
Cool and Ice: Let cool for 10–15 minutes, then drizzle with the reserved icing packet.
Serve: Enjoy warm for best flavor and texture.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Tips and Twists

Tips:

Preheat the oven fully for an even bake.
Use room temperature ingredients for better blending.
Don’t skip the maple syrup—it adds depth.
Let cool before icing for better presentation.
Line the dish with parchment for easy cleanup.

Twists:

Berry Boost: Add fresh blueberries before baking.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese in the mix.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
Make-Ahead: Assemble everything the night before. Cover and refrigerate. Bake fresh the next morning.

Serving Suggestions

Make your cinnamon roll French toast even more delicious with these pairings:

Fresh Fruit: Add sliced strawberries or bananas.
Whipped Cream: A cloud of whipped topping enhances the sweetness.
Savory Sides: Balance the sweet with bacon or sausage links.
Coffee or Tea: Serve with your favorite morning beverage.
Yogurt Parfait: Lightens the meal and adds texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls? Yes, just make sure they’re baked and cooled before using.

Can I skip the maple syrup? You can, but it enhances the custard flavor nicely.

What kind of milk works best? Whole milk is ideal, but 2% or almond milk works too.

Can I freeze this? Yes. Freeze in slices and reheat in the oven for best results.

How do I know it’s done baking? The edges should pull away slightly, and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll French toast is the kind of dish that makes any breakfast feel like a celebration. With its soft, custard-soaked cinnamon rolls and sweet icing drizzle, it’s cozy, indulgent, and surprisingly easy. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or just because—it’s guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget the coffee and a smile!

Explore More Recipes You’ll Love

Craving more breakfast inspiration to pair with your cinnamon roll French toast? Try these:

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: Swirled with cinnamon goodness, these pancakes echo the same warm flavors.
Easy Blueberry Muffins: Add a fruity side to balance the sweetness of your French toast.
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Muffins: A savory option for a hearty breakfast spread.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Another fun French toast twist with sweet, soft rolls.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast

This cinnamon roll French toast bake is the ultimate cozy brunch treat. Soft cinnamon rolls soaked in maple custard and baked to gooey perfection, then finished with sweet icing. Perfect for beginners, holidays, or weekend mornings.

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Keyword breakfast ideas, cinnamon roll french toast, cinnamon roll recipe, easy brunch casserole, french toast bake

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings 6 servings

Calories 290kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing packet
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup 60 ml milk, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup 120 ml maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with melted butter.
Cut cinnamon rolls into 6–8 pieces each and place them in the prepared dish in a single layer. Set icing aside.
In a bowl, whisk eggs. Add milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Whisk until well combined.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes to soak, if time allows.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until custard is set and rolls are golden.
Cool for 10–15 minutes, then drizzle with reserved icing.
Serve warm and enjoy your cinnamon roll French toast!

Notes

Tip: Let the casserole cool slightly before adding icing for a cleaner presentation.
Variation: Try adding chopped pecans or fresh berries before baking for extra flavor in your cinnamon roll French toast.

Nutrition:
Calories: 290
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 350mg

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Easy & Gooey)