Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Decadent Breakfast Worth Waking Up For

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is the perfect fusion of two beloved breakfast classics. It combines the soft, gooey richness of cinnamon rolls with the custardy texture and warmth of French toast, resulting in a dish that feels indulgent yet familiar. I first made this recipe for a weekend brunch when I wanted something special without spending hours in the kitchen, and it exceeded every expectation. The cinnamon swirls soak up the egg mixture beautifully, creating a tender interior with lightly crisp edges. Each bite delivers warm spices, gentle sweetness, and comforting aromas that fill the kitchen as it cooks. What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility. It works equally well for a cozy family breakfast or a celebratory brunch with guests. If you enjoy recipes that feel luxurious but are still approachable, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cinnamon Rolls
Prepared or homemade cinnamon rolls form the base of this dish. Their soft texture and spiced filling absorb the custard mixture exceptionally well, creating a rich and tender result.

Eggs
Eggs are essential for binding the custard and giving the French toast its classic structure. They provide richness and help the bread hold together during cooking.

Milk
Milk adds moisture and creaminess to the custard. I have tested this recipe with whole milk and almond milk, and both worked well, though whole milk offers a slightly richer texture.

Heavy Cream
A small amount of heavy cream enhances the custard, making the final dish more indulgent and smooth.

Granulated Sugar
Sugar lightly sweetens the custard without overpowering the cinnamon rolls, which already contain sweetness.

Vanilla Extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors and complementing the cinnamon beautifully.

Ground Cinnamon
Extra cinnamon intensifies the spice notes and reinforces the signature flavor of the dish.

Butter
Butter is used for cooking, ensuring a golden exterior and adding a subtle richness.

Optional Toppings
Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or cream cheese glaze can be added for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Directions

Begin by cutting the cinnamon rolls into thick slices or quarters, depending on their size. Arrange them evenly in a lightly greased baking dish or prepare them for stovetop cooking if you prefer individual portions.

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes so the rolls can fully absorb the liquid.

For stovetop preparation, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter. Cook the soaked cinnamon roll pieces in batches, turning carefully, until each side is golden brown and cooked through. For oven preparation, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 to 30 minutes, or until set and lightly browned on top. Serve warm with your preferred toppings.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 15 minutes on the stovetop or 30 minutes in the oven, making it suitable for both busy mornings and relaxed weekends.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 170°C or in a skillet over low heat. This helps preserve the texture better than microwaving.

Variations and Customizations

There are many ways to adapt Cinnamon Roll French Toast to your preferences. For a baked casserole version, arrange all the cinnamon roll pieces in a single dish and bake them together for an easy, shareable brunch option. If you enjoy fruit, adding sliced apples or bananas between the rolls introduces freshness and natural sweetness.

You can also adjust the spices by adding nutmeg or cardamom for a more complex flavor profile. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. I have also experimented with adding chopped pecans on top before baking, which adds a pleasant crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.

If you want a dessert-style finish, drizzle cream cheese glaze over the top just before serving. These variations allow the recipe to suit different tastes while keeping its comforting essence intact.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is vegetarian and can be adapted for dairy-free diets by using plant-based milk and butter alternatives. It is a rich breakfast option, best enjoyed in moderation, and provides energy from carbohydrates, protein from eggs, and fats from dairy.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Allowing the rolls to soak improves texture.
Cooking over medium heat prevents burning.
Using day-old cinnamon rolls enhances absorption.
Serving immediately ensures the best flavor and consistency.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls?

Yes, store-bought cinnamon rolls work perfectly and save time.

Can this be prepared the night before?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.

Is it better baked or pan-fried?

Both methods work well; baking is easier for larger portions, while pan-frying offers crisp edges.

Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll French Toast?

Freezing is possible, but texture may soften slightly upon reheating.

What milk alternatives work best?

Almond milk and oat milk are good substitutes.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes, reduce the sugar in the custard or skip sweet toppings.

How do I know it is fully cooked?

The center should be set and no longer liquid.

Can I add nuts?

Chopped pecans or walnuts add excellent texture.

What toppings pair best with this dish?

Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and cream cheese glaze are popular choices.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, it is a family-friendly recipe enjoyed by all ages.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a comforting, indulgent recipe that transforms a simple breakfast into something truly memorable. With its soft texture, warm spices, and endless customization options, it is ideal for both everyday mornings and special occasions. Once you try it, it is sure to become a requested favorite at your table.

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