Save A decadent breakfast casserole featuring fluffy cinnamon roll pieces soaked in a rich custard, baked to perfection, and drizzled with cream cheese icing.
I first made this cinnamon roll French toast bake for a weekend brunch, and everyone loved how the cinnamon rolls turned into a custardy treat with a gooey icing drizzle!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (8-count each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing: Forms the base of the bake and provides sweetness and flavor
- 4 large eggs: Mixed into the custard for richness
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the bake luxuriously soft
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Boosts cinnamon flavor
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor on top
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For crunch and depth
- Icing packets from cinnamon rolls: Drizzled on the finished bake
Instructions
- Prepare the dish:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Arrange cinnamon rolls:
- Open the cinnamon roll cans. Cut each roll into quarters and arrange evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make custard:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth.
- Combine:
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, pressing gently so all pieces are moistened.
- Add toppings:
- Drizzle melted butter over the casserole. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if using.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Cool:
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Finish and serve:
- Warm the reserved icing packets in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Drizzle over the bake before serving.
Save My family loves gathering in the kitchen while the sweet smell of cinnamon rolls fills the air—it always brings everyone together for breakfast.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing bowl, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, knife
Notes
For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup raisins or diced apples before baking. Serve with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream if you prefer.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 340 calories, 14 g total fat, 48 g carbs, 6 g protein
Save Dig in while warm and enjoy a comforting breakfast treat everyone will request again. It makes morning gatherings extra special.
Cooking Questions
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or additional whole milk are good substitutes for heavy cream in this breakfast preparation.
- → How do I prevent the bake from drying out?
Ensure all cinnamon roll pieces are well moistened with custard, and cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- → Are there nut-free options?
Simply omit the pecans or walnuts for a nut-free version. The dish will still be rich and flavorful.
- → Can I add fruit to the mixture?
Absolutely! Try adding diced apples or raisins for extra sweetness and texture before baking the casserole.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in the microwave.