Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast or brunch recipe that feels indulgent yet easy to throw together, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe. It’s like cinnamon rolls and French toast had a delicious baby that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find it’s the perfect balance of sweet, soft, and cozy all in one pan—and it has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe are simple but work beautifully in unison. Brioche bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced custard base creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture while the cream cheese icing adds just the right amount of sweet tang. Tip: Using day-old bread is key to prevent a soggy mess.

• Brioche Bread: Day-old is best—it soaks up the custard perfectly without falling apart.
• Eggs: They create the custard base that binds everything together and adds richness.
• Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: The combo keeps the custard silky smooth and luscious.
• Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way to enhance the sweetness and warmth.
• Butter: Melted butter drizzled on top gives a golden, crisp finish.
• Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: This duo dusted over the top creates that signature cinnamon roll flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese in the icing adds a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps bring the icing to the perfect consistency—add gradually!

Variations

I love how flexible this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe is. You can easily tweak it for different tastes or dietary needs, so don’t be shy about making it your own! Here are some ideas from my kitchen adventures.

• Gluten-Free Switch: Using gluten-free brioche or a sturdy gluten-free bread works surprisingly well; just make sure it’s firm enough to hold the custard without getting mushy.
• Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking gives a beautiful crunch and extra warmth.
• Fruit Fun: Blueberries or thinly sliced apples stirred into the bread mixture add a nice fruity brightness.
• Maple Syrup Swap: For a different kind of sweetness, drizzle real maple syrup on top along with or instead of the cream cheese icing.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread for Perfect Texture

First, you want to make sure your brioche bread is day-old or properly dried out. I usually leave mine uncovered on the counter overnight. But if you’re short on time, you can pop it in a 325°F oven for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This helps the bread soak up the custard without turning into mush, which is something I learned the hard way when I skipped this step once—total soggy disaster! Once the bread is ready, slice it into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a big mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard Base & Cinnamon Sugar Mix

Preheat your oven to 375°F and whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth. Separately, mix brown sugar and cinnamon for the classic cinnamon roll topping. Melt your butter and set it aside—you’ll drizzle it over the top soon.

Step 3: Soak Bread and Assemble Your Bake

Pour the custard mixture over your bread cubes and gently toss, making sure every piece gets soaked—you want that custardy goodness in every bite. Let it sit for a few minutes so the bread can absorb the liquid fully; this is crucial for texture. Then transfer everything into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over, covering the surface well. This little step is what really brings that cinnamon roll magic alive!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for about 22 to 25 minutes until it’s golden brown and the custard is set—no wobbly spots or raw egg showing! If you prefer a softer top without extra crispiness, loosely cover the pan with foil while baking (take it off for the last 10 minutes to add a little color). It’s tempting to rush, but patience here yields that perfect custardy texture that keeps me coming back.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Icing

While the bake is in the oven, mix softened cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add in vanilla, then gradually sift in the powdered sugar until your icing reaches a spreadable consistency. I like mine thick enough to dollop so it melts over the warm bake as you serve.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the bake cool for about five minutes before spreading the cream cheese icing generously on top. Cut into squares and dig in! My family can’t get enough of how the icing melts into all those cinnamon pockets—it’s what makes this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe truly special.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon or a few crushed pecans on top of the icing to add some texture and a little sparkle. Fresh berries on the side brighten up the dish and give a fresh contrast to all the sweetness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty balance and some fresh fruit salad for acidity and freshness. A cup of strong coffee or a hot chai latte also pairs perfectly when you want to make it extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch occasion, I’ve served this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe in mini cast iron skillets—everyone loves their own little personal portion! You can also drizzle warm caramel sauce or dust with a bit of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch that guests always compliment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I store them in an airtight container to keep moisture out and reheat slices in the microwave or oven. When reheating, I always cover it lightly with foil in the oven to keep the texture nice and avoid drying it out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake successfully before adding the icing. Just cool it completely after baking, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up—then add fresh cream cheese icing for the best flavor combo.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, especially if you’re reheating more than a slice or two. For a quick fix, popping slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds works fine too. Just add freshly made or leftover icing on top to recapture that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe is my absolute favorite when I want breakfast that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager smiles and full plates. I encourage you to make it for your next weekend brunch or special morning—it’s surprisingly simple and endlessly comforting. Once you’ve made it, I bet it will become a staple in your recipe rotation like it is in mine. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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