Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Oh, you’ve got to try this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe—it’s like breakfast magic in a dish! I love this recipe because it combines the gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness of cinnamon rolls with the comforting custardy texture of French toast, and you only need a handful of simple ingredients to pull it off. It’s perfect for those weekends when you want something special without an overly complicated recipe.

When I first made this casserole, I was amazed at how everyone at the table lit up, especially when that cinnamon-syrup aroma filled the kitchen. You’ll find that it’s a terrific make-ahead breakfast for holiday mornings or lazy brunches with friends, and honestly, who can resist? Plus, it’s crazy easy to put together, which means more time to relax and enjoy your meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and come together beautifully to create a rich, cinnamon-infused breakfast treat. Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls means you get that perfect swirl without the work of making dough from scratch.

• Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: Using pre-made rolls speeds up the process and guarantees that classic cinnamon swirl that everyone loves.
• Butter: Melting it first helps create a buttery base that adds richness and prevents sticking.
• Eggs: They provide structure and custardy goodness to soak into the bread pieces.
• Milk: Helps thin the custard, making it creamy but not soggy.
• Cinnamon: For that warm spice kick that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon rolls.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely sweetness and depth to the custard.
• Maple syrup: Poured on top before baking, it caramelizes slightly for extra sweetness and moisture.

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe can be—you can tweak it depending on your mood or dietary needs. I often swap out milk for almond or oat milk to keep it dairy-free, and it still turns out fantastic.

• Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk and dairy-free butter substitute; I’ve tried this with almond milk and it works beautifully without losing flavor.
• Add nuts or fruit: Toss in chopped pecans or sliced apples before baking for extra texture; my family goes crazy for the crunch it adds.
• Spice it up: Mix a bit of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice into the custard for a cozy fall twist; perfect for holiday mornings!
• Use homemade cinnamon rolls: If you like to bake your own cinnamon rolls from scratch, this casserole is an excellent way to repurpose any leftover rolls.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish with Butter

Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter and pouring it evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. This step creates a rich, buttery base that keeps the cinnamon rolls from sticking and adds a lovely flavor underneath. I always use glass because it heats evenly and browns the casserole nicely.

Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls

Next, take your refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cut each into 8 pieces—this helps the custard soak in better and makes serving easier. Spread the pieces evenly over the melted butter in the baking dish. You’ll see the layers of dough and cinnamon swirl peek through, which is a great sign!

Step 3: Whisk the Custard and Pour It On

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, ½ cup milk, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth. This custard mixture will soak into the cinnamon roll pieces, making each bite irresistibly soft and flavorful. Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon rolls, then drizzle 1 cup of maple syrup on top to sweeten and caramelize during baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffery

Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. You’ll want to see it puff up a little and the edges turn golden brown. I often peek in around the 20-minute mark to make sure it’s not getting too dark, but watch closely so it stays perfectly tender inside and slightly crisp on top.

Step 5: Top with Icing and Serve Warm

Once baked, take it out of the oven and immediately spread the cinnamon roll icing (usually included with the rolls) over the casserole while it’s still warm. The icing melts into the warm layers, making it even more decadent and inviting. Serve it straight from the pan, and watch everyone dive in happily!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my casserole with a little extra chopped pecans for crunch or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that pretty, bakery-fresh look. Fresh berries add a bit of brightness and contrast nicely with the sweet richness, too.

Side Dishes

A simple fruit salad or crispy bacon pairs wonderfully with this casserole. The savory bacon balances the sweetness, and a fresh green smoothie makes a refreshing companion to your indulgent dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, I like to serve this casserole with mini mason jars of syrup on the side and colorful napkins. Sometimes, decorating the table with seasonal flowers or fresh herbs makes the whole meal feel even more special and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I like to slice portions before storing so reheating is easier and mess-free.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole unbaked by assembling it in a foil pan and wrapping it well. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. It’s a lifesaver for busy mornings or surprise guests.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Adding a little extra icing or syrup helps bring back that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll come back to time and again, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy, comforting breakfast. I love how quick it comes together—there’s something so satisfying in transforming store-bought cinnamon rolls into this custardy, sweet masterpiece. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it your go-to recipe for brunches, holidays, or those mornings when you want to treat yourself. Grab the ingredients and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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