Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Let’s be honest—breakfast is the best meal of the day. And when you combine two iconic breakfast favorites—cinnamon rolls and French toast—you get something truly magical. Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a game-changer: warm, buttery cinnamon rolls soaked in rich, spiced custard, then fried or baked until golden brown. Top it off with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and maybe even a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, and you’ve got a brunch dish that’s as indulgent as it gets.

The first time I made this, I used store-bought cinnamon rolls, thinking it wouldn’t matter much. Wrong! While it was good, the texture wasn’t quite right—a little too soft and not enough crispiness. The next time, I used leftover homemade cinnamon rolls, and that’s when I realized this dish is all about the right balance of flavors and textures.

If you love rich, custardy breakfasts, this is for you. If you’re obsessed with caramelized cinnamon flavors, this is for you. And if you just want to upgrade your weekend brunch game, well—you know what to do.

Before we dive in, if you want to learn how to caramelize bananas to top your French toast, check out this guide on caramelizing bananas—it’s the perfect finishing touch!

What Is Cinnamon Roll French Toast?

At its core, Cinnamon Roll French Toast is exactly what it sounds like:

• Cinnamon rolls soaked in a classic French toast custard (eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon).
• Cooked until golden brown and crispy on the edges while remaining soft and fluffy inside.
• Topped with syrup, powdered sugar, or a homemade glaze for extra indulgence.

Origins of Cinnamon Roll French Toast

• French toast has been around since ancient Rome, originally as a way to use up stale bread.
• Cinnamon rolls date back to Sweden (Kanelbullar), where they became a bakery staple.
• Somewhere along the way, a genius combined the two, and the rest is delicious history.

Now, this dish has taken over brunch menus everywhere, and for good reason—it’s ridiculously good.

For a completely different take, check out Sourdough French Toast for a tangier, chewier texture.

Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Base Ingredients

To get that perfect balance of fluffy and crisp, you’ll need:

• Cinnamon Rolls – Homemade or store-bought, baked in advance.
• Eggs – The foundation of the custard.
• Milk & Heavy Cream – Adds richness and a creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Essential for that warm, bakery-style aroma.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – For extra spice and depth of flavor.
• Sugar (Granulated or Brown) – To slightly sweeten the custard.

Topping Ideas

• Maple Syrup – Because French toast without syrup is a crime.
• Powdered Sugar – For that light, snowy dusting.
• Cream Cheese Glaze – To really mimic the classic cinnamon roll flavor.

If you want to make this completely from scratch, check out this homemade cinnamon roll recipe—it’s foolproof!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast

• If using store-bought cinnamon rolls, bake them according to the package.
• If using homemade cinnamon rolls, make sure they’ve cooled completely before slicing.
• Cut the rolls into thick slices or cubes for even custard absorption.

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup whole milk + ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp sugar

💡 Pro Tip: Let the custard sit for 5 minutes—this helps blend the flavors!

• Dip each slice into the custard for 5-10 seconds per side.
• Don’t let them soak too long, or they’ll turn mushy.

You’ve got three ways to cook this:

Stovetop Method (Classic & Crispy)

• Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Cook each slice for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Baked Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole (Best for a Crowd)

• Arrange soaked cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish.
• Pour any extra custard over the top.
• Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.

Air Fryer Method (Fast & Crispy)

• Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
• Place slices in a single layer and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway.

Variations of Cinnamon Roll French Toast

While classic Cinnamon Roll French Toast is amazing on its own, there are several creative ways to switch things up depending on your mood or occasion. Whether you want an overnight casserole, bite-sized treats, or a more elegant brunch dish, these variations will take your French toast game to the next level.

A French toast casserole is perfect when you’re feeding a crowd or just want to prepare everything ahead of time.

How to Make It:

1. Slice cinnamon rolls into cubes and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together the custard mixture and pour it over the cinnamon roll cubes.
3. Cover and let it sit overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy on top.

💡 Pro Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle a brown sugar pecan streusel over the top before baking.

Want a handheld version that’s fun for kids? Try Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls!

How to Make It:

1. Flatten cinnamon roll slices slightly with a rolling pin.
2. Roll them up like taquitos and dip them into the custard mixture.
3. Cook in a buttered pan until golden brown on all sides.
4. Serve with warm maple syrup or cream cheese dip.

💡 Pro Tip: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar right after cooking for an extra cinnamon-sugar crunch!

These bite-sized treats are great for brunch platters or snacking on the go.

How to Make It:

1. Slice cinnamon rolls into small cubes.
2. Toss them in the custard mixture and air-fry or bake until golden.
3. Serve with toothpicks for easy dipping into syrup or glaze.

💡 Pro Tip: Try Cracker Barrel Fried Apples as a warm fruit topping—it adds a caramelized apple flavor that pairs perfectly!

Best Toppings for Cinnamon Roll French Toast

The right toppings can elevate this dish from great to mind-blowing. Here are some of the best toppings to experiment with.

• Powdered sugar & maple syrup → The timeless way to serve French toast.
• Whipped cream & fresh berries → Adds a light, refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting → Enhances the spice profile of the dish.

Caramelized Bananas

• Slice bananas and sauté them in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until soft.
• Spoon over the French toast for a sticky-sweet topping.
• Check out this guide to caramelizing bananas for expert tips.

Cream Cheese Glaze

• Mix 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth.
• Drizzle over French toast for a true cinnamon roll experience.

Toasted Pecans & Honey Butter

• Adds a crunchy, nutty contrast to the soft French toast.
• Melt butter and honey together for a glossy, caramel-like drizzle.

For another cinnamon-flavored treat, try Cinnamon Crescent Rolls—they’re just as flaky and buttery.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even though Cinnamon Roll French Toast is easy to make, there are some pitfalls that can mess up the final result. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you!

The Problem:

• If the rolls are too fresh, they’ll fall apart when soaked in the custard.

How to Fix It:

• Let cinnamon rolls sit out for a few hours before using.
• If they’re super fresh, toast them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

The Problem:

• Soaking cinnamon rolls too long leads to a mushy mess when cooked.

How to Fix It:

• Dip for 5-10 seconds per side—just enough to coat the roll without saturating it.
• For casseroles, let the custard soak for at least 15 minutes but no longer than overnight.

The Problem:

• Too high → The outside burns before the inside cooks through.
• Too low → The French toast absorbs too much butter and gets greasy.

How to Fix It:

• Keep heat at medium-low to medium for even browning.
• If using butter, add a tiny bit of oil to prevent burning.

The Problem:

• Using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar makes it harder to caramelize.

How to Fix It:

• Use white granulated sugar for a crispier finish.

💡 Tip: If you’re serious about getting that perfect golden brown crust, check out this guide on caramelization.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Cinnamon Roll French Toast

If you somehow have leftovers (which honestly doesn’t happen often in my house!), you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. The good news? Cinnamon Roll French Toast stores, freezes, and reheats beautifully, making it an easy meal-prep breakfast.

How to Store Leftovers in the Fridge

French toast stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored correctly.

Storage Steps:

• Let the toast cool completely before storing—this prevents condensation and sogginess.
• Place slices in a single layer in an airtight container.
• If stacking slices, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

💡 Tip: If you know you’ll be eating it within 24 hours, storing it in foil or a ziplock bag also works.

How to Freeze Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Freezing is a great way to have French toast ready anytime!

Freezing Steps:

1. Arrange cooked and cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Freeze for 30 minutes (this prevents slices from sticking together).
3. Once frozen, transfer slices to a ziplock freezer bag or airtight container.
4. Label with the date—French toast stays good for up to 2 months.

💡 Tip: Flash-freezing the slices before bagging them keeps them from sticking together, so you can take out only what you need.

How to Reheat Without Losing Texture

Reheating French toast the wrong way can make it soggy or rubbery. Here’s how to bring it back to life:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

✅ Pros: Keeps the texture closest to fresh French toast.
❌ Cons: Takes the longest time.

• Place a slice in the toaster on medium heat.
• Works best for halved pieces to avoid burning.

✅ Pros: Fast, crispy, and convenient.
❌ Cons: Works best with thinner slices.

• Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place slices in a single layer.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway.

✅ Pros: Quick and crispier than other methods.
❌ Cons: Requires an air fryer.

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add a small pat of butter.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until heated through.

✅ Pros: Adds a freshly made taste.
❌ Cons: Can make toast greasy if too much butter is used.

💡 Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible—it makes the toast rubbery and soggy.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Talk Brunch!

By now, you’ve got everything you need to make Cinnamon Roll French Toast that’s crispy on the outside, custardy on the inside, and ridiculously delicious. From choosing the perfect cinnamon rolls to mastering the custard soak and caramelization, you’re officially a French toast pro.

But before you run off to the kitchen, let’s make this interactive!

👉 What’s Your Favorite Topping?

Are you keeping it classic with maple syrup, or going all out with caramelized bananas and whipped cream? Maybe you’re tempted to try cream cheese glaze with a sprinkle of toasted pecans?

Drop your favorite combo in the comments below! You might just inspire someone to try something new.

🧐 Challenge: Create Your Own Signature Version!

A recipe is just the starting point—now it’s time to make it your own!

Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty depth.
• Use chocolate-filled cinnamon rolls instead of regular ones for a chocolate-infused version.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the custard for a sweet & spicy kick.

Have an idea? Share your creative spin below! I’d love to hear how you’re making this recipe your own.

📷 Show Off Your Creations!

If you try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast, snap a photo and tag #QuickAndSavoryBrunch on Instagram. Let’s see those golden, caramelized masterpieces!

More Breakfast Inspiration to Try

If you loved this recipe, here are some other delicious breakfast ideas to try next:

• Easy Overnight French Toast Casserole – The perfect make-ahead breakfast for a crowd.
• Cinnamon Crescent Rolls – Buttery, flaky, and packed with cinnamon goodness.
• Matcha Overnight Oats – A healthy, energizing breakfast alternative.

Now It’s Your Turn—Let’s Get Cooking!

Are you ready to make the best Cinnamon Roll French Toast of your life? Grab those ingredients, fire up the pan, and make something worthy of a five-star brunch!

And when you do, don’t forget to drop a comment and let me know how it turned out.

Happy cooking, and may your breakfasts always be golden, custardy, and caramelized to perfection! 🚀

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