Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

Introduction

If you’re craving a warm, comforting breakfast that brings the best of both cinnamon rolls and French toast, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is just the recipe you need. Combining the gooey, sweet flavors of a cinnamon roll with the rich, custardy goodness of French toast, this dish is a perfect choice for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or any occasion where you want to treat yourself and loved ones. Best of all, this bake is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it as convenient as it is delicious. With layers of cinnamon-spiced bread and a creamy glaze drizzled on top, each bite delivers a cozy burst of flavor that feels like a warm hug. Let’s dive into what you need to make this crowd-pleasing dish!

What You’ll Need

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake comes together with a few pantry staples and some rich, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bread: Sturdy bread like brioche or challah works best for this bake, as it absorbs the custard well without becoming mushy. You’ll need about 8 cups of cubed bread, which is typically one large loaf.
• Eggs: Eggs are essential for creating a creamy custard that binds the bread together. Use 5 large eggs for the best texture and flavor.
• Milk: A mixture of whole milk or heavy cream adds richness to the custard. You’ll need about 2 cups of milk or a blend of milk and cream for an extra-luxurious texture.
• Sugar and Brown Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar brings sweetness and adds a touch of caramel-like depth to the bake. Use 1/4 cup of each.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Cinnamon is the star spice in this dish, providing warmth and flavor reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll. A dash of nutmeg adds complexity. Use about 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the custard’s flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Butter: Melted butter is used to coat the bread cubes for added richness. About 1/4 cup is enough to make each bite tender and flavorful.
• Cream Cheese Icing: For the iconic cinnamon roll glaze, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a bit of milk, and vanilla extract. This icing is drizzled on top for that classic, creamy finish.

These ingredients come together to create a decadent, custardy bake with the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite.

How to Make (with Full Measurements)

Creating this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is straightforward and can even be prepped the night before. Follow these steps to bring this cozy breakfast dish to life:

1. Prepare the Bread: Cut your loaf of brioche or challah into 1-inch cubes, aiming for about 8 cups in total. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together 5 large eggs, 2 cups of milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Bread and Custard: Pour the custard mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to coat. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard fully.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the bread and custard mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Cover and Refrigerate (Optional): For best results, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the bread time to soak up the custard fully.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dish from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

With these easy steps, you’ll have a golden-brown Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake that’s ready to enjoy.

Serving and Storage Tips

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is best served fresh and warm, but here are some tips for serving and storing leftovers:

Serving Tips

Serve the bake warm, right out of the oven, with a generous drizzle of cream cheese icing on top. For a classic cinnamon roll look, you can drizzle the icing in a swirl pattern or spread it over the top for an even coating. This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a side of bacon or sausage, and a hot cup of coffee or tea.

If you’re serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish or multiple pans. You can also create a topping bar with extra fruits, nuts, and even whipped cream, allowing guests to customize their servings.

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or powdered sugar over the icing before serving. This adds a bit of visual appeal and extra flavor, making each piece look as inviting as it tastes.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, let the bake cool to room temperature before storing. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain the soft, custardy texture.

Tip: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake can also be frozen. Cut it into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can affect the texture and flavor of the bake. Here’s what to avoid:

1. Using Soft Bread: Soft or thin bread can become mushy when soaked in custard. Opt for sturdier bread like brioche, challah, or a day-old baguette for the best texture.
2. Skipping the Refrigeration Step: Letting the bread soak in the custard before baking ensures even flavor distribution and a soft, custardy texture. If you’re short on time, let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Overbaking: Overbaking can cause the French toast bake to dry out. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes, and cover with foil if the top starts browning too quickly.
4. Neglecting to Grease the Baking Dish: Without greasing, the bake can stick to the dish, making it difficult to serve. Use butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal.
5. Forgetting the Cream Cheese Icing: The icing is what gives this dish its signature cinnamon roll flavor. Don’t skip it! The creamy sweetness complements the spiced bread beautifully.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a bake that’s rich, custardy, and filled with the perfect balance of cinnamon and sweetness.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake even better:

1. Use Stale Bread for Best Results: If your bread is slightly stale, it absorbs the custard more effectively, creating a better texture. If using fresh bread, try toasting the cubes lightly before assembling the bake.
2. Add a Streusel Topping: For extra crunch and sweetness, sprinkle a simple streusel made from flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter over the bake before putting it in the oven. This adds a delightful texture that complements the soft custard.
3. Try a Spice Blend: In addition to cinnamon, experiment with a bit of cardamom, allspice, or ginger for a more complex flavor profile. These spices pair beautifully with the cinnamon and make the dish feel more festive.
4. Double the Icing for Extra Creaminess: If you love a generous drizzle, make a double batch of icing and serve extra on the side. This allows each person to customize their portion with as much or as little icing as they prefer.
5. Add Pecans or Walnuts for Crunch: Mixing in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a satisfying crunch and complements the warm, spiced flavors. Simply fold them into the custard-soaked bread before transferring to the baking dish.

These tips let you customize the dish to suit your tastes and make it extra special for any occasion.

Suggestions

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas to adapt it further:

1. Make It Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Vegan butter or coconut oil can also be used for greasing the dish.
2. Add Fresh Fruit: Add fresh fruit like blueberries, sliced apples, or diced pears to the bread mixture before baking. The fruit adds natural sweetness and a pop of color, creating a fresh twist on this classic recipe.
3. Use Maple Syrup Instead of Sugar: For a richer flavor, substitute the granulated sugar with pure maple syrup in the custard mixture. The maple flavor pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and adds a hint of caramel sweetness.
4. Make Mini Bakes for Individual Servings: For a brunch gathering, divide the mixture into ramekins or small baking dishes. This creates individual portions that are easy to serve and look beautiful on a breakfast spread.
5. Top with a Scoop of Ice Cream for Dessert: For a dessert version, serve the bake warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top. This turns the breakfast dish into a delicious treat, perfect for special occasions.

These suggestions make it easy to adapt the bake for various occasions, dietary needs, or flavor preferences, ensuring it’s a hit every time.