There’s something about waking up to Cinnamon Roll French Toast that instantly makes a weekend morning feel extra special, don’t you think? I still remember the first time I tried making this sweet breakfast casserole—it was a chilly Saturday, and the smell of cinnamon sugar toast wafting through the kitchen was downright intoxicating. My family gathered around the table, eyes sparkling with anticipation. I’ll admit, perfecting this cinnamon swirl French toast was a bit of a learning curve for me. I once over-soaked the bread, turning my breakfast dreams into a soggy mess (we’ve all been there with Cinnamon Roll French Toast, right?). But once I got the timing and balance just right, this baked cinnamon roll French toast became a treasured treat in my busy household.
This particular Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe fits my philosophy of cooking: it’s about making something comforting, nourishing, and shareable even when life is buzzing fast. It calls for simple ingredients, but the outcome feels indulgent without the fuss. I often pair it with a cozy cup of coffee while the kids get ready for the day—the perfect little family ritual. One thing I adore about this recipe is that you can make it fresh or assemble it ahead as a sweet breakfast casserole, which is a game-changer for mornings when you’re juggling a million things.
I stumbled upon this idea after trying a few versions of homemade cinnamon toast and was inspired by the lovely baked cinnamon roll French toast variations I saw on sites like Cinnamon Roll Baked French Toast | Lemons & Zest. And what really cemented my love was finding that cinnamon swirl French toast made with actual cinnamon rolls creates this melt-in-your-mouth magic. On busy mornings, this dish feels like a little hug from the inside—cozy, sweet, and thoroughly satisfying.
If you’re ready to bring a little warmth and sweetness to your breakfast table, I promise this Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe will quickly become a family favorite. And hey, if you love this dish, you might also enjoy other comforting options like my Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole or my classic French Toast Bake recipe. Now, grab your apron—let’s dive into the delicious details!
What You’ll Need for This Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Getting started with Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a breeze when you have the right ingredients on hand—and let me tell you, I’ve learned a few kitchen tricks to make this process even smoother. Here’s my go-to list for making the best baked cinnamon roll French toast:
- 8 large cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade), sliced into thick pieces
- 4 large eggs (I always use farm-fresh for my Cinnamon Roll French Toast—it just makes a difference!)
- 1 cup whole milk (or cream for a richer custard)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (this is key for that cinnamon sugar toast vibe)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt

When shopping for ingredients, you can often find cinnamon rolls in the refrigerated section near the baked goods. I sometimes use homemade cinnamon rolls when I want that truly homemade cinnamon swirl French toast—there’s nothing like it. If you’re short on time, store-bought cinnamon rolls still do a fantastic job. For making this Cinnamon Roll French Toast beginner-friendly, here’s a little kitchen wisdom I picked up: slicing the cinnamon rolls ahead and letting them sit a bit before soaking helps them stay intact and absorb just the right amount of custard—no soggy trouble!
Something else that helps busy families is prepping the egg and milk mixture the night before—pour it over the sliced cinnamon rolls, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the oven, and voilà, your sweet breakfast casserole is ready without the juggling act. Also, keep in mind that leftover cinnamon rolls can be frozen, so you can make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast anytime with minimal fuss.
And here’s a little money-saving tip: buy cinnamon rolls in bulk when they’re on sale, slice and freeze them, so you can whip up this Cinnamon Roll French Toast even on last-minute mornings. I’ve even shared a bit about my freezing hacks in my Cinnamon Roll Cookies post—a fun twist if you want a sweet treat alongside your breakfast!
Let’s Make This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Together
Alright, friend, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast. I’ve walked this path countless times, so I’ve got your back through every step.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your baked cinnamon roll French toast will cook evenly and get that perfect golden finish.
- Butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. I like to use unsalted butter for that subtle richness.
- Slice your cinnamon rolls thickly (about 1/2-inch slices) and arrange them snugly in your baking dish. Don’t worry if they overlap a bit—that’s what creates the sweet breakfast casserole magic.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. This custard is where the cinnamon sugar toast flavor shines through.
- Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon rolls. Now, here’s a little trick I learned the hard way with Cinnamon Roll French Toast: give it a gentle press with a spatula to help the custard soak in, but don’t squish them! Let it rest for about 10 minutes so the rolls soak up that goodness.
- Cover your dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. At this point, your kitchen should smell like the coziest cinnamon swirl French toast you can imagine.
- Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
- While it’s baking, get your favorite syrup or glaze ready (I love a simple powdered sugar glaze or a drizzle of maple syrup). Also, set your table with some fresh fruit or yogurt—anything to balance out the sweet breakfast casserole.
In my kitchen, Cinnamon Roll French Toast usually takes about 40 minutes total, which feels just right to brew a cup of coffee and get the kids prepped without rushing. And if you want some ideas for troubleshooting, I’ve found that not over-soaking the cinnamon rolls keeps the texture spot on—not too soggy, not too dry. If you’re curious about other baking techniques, Cinnamon Swirl French Toast – Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day has a lovely take on cinnamon swirl french toast that’s worth a peek.
Oh! And for a fun twist or to save time, try assembling the sweet breakfast casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning—trust me, your future self will thank you.
How I Love to Serve This Cinnamon Roll French Toast
When my family sees this Cinnamon Roll French Toast come out of the oven, you can instantly tell it’s a special morning. My husband and kids always dig in eagerly, especially when I serve it with crispy bacon or a side of scrambled eggs—they love that sweet and savory combo. For the fruit lovers like me, a fresh berry salad elevates the cinnamon sugar toast experience and adds a little brightness.

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, holiday brunches, or even birthday mornings when you want something both cozy and festive. Presentation-wise, I’ve learned that a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a light drizzle of vanilla glaze go a long way—it feels fancy without fuss.
If you happen to have leftovers (and sometimes you do, if you’re lucky!), I like reheating them gently in the oven or toaster oven to keep that baked cinnamon roll French toast’s crispness. You can also cube leftovers to toss into a breakfast parfait with yogurt and fresh fruit or turn them into bread pudding the next day for a quick, no-fuss breakfast treat.
Seasonal variations? Absolutely! Around fall, I swap in pumpkin-spiced batter, taking a note from my Pumpkin Spice French Toast Casserole, and it’s a hit every time. Guests often ask for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe at our holidays and are usually amazed it’s so easy.
Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Questions Answered
Q1: Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble your sweet breakfast casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and bake it fresh in the morning. This makes busy mornings stress-free and delicious. I often do this for weekend brunches.
Q2: What type of cinnamon rolls work best?
Store-bought cinnamon rolls are perfectly fine, but if you can, try making homemade cinnamon rolls for that authentic homemade cinnamon swirl French toast flavor. I’ve used both with great results. Just be mindful of slicing them thickly enough to absorb the custard without falling apart.
Q3: How do I keep the Cinnamon Roll French Toast from getting soggy?
Great question! Don’t soak the cinnamon rolls too long, and give them a gentle press after pouring in the custard. Using slightly stale cinnamon rolls also helps with texture since fresh, fluffy rolls can get mushy.
Q4: Can I freeze this Cinnamon Roll French Toast?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled cinnamon roll slices before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently. This tip comes in handy for busy mornings when you want homemade cinnamon toast without the wait.
Q5: Can I add toppings inside the Cinnamon Roll French Toast?
Definitely! Some readers love adding chopped nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the cinnamon swirl French toast mix for extra texture and flavor. It’s fun to experiment based on your family’s favorites.
Q6: Is there a dairy-free version?
You can swap milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter substitutes. The flavor changes a bit but still makes a tasty cinnamon sugar toast breakfast casserole.
Q7: How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheating gently at a low oven temperature (around 300°F) works best to keep the interior soft while maintaining a crispy top. Microwave reheating can turn it a bit rubbery, so I save that for emergencies! For more tips on baking and reheating, you might want to look at this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe, which has some handy reader advice.
You know what I do when my Cinnamon Roll French Toast doesn’t come out perfectly crispy? I just pop it under the broiler for a minute or two—watching closely, of course—and it crisps right back up like magic!
My Final Thoughts on This Cinnamon Roll French Toast
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast isn’t just a recipe; it’s a little love letter to cozy mornings and my family’s easy-going spirit. It holds a special place in my heart because it turns simple ingredients into a warm, inviting meal that brings everyone together. Whether it’s served as a baked cinnamon roll French toast straight from the oven or enjoyed as a leftover homemade cinnamon toast snack, it always feels like a treat.
My Cinnamon Roll French Toast Pro Tips:
- Use thick slices of cinnamon rolls to prevent sogginess.
- Let the custard soak in for at least 10 minutes before baking.
- Don’t rush the uncovered baking time—it’s crucial for that golden crust.
Over time, I’ve tried variations—from adding cream cheese dollops inside to topping with homemade berry compote or even swapping in some pumpkin spices for a seasonal spin. My kids adore the cinnamon roll French toast with extra chocolate chips, while my husband digs the classic version best. If you want to explore more, you might find inspiration in some of my other posts like Cinnamon Roll Cookies or the warm, comforting French Toast Bake recipe.
I encourage you to make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast your own—try it your way, tweak the flavors, and share it with the people who matter most. Remember, every homemade cinnamon swirl French toast you make is a little celebration of life’s sweeter moments.
Here’s to many cozy mornings filled with cinnamon sugar toast aromas and happy family chatter. Once you make this Cinnamon Roll French Toast, I have a feeling it’s going to become your go-to sweet breakfast casserole, too. Happy cooking, friend!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Indulge in the perfect brunch treat with Cinnamon Roll French Toast, combining the fluffy, sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls with a classic French toast twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cinnamon rolls, preferably refrigerated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until combined.
- Slice each cinnamon roll into 1-inch thick slices.
- Dip each cinnamon roll slice into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are coated well.
- Place the coated slices onto the hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked French toast to a plate. Repeat with remaining slices, adding butter to the skillet as needed.
- Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
For extra indulgence, top with cream cheese glaze or fresh berries to enhance the flavor.

