Imagine: Fluffy cinnamon rolls meets custardy French toast in this showstopping breakfast hybrid that’s:
Faster than baking cinnamon rolls from scratch
Easier than traditional French toast (no stale bread needed!)
Perfect for lazy weekends OR holiday brunches
Pro Tip: This recipe works with store-bought OR homemade cinnamon rolls French Toast – I’ll show you both ways!
Why This Recipe Wins
✅ 10-minute active prep (30 mins total)
✅ Make-ahead friendly (overnight option included)
✅ Kid-approved (hello, cream cheese glaze!)
✅ Adaptable (air fryer, vegan, and protein-boost variations)
Ingredients
*(Serves 4-6)*
Base Recipe:
- 1 (12.4 oz) tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls (or 8 homemade)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Reserved cinnamon roll icing
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Cinnamon Rolls
- Separate rolls and cut each into 4 wedges (like pizza slices).
- Arrange in single layer in greased 9×13″ baking dish.
*Pro Tip: For extra caramelization, sprinkle 1 tbsp melted butter + 1 tbsp sugar over rolls before baking!*
2. Make the Custard
- Whisk eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully blended.
- Pour evenly over cinnamon rolls. Press down gently to soak.
3. Cook to Perfection
Oven Method (Best for Groups):
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 mins until golden.
- Broil 1-2 mins for crispy tops.
Stovetop Method (Fastest):
- Cook wedges in buttered skillet over medium heat for 2-3 mins/side.
4. Glaze & Serve
- Mix reserved icing with cream cheese and maple syrup.
- Drizzle over warm French toast.
- Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or candied pecans.
Pro Tips
🔥 Crispier Edges: Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 mins
🍌 Healthier Twist: Add mashed banana to custard
🌙 Overnight Version: Refrigerate soaked rolls overnight; bake 35-40 mins
FAQ Section
What’s the most common French toast mistake?
Over-soaking the bread (or here, cinnamon rolls). They should be moist but not disintegrating – 5-10 mins max for refrigerated dough.
How do you bake French toast with cinnamon rolls?
Use the oven method above for hands-off cooking. The key is spreading rolls evenly so they cook uniformly.
Difference between French toast and cinnamon French toast?
Standard French toast uses plain bread + custard. This version:
• Uses pre-flavored cinnamon rolls
• Needs less added sugar/spices
• Has built-in glaze
How to make sweet cinnamon French toast?
Boost sweetness by:
• Adding 1 tbsp maple syrup to custard
• Using Hawaiian rolls instead of cinnamon rolls
• Topping with caramelized bananas
Why is French toast unhealthy?
Traditional versions can be high in:
• Refined carbs (white bread)
• Added sugar (syrups)
• Saturated fat (whole milk, butter)
Healthier Swaps Here:
• Almond milk + egg whites
• Reduced-sugar cinnamon rolls
• Greek yogurt glaze instead of icing
Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Ingredients
- 1 (12.4 oz) tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- 2 oz cream cheese
- tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Cut cinnamon rolls into wedges; arrange in greased baking dish.
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt; pour over rolls.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 mins until golden. Optional: Broil 1-2 mins.
- Mix reserved icing with cream cheese and maple syrup; drizzle over toast.
Final Thoughts: The Breakfast Game-Changer You’ll Make on Repeat
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast isn’t just another brunch recipe – it’s your new secret weapon for turning ordinary mornings into something extraordinary. Whether you’re:
Meal prepping for busy weeks (the overnight version is magic!)
Hosting guests (watch their eyes light up at first bite)
Treating yourself (because yes, you deserve this)
What makes it truly special:
5-minute active prep for sleepy mornings
Crispy edges with pillowy-soft centers – the perfect textural contrast
Endless variations (try it with pumpkin spice rolls in fall!)
Chef’s Serving Suggestions:
• Pair with crispy bacon for sweet-salty perfection
• Top with sautéed apples for autumn vibes
• Add chopped pecans for crunch
Your Turn to Create!
Contact me on [email protected] with your creations – I love seeing your twists! Or comment below: What’s your favorite way to enjoy French toast? (Mine’s with extra glaze, obviously!)
Happy cooking, and may your mornings always be this delicious!