Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine waking up to the warm aroma of cinnamon and vanilla filling your kitchen as you prepare a dish that combines the comfort of French toast with the indulgence of cinnamon rolls. This recipe is the perfect way to bring a little magic to your breakfast or brunch. It will leave everyone at the table smiling and satisfied, eager for the next bite. With its soft, custardy center and crispy exterior, it’s a surprising twist on two beloved dishes that feels luxurious yet is easy enough to whip up on a busy weekend morning.

Why Make This Recipe

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a game-changer. It transforms ordinary breakfast into a feast that rivals your favorite brunch spot. The blend of cinnamon-swirled bread and rich custard creates a delightful texture and flavor that is hard to resist. Plus, the creamy glaze drizzled over the top adds that extra touch of sweetness everyone loves. It’s a great way to use up stale bread, making it both delicious and economical. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.

What You Need for Cinnamon Roll French Toast

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients. Each adds its own special touch to the final product. Here’s what you’ll need:

8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread: The base of this recipe, cinnamon swirl bread infuses each bite with that sweet, spiced flavor that cinnamon rolls are known for. If you can’t find cinnamon swirl bread, don’t worry—you can easily substitute with another soft, thick bread such as brioche, challah, or even Texas toast. Just be sure to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to mimic the cinnamon swirl.
3 large eggs: Eggs are the foundation of the custard mixture that coats the bread, adding richness and a velvety texture to the final dish.
1 cup milk: Milk helps to thin the custard, making it easier to coat the bread and giving it a smooth, creamy consistency.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of the cinnamon and gives the dish a subtle depth of flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The cinnamon brings out the flavor of the cinnamon swirl bread, tying the dish together and creating a perfectly spiced flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is a warm spice that complements cinnamon and adds a touch of complexity to the custard.
Butter or oil for cooking: A generous amount of butter or oil is essential for achieving that golden, crispy crust on each slice of French toast. You can use either, but butter tends to add a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste.
1 cup powdered sugar: The powdered sugar gives the glaze its sweetness and smooth texture.
2 tablespoons milk: Milk helps achieve the ideal consistency for the glaze, making it pourable without being too runny.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Like in the custard, vanilla extract adds a lovely fragrance and flavor to the glaze, complementing the sweetness of the sugar.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a straightforward process that will have you enjoying a decadent breakfast in no time. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Prepare the custard: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Keep whisking until everything is blended well and smooth. The custard should be slightly thick but still pourable. This aromatic mixture will infuse the bread with flavor.
Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a good amount of butter or oil to the pan and let it melt completely. The goal is to have enough fat to coat the bottom of the skillet so that the French toast doesn’t stick and has a nice crispy exterior.
Coat the bread: Take one slice of cinnamon swirl bread and dip it into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. It’s important not to soak the bread too long—just enough to absorb the custard without dripping. Let any excess custard drip off before moving the bread to the skillet. Repeat this step with the remaining slices.
Cook the French toast: Place the custard-soaked bread slices in the skillet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook each slice for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the heat; lowering it may help prevent burning while allowing the toast to cook thoroughly.
Make the glaze: As the French toast cooks, prepare the creamy glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the glaze is smooth and easy to drizzle. If it’s too thick, just add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve: Once the French toast is golden and crispy on both sides, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Generously drizzle the creamy glaze over each slice, allowing it to soak into the warm French toast. Serve immediately, savoring the warm, spiced flavors and the rich texture.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is best enjoyed fresh but can be served in various ways to make the meal more special. Here are some ideas:

Toppings: Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or sliced bananas for added flavor and freshness. You could also add a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch.
Syrup: For those who love sweetness, drizzle on some warm maple syrup for a classic combination.
Side dishes: Pair the French toast with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance to the meal.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll French Toast

If you happen to have leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast, it can be stored easily. Follow these steps:

Cooling Down: Allow the French toast to cool completely before storing.
Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the French toast in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side, or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up. When reheating in the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Easy Tips to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread works best for soaking in the custard without falling apart.
Don’t rush the soaking: Let each slice soak long enough to absorb the custard mixture fully for the best texture.
Control the heat: Keep the stove at medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring the bread cooks through.
Make the glaze in advance: You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Try These Variations of Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few variations you can try:

Stuffed French Toast: Add a cream cheese filling between two slices of bread before dipping them in the custard.
Pumpkin Spice Variation: Substitute some of the milk with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice to the custard for a fall-inspired twist.
Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the custard or sprinkle them on top of the finished French toast for a decadent treat.

Common Questions About Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! While cinnamon swirl bread is recommended for its flavor, you can substitute it with brioche, challah, or Texas toast. Just add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to get that cinnamon roll flavor.
How do I make a dairy-free version?
You can easily substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. Use egg substitutes like flax eggs or a store-bought egg replacement for a dairy-free and egg-free version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and soak the bread slices in it. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook them in the morning.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a delightful and irresistible twist on the traditional breakfast favorite. With its soft, flavorful bread and rich, sweet glaze, it brings comfort and joy to any morning. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or just treating yourself to a cozy breakfast at home, this recipe is sure to make your day a little sweeter. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a warm, cinnamon-spiced delight that will leave you craving more.

Ready to Give It a Try?

Now that you have all the steps and tips to make this delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast, it’s time to hit the kitchen! Make this recipe and enjoy the cozy flavors and textures that make breakfast something truly special. You won’t regret treating yourself to this delightful meal. Enjoy!