Ever woke up to the smell of cinnamon rolls? I did on a Sunday morning. I wanted to surprise my family with something special. So, I made a cinnamon roll french toast casserole.
This recipe combines cinnamon rolls with French toast. It’s easy to make the night before. Imagine enjoying a sweet slice with coffee on a weekend morning.
If you want to impress at brunch or have an easy morning, try this recipe. Let me show you how to make a delicious cinnamon roll french toast casserole.
What is Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole?
The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a yummy baked breakfast. It mixes French toast with cinnamon roll flavors. It uses cinnamon rolls soaked in egg and milk custard.
This makes the dish soft and custardy. The icing from the cinnamon rolls adds sweetness. It’s a favorite for family meals or weekend brunches.
This dish is great for big groups, serving 8-10 people. It makes breakfast special with cinnamon and sugar. The mix of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon rolls is loved by all.
Benefits of Making a Make-Ahead Breakfast
Making a make-ahead breakfast, like Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole, makes mornings easier. It’s ready the night before. This way, I get to enjoy a tasty meal without much morning work.
Convenience for Busy Mornings
Preparing breakfast casseroles the night before saves me time in the morning. This dish is quick to make, making mornings calm. Yeasted doughs, like cinnamon rolls, need prep but can be done ahead.
After they proof, these doughs are perfect for a tasty casserole. They’re easy to bake and serve.
Impress Your Guests with Minimal Effort
Hosting brunch can be hard, but a make-ahead breakfast makes it easier. Guests love the flavors of a well-made casserole. I get to relax and enjoy their company, not just cook all morning.
Breakfast casseroles are great because they can please everyone. I can make different versions for different tastes.
Why Choose Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole for Brunch
The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is perfect for brunch. It mixes cinnamon rolls’ sweetness with French toast’s warmth. This mix makes a dish that everyone loves.
A Sweet and Savory Dish
This cinnamon roll bake is full of warm flavors. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. You can serve it with fruit or bacon for a tasty twist.
Family-Friendly Appeal
Kids and adults love this casserole. It’s a hit at family brunches. It’s easy to make and tastes great, making it a favorite for many.
Ingredients for a Perfect Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
To make the best cinnamon roll casserole, you need a few key ingredients. This dish is great for breakfast or brunch. It combines yummy flavors and textures perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need to start.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 tubes of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (12.4 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- ½ cup of maple syrup
This mix of ingredients makes a tasty and fluffy casserole. Each serving has about 376 calories. It’s a good mix of carbs, protein, and fat. Baking it at 350°F for 25 minutes makes it golden brown.
Substitution Ideas
Don’t worry if you can’t find all the ingredients. Here are some ideas for substitutes:
- For a gluten-free option, use Schär’s Artisan Baker White Gluten-Free Bread.
- Replace regular milk with dairy-free options like almond or coconut milk.
- Using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar can add a deeper flavor.
- Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can be added for extra crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Making the cinnamon roll casserole is fun and rewarding. Follow these easy steps to make a dish everyone will love. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. This keeps everything from sticking. Cut each cinnamon roll into 8 pieces and arrange them evenly in the dish.
In another bowl, mix 4 eggs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. This mix will soak into the cinnamon rolls, adding rich flavor.
Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces. Make sure they are all coated. Let it soak for a few minutes while you make the streusel topping.
For the streusel, mix 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Then, add 6 tablespoons of melted butter to make it crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel on top of the casserole. Add raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts if you like. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s golden brown and set.
After baking, let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup for a sweet touch. This simple process makes a great cinnamon roll casserole every time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a yummy homemade breakfast. It’s best when it’s warm and fresh from the oven. Here are some ideas to make it even better.
- Pair it with fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or sliced apples for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent touch that elevates the dish.
- For those with a sweet tooth, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey can bring an extra layer of flavor.
These ideas make the casserole even better. They add to the breakfast experience, making every bite special.
How to Customize Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
This casserole is super fun to make your own. You can change it up to make it better. It’s great for any special event.
Adding Fruits or Nuts
There are many fruits you can add. Try apples, blueberries, or bananas. They make it sweeter and juicier.
Nuts are great too. Pecans or walnuts add crunch and flavor. They mix well with the cinnamon rolls.
Experimenting with Flavors
Try new flavors to make it your own. Use almond extract or orange zest instead of vanilla. It’s fun to try new things.
You can also add spices like nutmeg or ginger. It adds a special touch. The choices are endless!
Tips for Achieving the Best Cinnamon Roll Casserole Recipe
To make the best casserole, follow some simple tips. Let the cinnamon rolls soak in the egg mixture for at least 10 minutes. This makes the dish creamy.
For an even better taste, chill the mixture overnight. Just add five more minutes to bake it.
Watch how your oven bakes. It might take 20 to 25 minutes at 375ºF to get it golden. Using high-fat milk or cream makes it taste richer. Let it cool for five minutes before serving.
Don’t skip the icing! Warm it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. It stays yummy for up to four days in the fridge or two months in the freezer. Follow these tips to make the best cinnamon roll casserole every time.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing a Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is easy. It’s great for busy mornings or when guests drop by. Follow these tips to keep it tasty.
Make-Ahead Breakfast Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cover it well with plastic wrap or foil. You can also freeze it for 2-3 months. This is perfect for planning ahead.
Reheating for the Best Taste
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Bake the casserole for 10-20 minutes. This keeps it moist. If you must microwave, it might not be as good.
Delicious Variations of the Cinnamon Roll Bake
Trying new twists on the cinnamon roll bake can make breakfast better. Each change brings a new taste while keeping the classic’s charm. The chocolate chip and nutty caramel versions are favorites.
Chocolate Chip Version
Chocolate fans will love the chocolate chip cinnamon roll casserole. Mini chocolate chips melt into a sweet layer. It’s like a dessert for breakfast, perfect with coffee.
Nutty Caramel Twist
The nutty caramel twist adds a rich flavor with pecans and caramel sauce. It makes the cinnamon rolls even more special. This dish is perfect for brunch, whether hot or cold.
Why This Recipe is an Easy Breakfast Recipe
The Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is super easy to make. You just mix together cinnamon rolls, eggs, heavy cream, and spices. It’s simple enough for anyone to make a tasty brunch.
It only needs two tubes of Pillsbury Grands! cinnamon rolls. This makes a big batch of food, with eight servings. Each serving has about 529 calories. Plus, you can make it the night before and bake it in the morning.
This recipe is not just easy but also fun to play with. You can try new flavors or add nuts or raisins. It bakes in 30-35 minutes at 350°F. It’s perfect for holidays when you want a special breakfast without stress.
Incorporating Cinnamon Roll Casserole into Your Brunch Menu Ideas
Adding a Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole to your brunch menu is a big win. It becomes the star of the show, attracting everyone with its smell and taste. Pair it with bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs for a complete meal.
For a sweet touch, serve it with juices or mimosas. These drinks add a fun and lively vibe to your brunch. They make any gathering feel special and complete.
Using this casserole in your brunch spread brings joy to any event. It’s all about mixing flavors and textures to please everyone. This dish makes hosting a brunch easy and memorable.
