Cinnamon Roll French Toast

A Decadent Blend of Breakfast Favorites

Imagine this: golden-brown edges, a warm, gooey center, hints of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite… That’s the magic of Cinnamon Roll French Toast. It’s where two beloved classics—cinnamon rolls and French toast—come together to create an indulgent, cozy breakfast no one can resist.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, cooking for overnight guests, or just looking to level up your weekend mornings, this recipe delivers major flavor with minimal fuss. It’s sweet, spiced, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to make it flawless: from how to choose the right cinnamon rolls to pro-level tips for perfect texture, and even make-ahead shortcuts that save time without sacrificing taste.

So, grab your whisk—because brunch just got a whole lot more delicious.

What Is Cinnamon Roll French Toast?

Cinnamon Roll French Toast takes the soul of French toast—custard-soaked bread crisped to golden perfection—and gives it a bold, spiced twist by using cinnamon roll dough as the base. The result is a hybrid breakfast that’s both crisp and gooey, sweet and buttery, and completely irresistible.

There are a few ways to make it:

• With homemade or canned cinnamon rolls, sliced and soaked in custard

• Using leftover cinnamon rolls to avoid waste and add deep flavor

• As a baked French toast casserole—perfect for prepping ahead

• Or in an air fryer for quick, crispy edges

This dish has made the rounds on TikTok, brunch blogs, and café menus—proof that it hits that sweet spot of comfort, creativity, and sheer deliciousness.

Ingredient Deep Dive: Quality & Substitutions

Here’s how to make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast truly shine by choosing the best ingredients and making thoughtful swaps if needed.

Cinnamon Rolls

• Store-bought dough (like Pillsbury) works great for convenience.

• Homemade rolls offer deeper flavor and texture—especially if slightly stale.

• Leftover rolls are perfect. In fact, slightly dried-out rolls absorb custard better!

Custard Base

• Eggs: the binder. Use fresh, large eggs.

• Milk or cream: Whole milk or half-and-half creates richness.

• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for best aroma.

• Cinnamon: Enhances the roll’s flavor and adds spice to the custard.

• Brown sugar: Optional, but adds warmth and depth.

Add‑Ins & Enhancements

• Nutmeg or orange zest for a fragrant twist

• Maple syrup in the custard for added sweetness

• Chia seeds can add subtle crunch and texture

Toppings

• Cream cheese icing (included with some canned rolls)

• Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or whipped cream

• Maple syrup or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence

Pro Tip: Let rolls sit uncovered for 2–4 hours or overnight—this helps them absorb custard without falling apart.

Essential Equipment & Prep Tools

You won’t need fancy tools—just a few reliable basics:

• Nonstick griddle or skillet for stove-top cooking

• Mixing bowl and whisk for custard

• Tongs or spatula for flipping

• Baking dish (if using the casserole method)

• Parchment paper and baking sheet for prepping or freezing ahead

• Toothpicks or kitchen twine: optional, to secure rolled pieces during cooking

Bonus: An air fryer works beautifully for small-batch or quick prep!

A well-heated griddle and a wide spatula make flipping easier and mess-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s the step-by-step for soft, custardy centers and crisp golden outsides.

Option 1: Griddled Cinnamon Roll French Toast

1. Prep the Rolls
   If using dough, slice into 1–1.5 inch thick rounds. If using baked or leftover rolls, slice in half horizontally to expose more surface area for soaking.

2. Make the Custard
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

   • 2–3 large eggs

   • ¾ cup whole milk or half-and-half

   • 1 tsp vanilla extract

   • ½ tsp cinnamon

   • Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar, pinch of nutmeg or orange zest

3. Soak the Rolls
   Briefly dip each roll piece into the custard—5–10 seconds per side. Don’t let them sit too long or they’ll fall apart.

4. Cook on Griddle
   Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter or oil.
   Cook the soaked rolls for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.

5. Finish & Serve
   Top with cream cheese icing (warm slightly for drizzle), fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or maple syrup. Serve warm!

Option 2: Baked Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

1. Grease a baking dish and layer sliced cinnamon rolls evenly.

2. Whisk the custard as above and pour over the rolls.

3. Let sit 10 minutes or refrigerate overnight.

4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and golden.

5. Cool briefly, drizzle icing, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Texture & Flavor

Want your French toast rolls to be crisp on the outside, gooey in the center, and bursting with flavor? Follow these:

• Avoid over-soaking: Rolls should be dipped, not drowned. Over-soaking leads to sogginess.

• Use medium heat: Too hot and the outside burns before the center sets; too low and it won’t caramelize properly.

• Don’t skip resting: Let the cooked rolls cool slightly before adding icing—it won’t melt off too quickly and preserves texture.

• Layer flavors in the custard: A touch of nutmeg, a splash of maple syrup, or citrus zest adds dimension.

• Prep ahead for ease: For a stress-free brunch, assemble a casserole the night before and bake in the morning.

Creative Variations & Flavor Twists

The beauty of Cinnamon Roll French Toast is how adaptable it is. Here are some of the best twists to make it your own:

• Apple-Cinnamon Delight: Before soaking or layering, tuck in thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great). Adds freshness and bite!

• Stuffed French Toast: Create a sandwich-like layer with cream cheese, peanut butter, or Nutella between slices before soaking.

• Pumpkin Spice Edition: Stir ¼ cup pumpkin puree and ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice into your custard mix for a fall-themed variation.

• Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg), almond or soy milk, and cook in coconut oil. Choose vegan cinnamon rolls or make your own!

• Mini Skillet Pull-Aparts: Chop dough into pieces and bake in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for an adorable, sharable brunch dish.

Flavor Hack: Want extra decadence? Add a swirl of caramel or chocolate into the custard before baking.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

Make your cinnamon roll French toast as gorgeous as it is delicious:

Toppings to Try

• Fresh berries, banana slices, or caramelized apples

• Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

• Maple syrup, caramel drizzle, or cream cheese glaze

• A dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream

Complete the Plate

Serve with savory sides for contrast:

• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage

• A yogurt parfait with granola and fruit

• Scrambled eggs for a protein balance

Brunch-Ready Style

• Garnish with mint leaves, orange zest, or edible flowers

• Use pretty plates and vintage mugs for hosting

• Set up a DIY brunch bar: offer custard variations, cinnamon roll types, and toppings so guests can customize their own plate

Hosting tip: Keep cooked rolls warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips

French toast leftovers? Lucky you—here’s how to store them right:

Refrigeration

Place leftover pieces in an airtight container or wrap in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Skip the microwave—it softens the crust. Instead:

• Toaster oven: 375°F for 5–8 minutes

• Skillet: reheat over medium-low heat with a bit of butter until warmed through

Freezing

• Flash freeze slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet

• Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag (remove excess air)

• Label and freeze for up to 1 month

To serve, reheat directly from frozen in a toaster oven or bake at 350°F until heated through.

Make-Ahead Casserole

Assemble it the night before, cover, and chill. The next morning, simply bake and top.

Time-saver: Prep custard the day before and keep in a sealed jar for up to 24 hours.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Let’s tackle the most common breakfast pitfalls:

• Soggy Interior: Rolls were soaked too long. Dip quickly and drain excess custard before griddling.

• Burnt Exterior: Heat was too high. Stick to medium or medium-low and flip when golden, not dark.

• Too Dense: Check your custard—too many eggs or underbaked centers can lead to heaviness. Also avoid pressing rolls too tightly in the dish.

• Custard Separation: Whisk gently, especially when using cream. Slowly add liquid to eggs to avoid curdling.

• Pale Casserole Top: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking to brown the surface.

Consistency tip: Use slightly stale rolls—they hold shape better and absorb just the right amount of custard.

FAQs – People Also Ask

Q1: Can I use raw cinnamon roll dough?

Yes! Whether it’s store-bought or homemade, thawed raw cinnamon roll dough works great. Just make sure to cook thoroughly—internal doneness is key for soft but safe rolls.

Q2: How do I make cinnamon roll French toast casserole?

Grease a baking dish, layer in sliced or whole cinnamon rolls, and pour the custard over. Let it sit for 10 minutes or overnight in the fridge. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until set and golden. Add icing or toppings once cooled slightly.

Q3: Can I skip the icing?

Definitely. Instead, go for:

• Powdered sugar

• Fresh fruit and whipped cream

• A vanilla glaze or maple drizzle
  It’s sweet enough without icing, especially if you add brown sugar to the custard.

Q4: What’s the best heat setting for the griddle?

Medium to medium-low works best—this gives the rolls time to cook through while creating that delicious caramelized crust. About 3–4 minutes per side is ideal.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default. But you can use gluten-free cinnamon rolls or dough, and make sure your custard ingredients (like vanilla and spices) are certified gluten-free.

Q6: Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use:

• Flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg)

• Non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat)

• Coconut oil or vegan butter

• Vegan rolls and toppings (like cashew cream cheese glaze)