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The Sweet, Gooey Brunch Dish Everyone Will Be Asking You For
If you’re torn between making French toast or cinnamon rolls for your next brunch—why not both? This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole brings together the best of both worlds: soft, buttery cinnamon rolls baked into a rich custard with golden edges and sweet, sticky cinnamon-sugar swirls in every bite.
It’s easy to prep ahead, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for special occasions like Christmas morning, Easter brunch, or any cozy weekend where you want to serve something extra sweet and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing (like Pillsbury)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: powdered sugar, chopped pecans, or cream cheese drizzle
Instructions
1. Preheat and prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cut the cinnamon rolls
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls. Reserve the icing packets for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread evenly in the prepared dish.
3. Mix the custard
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Pour and soak
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces. Press down gently to help the rolls soak up the liquid.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Let cool for 10 minutes.
6. Add the icing
Warm the reserved icing packets in the microwave for 10–15 seconds and drizzle over the top. Add powdered sugar or cream cheese drizzle if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Cream cheese icing: Mix 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tbsp milk for a thicker topping.
- Add-ins: Stir in chopped pecans, raisins, or even chopped apples for a twist.
- Make it richer: Use half-and-half instead of milk for a silkier custard.
Nutrition Overview
This casserole leans indulgent, but it’s portion-friendly and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a once-in-a-while treat or festive brunch.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 10):
Will vary depending on brand of cinnamon rolls and toppings.
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fat: 17g
- Sugar: 17g
- Calcium & Iron: Moderate boost from eggs and dairy
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Bake, cool, and freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
How to Scale for a Crowd
- Double batch: Use a sheet pan or two 9×13 dishes for 15–20 servings. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
- Serving tip: Serve with a fruit platter, scrambled eggs, or breakfast sausage for a well-rounded brunch spread.
FAQ
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?
Absolutely! Just cut them into small pieces before baking with the custard.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes—omit the maple syrup or use a lighter drizzle of icing for a less sweet version.
Does it need to sit before baking?
If you have time, let it sit 15–20 minutes (or overnight) for best custard absorption.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is soft, gooey, and everything you want in a comforting brunch dish. It’s simple enough for beginners, indulgent enough for holidays, and guaranteed to have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe).
Add it to your breakfast rotation and prepare for lots of “OMG what is this?” reactions!
Looking for more easy make-ahead breakfast ideas to feed your family or wow your brunch guests? This breakfast casserole recipe is just one of 12 crowd-pleasing make-ahead breakfast casseroles featured in our full roundup.
From cheesy sausage bakes to sweet French toast casseroles, each recipe is designed to be prepped ahead and baked fresh in the morning—perfect for holidays, weekends, or meal prep.
Browse all 12 make-ahead breakfast casseroles here:
https://divahomeinspiration.com/12-make-ahead-breakfast-casseroles-to-feed-a-crowd/
