Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopper breakfast that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe. It’s basically the love child of cinnamon rolls and french toast — gooey, buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it part of your weekend tradition.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe come together to create that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and cinnamon-spiced deliciousness. Pro tip: use day-old brioche for the fluffiest, most custardy results!

• Brioche bread: Day-old is best to soak up all those custard flavors without turning to mush.
• Eggs: They hold everything together and create that classic French toast custard texture.
• Whole milk and heavy cream: This combo makes the custard rich but light enough for incredible texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma that feels like a cinnamon roll’s best friend.
• Butter: Melted butter seals in flavor and keeps the top deliciously golden.
• Brown sugar and cinnamon: The magical duo for that classic cinnamon roll taste and a lovely crunchy topping.
• Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and softened butter (for icing): This icing takes it from great to irresistible, just like the frosting on your favorite cinnamon roll.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe is—you can easily make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and swap ingredients as you like!

• Gluten-Free: I once swapped the brioche for gluten-free challah bread, and it turned out beautifully—just make sure your bread isn’t too crumbly.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and a dairy-free cream substitute; the bake stays moist and flavorful without missing a beat.
• Fruity Twist: Add fresh berries or sliced apples before baking for a fruity surprise that pairs so well with cinnamon.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking for some crunch—my family goes nuts for that texture contrast!

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Custard Base

Start with day-old brioche bread—this is key to nailing the texture. If your bread is fresh, I’ve learned the trick of drying it in the oven at 325°F for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This helps the bread soak up the custard without getting soggy. Cut your bread into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a big mixing bowl. Then whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant. It smells so inviting already!

Step 2: Combine and Layer Your Bake

Pour the custard mixture over the bread pieces and gently toss to coat. You’ll want to let it sit for a few minutes so the bread can soak up as much as possible—this is what makes your bake so custardy and tender inside. Meanwhile, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, melt your butter, and grease your 9×13 pan. When ready, transfer the soaked bread into the pan, drizzle your melted butter evenly on top, and sprinkle that cinnamon sugar mixture until it covers every bite. Your kitchen is already smelling irresistible!

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Set

Bake at 375°F for about 22-25 minutes. You want the top to turn a beautiful golden brown and the custard to be set with no wet spots. Here’s a trick I learned the hard way: if you prefer a softer top without too much crispness, cover the dish loosely with foil while baking, removing it for the last 10 minutes to get just a hint of golden crust. Fresh out of the oven, let it cool for five minutes. The smell alone is enough to get everyone to the table!

Step 4: Whip Up That Cream Cheese Icing

While the bake is cooling, whip together softened cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Add some vanilla, then slowly blend in powdered sugar until it’s just the right consistency—smooth and spreadable but not too runny. I spread the icing generously right over the warm bake—it melts just a little and gives you that classic cinnamon roll finish that makes this recipe so delightfully addictive.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor without masking all that cinnamon goodness. For holidays, a drizzle of maple syrup or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top of the icing takes it up a notch.

Side Dishes

Pair this bake with some crispy bacon or sausage links for contrast, and a side of fresh fruit salad for brightness. My family loves having a dollop of Greek yogurt alongside for a little tang that balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins—everyone gets their own personal cinnamon roll French toast soufflé! You can even jazz up the top with edible flowers or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for a fancy brunch vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? No problem. I store them covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just pop individual slices in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to get back that warm, fresh-baked feel. If you’re reheating a couple of slices, this method works best so you don’t dry it out.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this French toast bake before adding the cream cheese icing—just let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to a month. When you want to serve it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and add fresh icing.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I like reheating slices in a toaster oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes—it crisps up the edges nicely without drying out the inside. Avoid microwaving large portions unless you add a splash of milk or cover the dish to retain moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe brings such cozy, indulgent flavors to the morning table with minimal fuss. It’s become a go-to for me whenever I want to impress family or friends without being stuck in the kitchen all day. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—it just as much as I do. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become your new favorite weekend breakfast!

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