If you love the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls and the comforting warmth of French toast, then this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new breakfast obsession. It’s the perfect blend of gooey cinnamon goodness and fluffy custard baked all in one dish—making it a crowd-pleaser for weekend brunches or special occasions. I absolutely love how this turns out, especially knowing how quick it is to toss together with just a few simple ingredients.
When I first tried this casserole, I was amazed at how it saved me from standing over the stove flipping slices. Instead, I could prep it, pop it in the oven, and enjoy my morning while it baked. You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully when hosting family or friends because it feeds a crowd with zero stress. Plus, who can say no to cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup all in one bite?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Prepare: You just need 7 simple ingredients, and no fancy mixing tools—perfect for busy mornings.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The cinnamon rolls bring that iconic cinnamon-sweetness combined with rich vanilla custard for a heavenly taste.
- Feeds a Crowd: This casserole serves around 12, making it ideal for family breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
- Hands-Off Baking: Once it’s assembled, the oven does all the work while you relax or prep your coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of softness, spice, and sweetness. To get the best flavor and texture, choose quality refrigerated cinnamon rolls and pure vanilla extract.
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: Using ready-made rolls saves time and guarantees soft, fluffy bites full of cinnamon flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter at the bottom prevents sticking and adds a rich, buttery base.
- Eggs: They create the custard that holds everything together, so fresh eggs make a difference.
- Milk: I prefer whole milk here, but you can use your favorite dairy or plant-based milk.
- Cinnamon: This extra hit of cinnamon amps up the cozy spice beyond the rolls themselves.
- Vanilla extract: Real vanilla adds warmth and depth to the custard.
- Maple syrup: Pouring syrup over the top adds sweetness and keeps the casserole moist during baking.
Variations
One of the best things about this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often play around with add-ins and toppings to keep it fresh and suit everyone’s preferences.
- Berry boost: I love tossing fresh or frozen blueberries into the casserole before baking—adds a juicy pop that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Nutty crunch: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking gives a delightful crunch contrast.
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan butter and almond milk to make this casserole dairy-free and still delicious.
- Spiced up: For fall vibes, sprinkle some nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice alongside the cinnamon in the custard.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Butter Up Your Baking Dish
Start by melting the butter and pouring it evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch glass baking dish. Trust me, this extra step keeps everything from sticking and infuses that rich buttery flavor into every bite—definitely don’t skip it!
Step 2: Cut and Layer the Cinnamon Rolls
Take each refrigerated cinnamon roll and cut it into 8 pieces—you’ll want bite-sized chunks that will soak up the custard well. Spread these pieces evenly over the melted butter in your dish. When I do this, I try to distribute them so the casserole cooks evenly and every slice has a good mix of cinnamon rolls and custard.
Step 3: Whisk Your Custard and Pour
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture gently over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure everything is soaked well. Then, drizzle the maple syrup evenly over the top—this keeps it beautifully sweet and moist as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for the custard to set and the top to have a lovely golden glow. I usually peek in around the 20-minute mark just to make sure it’s not browning too fast, but ovens can vary so keep an eye on it!
Step 5: Finish with the Icing
Once your casserole is out of the oven, use the icing that came with your cinnamon rolls and drizzle it generously across the top. This finishing touch melts slightly into the warm casserole, adding a creamy sweetness that makes it feel right out of a bakery.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Use Fresh Cinnamon Rolls: The fresher the rolls, the fluffier your casserole will be—avoid ones that are too old or dry.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry it out; look for a slightly wobbly center for best custard texture.
- Even Layering: Spreading cinnamon roll pieces evenly ensures consistent cooking and no doughy bites.
- Maple Syrup Trick: Pouring syrup on top before baking adds moisture and that subtle caramelized flavor throughout.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of fresh berries on top for color and a touch of brightness. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level for a brunch treat. These garnishes aren’t just pretty—they balance the rich cinnamon and maple flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with crispy bacon or sausage on the side for a great balance of sweet and savory. My family also loves fresh fruit salad or a simple green smoothie to lighten things up and add a fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday mornings, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy touch. You can also layer with extra toppings like chopped nuts or drizzle a quick caramel sauce for a decadent variation. It looks amazing served straight from the baking dish on a decorated table with orange slices and fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers I store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The casserole stays moist, and you get to enjoy that cinnamon roll flavor even later. Just cover it well to avoid drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole before by wrapping it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and it freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that custard texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. I avoid microwaving because the casserole can become soggy, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in short bursts does the job.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This actually helps the cinnamon roll pieces soak up the custard better, making it even more delicious when baked the next morning.
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What kind of cinnamon rolls should I use?
I recommend refrigerated cinnamon rolls from the dairy aisle—they’re fresh, soft, and come with icing for the perfect finishing touch. Avoid frozen or pre-baked rolls, as their texture isn’t ideal for soaking into the custard.
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Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can swap maple syrup with honey or agave nectar if you prefer. Just keep in mind that each sweetener has its distinct flavor, so maple syrup really enhances that classic cinnamon roll vibe.
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Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Since this recipe relies on store-bought cinnamon rolls, which typically contain gluten, it’s not naturally gluten-free. However, if you find gluten-free cinnamon rolls, you can definitely try substituting them! Just be sure they’re fresh and suitable for baking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it combines two breakfast favorites into one irresistible dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weekend mornings feel extra special without any fuss. I genuinely hope you try it and enjoy the smiles it brings around your table—it’s comfort food that’s easy, cozy, and downright delicious.
Print
Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole combines the warm, gooey flavors of cinnamon rolls with a classic French toast bake. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this delightful breakfast casserole is perfect for busy mornings or special occasions. It features cinnamon rolls cut into bite-sized pieces, soaked in a spiced egg and milk mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with sweet icing and maple syrup for an irresistibly decadent start to the day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Pour the melted butter evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking and add rich flavor.
- Slice cinnamon rolls: Cut each refrigerated cinnamon roll into 8 pieces, then spread the pieces evenly over the buttered dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Mix custard: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined, creating a spiced custard to soak the cinnamon roll pieces.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Then pour 1 cup of maple syrup evenly over the top to add sweetness and moisture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Add icing: After baking, immediately drizzle or spread the icing from the cinnamon rolls over the warm casserole for a rich, sugary finish.
Notes
- This recipe uses premade refrigerated cinnamon rolls to simplify the process and save time.
- For best results, use full-fat milk, but 2% milk works as well.
- Optional topping ideas include fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve immediately for best texture, or reheat leftovers gently in the microwave.
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