Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Perfect Brunch or Breakfast

Try this easy and delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe for a sweet, indulgent breakfast. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s perfect for brunch or a special treat.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a decadent twist on the classic French Toast, but if you’re in the mood for more delicious breakfast options, be sure to check out our banana bread- or sourdough french toast for more breakfast inspiration.

What is Cinnamon Roll French Toast?

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a decadent breakfast dish that takes the beloved French Toast to the next level by using cinnamon rolls instead of regular bread. This twist on a classic combines the sweetness and warmth of cinnamon rolls with the traditional egg custard coating used in French Toast, creating a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, spiced interior. It’s perfect for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls and is looking for a new way to enjoy them!

How it Differs from Traditional French Toast

Traditional French Toast is typically made by dipping slices of bread (often white bread or brioche) into a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and spices, and then frying them to a golden crisp. on the other hand, swaps out the standard bread for cinnamon rolls. The cinnamon rolls are sliced and soaked in the egg mixture, allowing the fluffy dough to absorb the custard and fry up just like the classic version.

Key Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast

To make the delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast, you’ll need the following key ingredients, which combine to create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture:

• Cinnamon Rolls (store-bought or homemade) – 4 to 6 rolls (depending on size and servings desired) Use your favorite store-bought cinnamon rolls or homemade ones. If you’re using store-bought, be sure to use the ones that come with icing for added sweetness.
• Eggs – 3 large eggs Eggs are the base of the custard mixture, helping to create the rich and creamy texture of the French Toast.
• Whole Milk – 1 cup (240 ml) Whole milk helps to create a creamy custard, but you can substitute it with non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) if needed.
• Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cinnamon rolls.
• Ground Cinnamon – 1 tsp A pinch of cinnamon enhances the natural flavors of the cinnamon rolls, creating a more pronounced cinnamon taste.
• Salt – 1/4 tsp Just a pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Butter – 2-3 tbsp (for frying) Butter is used to cook the cinnamon roll French toast, giving it a rich, golden-brown finish.
• Maple Syrup (optional) – for serving Maple syrup adds a sweet, rich topping to complete the dish, but you can use fruit compote, caramel, or powdered sugar as alternatives.

These ingredients come together to create a sweet, indulgent breakfast dish that is crispy on the outside, soft and cinnamon-spiced on the inside, and perfect for a weekend treat or special occasion

How to Prepare Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a straightforward process, but the result is an indulgent, flavorful dish that will wow anyone who tries it. Follow these simple steps to prepare the perfect batch of French toast, with a crispy, golden crust on the outside and a warm, soft center.

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Before you start making the custard mixture, you’ll need to prepare the cinnamon rolls.

• If you’re using store-bought cinnamon rolls, unroll them and cut them into slices about 1-inch thick. You can use the icing that comes with the rolls as a topping later.
• If you’re using homemade cinnamon rolls, slice them into 1-inch thick pieces just like you would with store-bought rolls.

Once sliced, set the cinnamon roll slices aside. If you’d like to make the dish even more decadent, you can heat up the icing and set it aside to drizzle over the cooked French toast.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

Now it’s time to make the egg mixture that will coat the cinnamon rolls.

1. In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 large eggs and beat them lightly with a whisk.
2. Add 1 cup of whole milk to the eggs and whisk them together until fully combined.
3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
4. Add a pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.

Once everything is well combined, your custard mixture is ready to go. The cinnamon rolls will soak up this mixture, making them soft on the inside and crispy on the outside when cooked.

Step 3: Soak the Cinnamon Rolls

Take your sliced cinnamon rolls and dip each slice into the custard mixture. Allow each slice to soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side, ensuring that the bread absorbs the mixture without becoming too soggy. It’s essential to soak the cinnamon rolls enough to coat them but not so much that they fall apart.

Step 4: Heat the Pan and Cook

While the cinnamon rolls are soaking, heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of butter to the pan and allow it to melt, making sure the surface is well-coated.

Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, place the soaked cinnamon roll slices on the skillet, leaving some space between each slice to ensure even cooking. Cook each slice for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them and check that both sides are nicely browned.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cinnamon roll French toast slices are perfectly cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or your choice of toppings. You can also add fresh berries, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce for extra flavor and texture.

These steps ensure that your Cinnamon Roll French Toast is perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and custardy on the inside—just the way it should be! It’s a deliciously indulgent breakfast or brunch dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Serving Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Once your Cinnamon Roll French Toast is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and make it even more irresistible with a variety of toppings and garnishes. This dish is all about indulgence, so feel free to get creative with how you present it. Here are some ideas for serving:

Classic Toppings

• Maple Syrup – The go-to topping for French Toast, maple syrup adds a rich, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the warm, cinnamon-spiced bread.
• Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the dish a beautiful presentation and adds a hint of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.

Creative Garnishes

• Whipped Cream – For an extra creamy and indulgent touch, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced flavors of the cinnamon rolls.
• Fresh Fruit – Fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of color and a refreshing balance to the rich French Toast.
• Banana Slices – Sliced bananas offer a creamy, sweet addition that complements the cinnamon flavor wonderfully.

Alternative Sauces and Syrups

• Caramel Sauce – If you’re looking to make this dish even more indulgent, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Chocolate Syrup – For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of chocolate syrup brings a rich, smooth flavor that pairs well with cinnamon.
• Fruit Compote – A warm fruit compote made from mixed berries or apples can provide a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the French Toast.

Serving Suggestions

• Serving Size: Cinnamon Roll French Toast can be served individually on plates or stacked for a more dramatic presentation.
• Family-Style: For a group breakfast or brunch, serve the French Toast on a large platter and allow guests to top their servings with their choice of syrups, fruits, and creams.

The beauty of Cinnamon Roll French Toast lies in its versatility. The base is sweet and rich on its own, but you can always add your favorite toppings to customize the dish to suit your taste and make it look even more mouthwatering.

Variations on Cinnamon Roll French Toast

While the traditional Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a classic, there are numerous ways to personalize and adapt this dish to suit different tastes, dietary needs, or to simply try something new. Here are some popular variations that will keep your French Toast exciting:

Savory Cinnamon Roll French Toast

If you’re looking for a twist that combines sweet and savory, a Savory one is the perfect option. The cinnamon roll base remains the same, but you add savory ingredients to balance the sweetness.

• Sausage – Try crumbled sausage for a hearty and savory addition.
• Cheese – A mild cheese like cream cheese or a sharp cheddar can provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet cinnamon rolls.
• Eggs – Scrambled or fried eggs on the side can make this a complete breakfast with both savory and sweet elements.

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Roll French Toast

For those who need or prefer gluten-free options, it’s easy to adapt the recipe by using gluten-free cinnamon rolls. Look for pre-made gluten-free cinnamon rolls at your local store, or make your own at home.

• Dough Substitutes – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make your cinnamon rolls from scratch. There are also many great gluten-free mixes available that are easy to use.
• Dairy-Free Substitutes – You can also make the recipe dairy-free by using almond or oat milk, and substituting the butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.

Vegan Cinnamon Roll French Toast

If you follow a vegan diet, it’s still possible to enjoy you rolls by swapping out a few ingredients:

• Vegan Cinnamon Rolls – Use store-bought or homemade vegan cinnamon rolls, which typically use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
• Egg Substitutes – Instead of eggs, use a flaxseed meal or chia seed mixture as a binder, or try a store-bought egg replacement product.
• Non-Dairy Milk – Use almond, soy, or oat milk as a substitute for regular milk.
• Vegan Butter – Swap the regular butter for plant-based butter or coconut oil for cooking.

Stuffed Cinnamon Roll French Toast

For an even more indulgent variation, try stuffing your Cinnamon Roll French Toast. This involves cutting your cinnamon rolls in half or using two slices and filling them with a delicious filling before cooking.

• Cream Cheese Filling – A sweetened cream cheese filling can add a rich, creamy texture to each bite.
• Nutella or Chocolate – A spread of Nutella or melted chocolate adds a decadent touch, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
• Fruit Fillings – Fresh or cooked fruit, like strawberries, raspberries, or apples, can be stuffed inside to add a burst of flavor and freshness.

Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast

If you want a more convenient option, try making Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast. This method allows you to prepare the dish the night before, so all you need to do in the morning is bake it.

• How to Prepare – Cut the cinnamon rolls and arrange them in a baking dish. Pour your egg mixture over the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until golden and crispy.

Mini Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites

For a fun twist, you can make Mini ones Bites. Instead of using large cinnamon rolls, use small bite-sized rolls or cut regular rolls into smaller pieces.

• Perfect for Serving – These mini bites are perfect for serving at brunches, parties, or as an easy breakfast for kids.
• Skewer or Dipping Sauce – Serve the mini bites with a dipping sauce such as syrup, whipped cream, or fruit compote for a fun and interactive way to enjoy the dish.

Chocolate Cinnamon Roll French Toast

For chocolate lovers, Chocolate Roll is an absolute treat. This variation combines the classic cinnamon roll with an added layer of chocolatey goodness.

• Chocolate Chips – Add chocolate chips to the egg mixture, or sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon rolls before soaking.
• Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup on top for an extra indulgent touch.

These variations on this French Toast allow you to experiment with flavors, dietary needs, and presentation, so you can enjoy this dish in many different ways. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, gluten-free, or stuffed with creamy fillings, there’s a version that’s perfect for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast ahead of time?

You can prepare Cinnamon Roll French Toast the night before by assembling the dish and letting it soak in the egg mixture overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply cook it as you would fresh French Toast, or bake it for a more casserole-like texture.

2. Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought cinnamon rolls work perfectly for Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Choose the type that comes with icing for added sweetness, or opt for a high-quality brand with rich, spiced rolls.

3. How do I avoid soggy French Toast when using cinnamon rolls?

To prevent sogginess, don’t over-soak the cinnamon rolls. A quick soak, around 20–30 seconds per side, is usually enough to allow the rolls to absorb the custard without becoming overly saturated. Also, ensure the pan is hot before cooking, which helps achieve a crispy texture.

4. What toppings are best for Cinnamon Roll French Toast?

You can top Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a variety of delicious options, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, or even caramel sauce. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences.

5. Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Cinnamon Roll French Toast gluten-free by using gluten-free cinnamon rolls. Ensure you also use a gluten-free flour blend for the custard mixture and non-dairy milk if needed.

6. How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the toaster, microwave, or reheat in a skillet for a few minutes to bring back its crispy texture.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a delightful, indulgent twist on the classic French Toast. With its warm, cinnamon-filled rolls, rich custard, and crispy exterior, this dish is a perfect way to start your day or impress guests at brunch. Whether you prefer it topped with syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit, the flavor possibilities are endless. You can easily adapt this dish to suit your dietary needs, from savory additions to gluten-free or vegan versions.

No matter how you choose to make it, Cinnamon Roll French Toast is sure to become a favorite in your breakfast rotation, combining comfort, flavor, and fun in every bite!

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