Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

I recently whipped up this cinnamon roll french toast casserole and it is delectably indulgent. Perfectly melding sweet cinnamon, cream cheese tang, and a velvety egg mixture, it transforms a simple breakfast into an unforgettable treat. I love that it brings a festive vibe to any morning with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is my go-to breakfast when I’m in the mood for a hearty Christmas Morning Breakfast that really satisfies. I use a package of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with 6 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream to create a custard that’s rich in protein and adds to the dish’s overall nutritional value.

I mix in 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt to bring out a warm flavour. I also add 4 oz of softened cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter which makes the texture smooth and creamy.

The glaze on top is made from 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract just to give it a extra sweet touch. Its a simple yet delicious twist on a classic french toast casserole that I always look forward to enjoying.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the combination of eggs, milk, and cream really creates this rich, custardy base that soaks into the cinnamon rolls perfectly.
2. I really appreciate the cream cheese and butter on top because they add a smooth, tangy twist that makes every bite interesting.
3. I like how the mix of cinnamon, vanilla, and sugars gives it that warm, comforting flavor that reminds me of cozy mornings.

If youre lookin for the perfect Christmas morning casserole, dont even trip—youve found it. Ive been makin this recipe for a few years now and ive learned you can even prep it ahead of time which is a lifesaver on busy days. Its not totally perfect every single time but its always tasty and makes the holiday feel extra special.

Ingredients

• Cinnamon Rolls: They add sweetness and good carbohydrate energy from sugar and soft dough.
• Eggs: Great natural protein and fats that help bind the casserole together.
• Whole Milk: Rich in calcium and protein, it creates creamy texture but is heavy.
• Heavy Cream: Gives extra richness and velvety texture while being high in calories though.
• Cream Cheese: Offers tangy flavor that cuts sweetness and makes the dish balanced.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 package (12 count) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

3. Open your package of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and slice them into quarters, then spread them evenly in the dish.

4. Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls so they all soak up the liquid.

5. Dot the top evenly with 4 oz of softened cream cheese and drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter all over.

6. Let the dish sit for about 15 minutes so the rolls can really absorb all the flavors.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is nicely set and slightly browned.

8. While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl.

9. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

10. Drizzle the glaze over the warm casserole and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole!

Equipment Needed

1. An oven that can be set to 350°F
2. A 9×13 inch casserole dish (you’ll need to grease it)
3. A large mixing bowl for the egg mixture
4. A whisk for blending all the ingredients
5. A knife to cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters
6. Measuring cups and spoons for the liquids and sugars
7. A small bowl to mix up the glaze

FAQ

• Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
  A: Yep, you can totally prep it the night before. Just assemble the casserole, cover it up and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
• Q: Can I use a different type of bread instead of cinnamon rolls?
  A: The cinnamon rolls are the star of this dish so its best stickin with those. However, if you dont have them, you might try a sweet bread but expect the flavour to be a bit different.
• Q: How do I prevent the casserole from sticking?
  A: Grease your casserole dish pretty well with butter or nonstick spray. That really helps keep the casserole from sticking and makes clean up easier.
• Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
  A: I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Microwave is fine too, but the casserole might get a bit soggy.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of heavy cream you can use half and half or even full-fat yogurt. It makes the dish a bit lighter but still creamy.
• If you dont have cream cheese, try using mascarpone or even a well-blended ricotta; it gives a similar tangy texture.
• No unsalted butter? Regular salted butter works fine or you can go with a plant-based butter alternative.
• If youre out of ground cinnamon, a mix of nutmeg and allspice (use half as much) can bring a similar warmth to the flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the cinnamon rolls soak in the liquid long enough. I found letting it sit a bit more than 15 minutes really helps the custard get absorbed evenly so every bite is soft and flavorful.
2. When spreading the cream cheese on top, try mixing it with the melted butter first so it blends better. This little extra step makes the topping smoother and more evenly distributed.
3. Keep a close eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary a lot so check a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking, which can make it dry.