Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
If you’re looking to sweep everyone off their feet at your next breakfast or brunch, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast might just be your secret weapon. Imagine the gooey, spiced warmth of a cinnamon roll meeting the pillowy decadence of classic French toast—each bite is a hug that cozies up to your taste buds. Whether you’re entertaining guests, pampering your family, or simply craving something extra special, this recipe wraps together nostalgia and indulgence in the absolute tastiest way. With minimal ingredients and just a handful of steps, it’s the ultimate solution for turning an ordinary morning into a crowd-pleasing celebration, fueled by the irresistible magic of Cinnamon Roll French Toast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple, but each plays a starring role in the color, comfort, and sweet aroma of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast. The magic truly comes from how every item layers on flavor and brings the whole dish together.
- Cinnamon rolls: The base of our recipe; homemade or store-bought, they infuse every bite with cinnamon-spiced goodness and a soft, sweet crumb.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the custard mixture, giving the French toast that classic creamy interior.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping to soak the cinnamon rolls just right.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cinnamon flavor and brings a lovely bakery aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: A little extra to really drive home those nostalgic cinnamon roll notes.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and wakes up all the other flavors.
- Butter or cooking spray: For greasing your pan, ensuring each slice gets golden and crisp instead of stuck and sad.
- Powdered sugar (optional): The crowning snowy dusting that adds a finish worthy of a bakery window.
- Maple syrup (optional): For drizzling and pooling on your plate—a breakfast essential in its own right.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by grabbing a wide, shallow bowl and whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. The egg mixture should be well blended and fragrant, creating the perfect bath to turn your cinnamon rolls into French toast perfection.
Step 2: Slice the Cinnamon Rolls
Cut your cinnamon rolls into 1-inch thick slices. This thickness helps each piece soak up the flavorful custard without falling apart, and gives you the best ratio of gooey center to crispy outer edge.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet or Griddle
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease the surface with butter or cooking spray. A properly heated, greased pan is what delivers that dreamy golden crust on each slice.
Step 4: Dip and Soak the Slices
One by one, dip the cinnamon roll slices into the custard mixture. Gently coat both sides, allowing them to absorb enough liquid to become tender but not soggy—think of it as giving them just the right spa treatment!
Step 5: Cook to Golden Brown
Place the soaked slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, watching for that deep, golden-brown color and crisp exterior. The kitchen will be filling with sweet, spicy aromas right about now!
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Transfer the finished Cinnamon Roll French Toast slices to a warm plate. If making a big batch, pop them in a low oven to keep them nice and toasty while you finish up. Now comes the fun part: dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and serve immediately for best results.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, try a snowy dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of maple syrup right before serving. If your cinnamon rolls came with icing, a quick warm-up and an artful drizzle over the top adds even more decadence to each forkful. Chopped pecans or walnuts would also add a delightful crunch if you love a bit of texture.
Side Dishes
A sweet breakfast like Cinnamon Roll French Toast pairs perfectly with salty sides—think crisp bacon or savory sausage links. For a lighter touch, a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a side salad of orange and apple slices will brighten the plate and balance the richness. Don’t forget a cup of hot coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to round out the meal!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try stacking the French toast slices and skewering them with a decorative pick, then showering them with fruit and syrup. Arranging them in a fanned-out spiral on a platter, or even serving them as bite-sized pieces for a brunch buffet, are also great ways to showcase their tempting swirls and golden edges. Let your creativity shine—this is a dish that looks as fun as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra slices? Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their velvety texture without letting them dry out.
Freezing
Cinnamon Roll French Toast actually freezes beautifully! Layer the cooled slices with parchment between them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months, making future weekend mornings even easier.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover slices in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that lovely texture, though a brief zap will do in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls, or should I stick with store-bought?
You can use either! Homemade cinnamon rolls will yield an extra-special, lush French toast, but store-bought ones work beautifully and save time—just try to use fresh ones for that perfect fluffy bite.
What type Breakfast
Whole milk gives a creamy, rich result, but 2% or even your favorite nondairy milk can be swapped in with success. Just keep in mind that higher fat content gives the toast that extra-luxurious mouthfeel.
How do I avoid soggy French toast?
The trick is not to over-soak your cinnamon roll slices. Dip them for a few seconds on each side—just enough to absorb the custard without losing their shape. Also, make sure your skillet is fully preheated before cooking!
Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast ahead for a brunch party?
Absolutely! You can cook the slices shortly before guests arrive and keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F) for up to an hour. They stay soft and delicious, ready for a quick dusting of sugar and serving right when everyone’s hungry.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! As long as your cinnamon rolls are vegetarian (most are), this Cinnamon Roll French Toast has no meat or fish ingredients. Swap in non-dairy milk and vegan rolls for a fully vegan treat.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is truly a breakfast showstopper—cozy, sweet, and delightfully easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just creating a little joy for yourself, give this recipe a try and let every warm bite remind you how fun and delicious mornings can be!
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of cinnamon rolls and French toast with this delectable Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe. It’s a sweet and satisfying breakfast treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll French Toast:
- 6 cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- butter or cooking spray for the pan
- powdered sugar for serving (optional)
- maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This creates the custard mixture for the French toast.
- Slice the cinnamon rolls into 1-inch thick slices. This will allow for even cooking and better absorption of the egg mixture.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
- Dip each cinnamon roll slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Ensure each slice is well-soaked for a creamy interior.
- Place the slices on the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. This creates a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Remove from the skillet and keep warm. This ensures the French toast stays hot and delicious.
- Serve the French toast with powdered sugar and maple syrup if desired. Enjoy the sweet and delightful flavors!
Notes
- Use fresh cinnamon rolls for best flavor.
- You can warm the icing from the cinnamon rolls and drizzle on top before serving.
- For a crowd, keep cooked slices warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18 grams
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 44 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
