Are you ready to enjoy a warm, gooey treat that combines two of your favorites? My Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a simple, sweet dish that will wow your family and friends. With just a few easy steps and simple ingredients, you can create a breakfast or dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe and put a spin on your usual brunch routine!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe simplifies the process of making cinnamon rolls by combining them into a delicious bake, perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 8 servings, this dish is ideal for family breakfasts or entertaining guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy a warm, sweet treat.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily personalize this bake with your favorite nuts, fruits, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for added indulgence.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of cinnamon, maple syrup, and creamy custard creates a decadent flavor profile that’s hard to resist!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
– 2 cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
– 2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
I love using refrigerated cinnamon rolls for this dish. They make it fast and easy. You will need two cans, each containing eight rolls. The eggs create a rich custard that soaks into the rolls. For a creamy texture, we add milk and heavy cream.
Vanilla extract gives it a warm flavor. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add spice and depth. Maple syrup adds sweetness and pairs well with the rolls. Chopped pecans are optional but add nice crunch.
Finally, we make icing with powdered sugar and milk. The icing adds a sweet finish that makes this dish special. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to bake something delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Preheating the Oven
1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key to getting a good bake.
2. Next, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well. Use butter or cooking spray to cover the bottom and sides. This will help prevent sticking.
3. Then, take your two cans of cinnamon rolls. Open them carefully.
4. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each roll into quarters. Scatter these pieces evenly in the greased dish.
Make the Custard Mixture
1. In a large mixing bowl, crack all six eggs. Whisk them together until smooth and blended.
2. Add in the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Next, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Finally, pour in the maple syrup. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth custard mixture.
Assemble and Bake
1. Pour the custard over the cinnamon roll pieces in the dish. Make sure each piece gets coated well.
2. If you like, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.
3. Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and a firm center.
4. While it cools for a few minutes, mix the icing. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk. Make it smooth.
5. Once the bake cools slightly, drizzle the icing generously over the top. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring the Perfect Bake
Baking time and temperature matter. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you start. Bake for 25-30 minutes. This time helps the custard set. The top should be golden brown. To check doneness, insert a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, you are ready to serve.
Icing Preparation
For the icing, you need powdered sugar and milk. Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk until smooth. The right consistency is thick but pourable. A good drizzle makes it look tasty. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for fun drizzling.
Serving Suggestions
Always serve this dish warm. Warm cinnamon roll bake tastes best. You can add garnishes like pecans or fresh berries. Chopped pecans add crunch. Berries give a pop of color. A drizzle of maple syrup on top makes it extra sweet. Enjoy this delightful dish!
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Rolls: For a thicker custard absorption, use slightly stale cinnamon rolls. This prevents them from becoming too mushy during baking.
- Customize Your Nuts: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor profile. Toast them lightly before adding for extra crunch.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the bake; it should come out clean when fully cooked, ensuring a perfect texture.
Variations
Flavor Modifications
To make your cinnamon roll French toast bake even more fun, you can add spices. A pinch of ginger gives it a nice kick. Cloves add warmth and depth. You can also try new extracts. Almond or coconut can bring a fresh twist to the dish. Just remember to keep the flavors balanced.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, try different ingredients. You can use oat milk or almond milk instead of regular milk. These options can make it dairy-free. For the cream, consider using coconut cream. If you don’t like pecans, you can leave them out or use walnuts. Each nut brings its own taste and crunch.
Serving Size Adjustments
Need to serve more people? Simply double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish to fit everything. If you want to make less, cut the recipe in half. Just use a smaller dish for baking. This way, everyone can enjoy this sweet treat!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your leftovers, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check the warmth after each burst.
Freezing Information
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first, then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To enjoy later, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, it keeps its yummy taste and texture.
FAQs
What can I substitute for cinnamon rolls?
You can use other types of dough if you want. Homemade dough works well. You can also try croissants or puff pastry. These options add a fun twist to the dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just follow the steps up to pouring the custard. Cover the dish and place it in the fridge. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time for busy mornings.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm for the best taste. Drizzle with the icing right before serving. Add more pecans on top for crunch. Fresh berries make a great garnish. They add color and a fresh taste to each bite.
This blog post guides you through making a tasty cinnamon roll casserole. We covered the ingredients, from cinnamon rolls to eggs and milk. The steps for preparation and baking ensure a delicious dish. Tips for perfect baking and icing help you achieve great results. Remember to try variations, store leftovers properly, and explore FAQs for extra info. Enjoy making this fun recipe and share it with family and friends. Your efforts will surely impres
