Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

by

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 35–40 minutes

  • Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

The Base:

  • 2 cans (12.4 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (with included icing)

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/4 cup melted butter

The Topping (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

  • Maple syrup for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

  2. Cut the Rolls: Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the icing containers aside. Cut each individual cinnamon roll into 6 or 8 bite-sized chunks. Spread the pieces evenly into the baking dish.

  3. Whisk the Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined.

  4. Assemble: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll chunks. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the top now.

  5. Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (not jiggly).

  6. Glaze: While the bake is still warm, drizzle the reserved icing over the top. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soak in before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the pieces are spread out; if they are packed too tightly, the middle won’t cook through properly.

  • The “Soggy” Fix: If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.

  • Make it Ahead: You can prep this the night before! Cover the unbaked dish with foil and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before popping it in the oven.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimate based on standard ingredients

Metric Amount
Calories 420 kcal
Fat 22g
Carbohydrates 48g
Protein 7g
Sugar 24g

Benefits of This Recipe

  • Efficiency: Uses store-bought shortcuts to save hours of proofing dough.

  • Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a “one-pan wonder,” meaning less cleanup and easy serving for groups.

  • Texture: You get the contrast of the crunchy toasted tops and the soft, custardy bottom.

Q&A

Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?A: Absolutely. If you have leftover homemade rolls, just cut them up and increase the custard (add 1 extra egg and 1/4 cup milk) since they are usually drier than canned dough.

Q: Is it okay to use low-fat milk?A: You can, but it won’t be as rich. The heavy cream is what gives it that “French Toast” custard feel. If you use skim milk, the texture may be slightly more watery.

Q: How do I store leftovers?A: Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Leave a Comment