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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

If you love cinnamon rolls but want to shake things up for breakfast, you’re going to adore this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe. It’s basically cinnamon rolls transformed into a warm, custardy breakfast casserole that’s perfect for weekend mornings or holiday brunches. Trust me, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic — it’s quick to put together, uses just a handful of ingredients, and fills the house with the most irresistible cinnamon aroma. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail it every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Simple Prep: Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls means no dough-making hassle, so you can have breakfast ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Pain-Free Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole feeds a crowd effortlessly, making it perfect for family breakfasts or holiday guests.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: Warm cinnamon, sweet maple syrup, and creamy custard come together into a cozy flavor hug.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning—hello, stress-free hosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe are things I usually have on hand, and they come together so beautifully! Plus, using store-bought cinnamon rolls makes it a breeze without sacrificing flavor or that homemade feel.

  • Refrigerated cinnamon rolls: I use tubes with icing included—it adds the perfect sweet finishing touch right on top.
  • Butter: Melted butter goes in the baking dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness.
  • Eggs: They create that trusty custard base that soaks into the cinnamon roll pieces beautifully.
  • Milk: Just regular whole or 2% milk works well to make the custard silky.
  • Cinnamon: Even though cinnamon rolls have cinnamon, adding a bit more in the custard amps that comforting flavor.
  • Vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the flavors, making the custard taste extra luscious.
  • Maple syrup: Pouring syrup over the casserole before baking gives it a hint of caramelized sweetness that’s hard to resist.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love a good classic cinnamon roll French toast casserole, but sometimes it’s fun to switch things up! Don’t be afraid to customize this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

  • Fruit Boost: I like adding fresh berries or sliced apples right on top before baking—adds freshness and a pop of color.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the casserole to introduce an enjoyable crunch and earthy flavor.
  • Dairy-Free: Swap regular milk for almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative; you won’t miss a beat.
  • Sweetener Swap: Try honey or agave nectar instead of maple syrup for a different sweet note.

How to Make Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan with Butter

The first thing I do is melt the butter and pour it evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. This little step makes a huge difference because it keeps the cinnamon roll pieces from sticking and adds a nice golden touch to the crust as it bakes. I’ve skipped this before, and trust me – it’s worth taking the minute to do it right.

Step 2: Slice and Spread Cinnamon Roll Pieces

Next, take each refrigerated cinnamon roll and slice it into 8 pieces. Breaking them up like this helps ensure every bite gets that gooey swirl we all crave. Spread the pieces evenly over the melted butter in your baking dish. This layering is key – it lets the pieces soak up the custard all around.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. I like to whisk it until it’s totally smooth and frothy—that way it seeps nicely into the cinnamon roll bits. Pour this custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, giving everything time to soak up the magic.

Step 4: Add Maple Syrup and Bake

Pour one cup of maple syrup right over the custard and cinnamon rolls. This creates a sweet glaze while baking that makes the casserole downright irresistible. Pop the dish into a 375°F oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the custard is set and the edges are golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Drizzle Icing and Serve

Once out of the oven, drizzle the icing from the refrigerated cinnamon rolls all over the top while the casserole is still warm—this adds that final touch of sweetness and gooey goodness. Serve it warm and watch folks dive in. My family goes crazy for this part every time!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

  • Let It Soak: If you have time, cover and let the casserole sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to help flavors meld and the custard soak better.
  • Use Glass Bakeware: I found that baking the casserole in a glass dish helps cook it evenly and keeps the bottom from burning.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye after 20 minutes—the casserole is perfect when custard is set but still soft and custardy inside.
  • Save the Icing for Last: Drizzle the icing right after baking to keep it from melting too much and losing that beautiful drizzle effect.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked dessert made of many small golden brown, soft-looking squares or chunks layered closely together, with a light sprinkling of darker cinnamon patches throughout. On top, there is a generous drizzle of thick white icing spread unevenly, creating a glossy white layer that partially covers the golden pieces, leaving parts of them visible. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm colors of the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with extra maple syrup for those syrup lovers, but fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries add a nice pop of color and a bit of tartness to cut through the sweetness. Sometimes I even dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish that always impresses guests.

Side Dishes

Pairing this casserole with crispy bacon or sausage links balances the sweetness wonderfully. For a lighter side, we often go with fresh fruit salad or simple scrambled eggs—both round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special brunches, I’ve served this Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a cute personal touch. Another fun idea is to layer the casserole with sliced fruit in between for a colorful, show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (rare in my house!), cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes almost as good the second time around.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole after baking by cutting it into portions and wrapping tightly in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven—still delicious, though I recommend fresh baking for the absolute best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I find warming leftover slices in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes brings back that fresh-baked feel. Microwave works in a pinch but tends to make it a little soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of refrigerated ones?

    Absolutely! Using homemade cinnamon rolls will make the casserole just as delicious, especially if they’re fresh. Just slice them as you would the refrigerated ones and proceed with the recipe. Keep in mind the baking time might vary slightly depending on your dough.

  2. Can I prepare this casserole the night before?

    Yes! In fact, letting the casserole soak overnight in the fridge helps the custard soak in deeper, making it even more flavorful and tender when baked in the morning. Just cover tightly and pop it in the fridge after assembling.

  3. What if I don’t have maple syrup?

    No worries. You can substitute with honey, agave nectar, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a different but equally tasty flavor. The syrup layer adds moisture and sweetness, so don’t skip it altogether.

  4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

    Definitely! My kids are obsessed with this casserole because it’s sweet, gooey, and easy to eat. It’s a great way to sneak in some protein with the eggs too. Just make sure to watch the baking time so it remains soft and not dry.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is one of those kitchen gems that feels fancy but is impressively simple. I still remember the first time I made this for a holiday morning—my whole family was hooked before the plates even hit the table. It’s cozy, comforting, and just downright fun to bake. I encourage you to give it a try next time you want a breakfast that’s both indulgent and easy. You’ll love how effortlessly it turns out, and I bet it’ll become a new favorite in your recipe rotation like it did in mine!

Print
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Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 123 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast dish combining the classic flavors of cinnamon rolls and French toast. Using refrigerated cinnamon rolls and simple ingredients, it creates a warm, gooey casserole perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings. The casserole is baked to perfection and topped with sweet icing for an indulgent treat.


Ingredients

Primary Ingredients

  • 2 tubes refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
  • 4 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup maple syrup


Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Pour the melted butter evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 glass baking dish to coat it thoroughly and prevent sticking.
  2. Cut cinnamon rolls: Slice each refrigerated cinnamon roll into 8 pieces to create bite-sized chunks, then spread them evenly over the butter in the baking dish.
  3. Mix custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined to create a flavorful custard mixture.
  4. Assemble casserole: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cut cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they are well soaked. Then, pour 1 cup of maple syrup over the entire mixture to add sweetness and moisture.
  5. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 minutes until the custard sets, and the top is golden and slightly puffed.
  6. Add icing: After removing the casserole from the oven, drizzle the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls over the top to enhance the sweetness and decoration.

Notes

  • Uses only 7 simple ingredients, making it an easy and convenient breakfast recipe.
  • Refrigerated cinnamon rolls save time without compromising flavor.
  • Can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a ready-to-go breakfast.
  • For best results, use a glass baking dish to bake evenly.
  • Optional: Add chopped nuts or fresh berries for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 117 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 38 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg

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