If you have a sweet tooth and love a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then the Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite morning treat. This recipe beautifully marries the soft, gooey magic of cinnamon rolls with the comforting richness of French toast, all baked together into a delightful casserole. Every bite bursts with cinnamon-spiced sweetness, creamy custard, and that irresistible glaze, making it perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special occasions where you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe calls for simple ingredients that you might already have on hand, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the airy cinnamon rolls to the creamy custard soaked through each bite, every component contributes to the mouthwatering final dish.
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing): These are the star of the show, providing that signature spiral of sweetness and gooey texture.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs add structure and richness, making sure each piece holds together beautifully after baking.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This boosts the custard’s creaminess, so your casserole is silky smooth.
- 1/2 cup milk: Milk balances the heavy cream, ensuring a custard that isn’t too thick but perfectly tender.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A warm dose of cinnamon amplifies the spice already in the rolls, giving every bite an aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile wonderfully.
- Optional: powdered sugar for garnish: A light dusting makes your casserole look even more irresistible and adds a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to keep everything from sticking and to help create those beautifully crisp edges we all love.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Cinnamon Rolls
Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters—you want smaller pieces so they fit snugly and bake evenly. Spread them out evenly in your greased baking dish, layering the gooey spirals so each bite has that beloved cinnamon swirl.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Custard Mix
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This luscious custard mixture will soak into every nook and cranny of your cinnamon roll pieces, making the casserole decadently tender and moist.
Step 4: Pour and Press
Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll quarters in the baking dish. Gently press the pieces down with a spatula or your hands to help them absorb that rich custard, ensuring no dry patches remain.
Step 5: Let it Sit
Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before baking. This soaking period is crucial—it lets the bread soak up all that custardy goodness, which means gooey, soft bites after baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the custard is fully set. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the most comforting aroma of cinnamon and vanilla.
Step 7: Glaze and Garnish
Once out of the oven, drizzle the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls generously over the casserole while it’s still warm. If you want to take things one step further, add a dusting of powdered sugar to make it look bakery-worthy.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy!
The Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Slice it up, plate it, and serve with a big smile.
How to Serve Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra icing elevates the look and sweetness of your casserole. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or warm maple syrup can add a lovely contrast to the gooey cinnamon flavors.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is quite decadent, pair it with simple sides such as crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a light green salad to balance the richness and give a variety of textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. Add a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to add color and crunch, making your dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it well to keep the custard moist and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. For unbaked casseroles, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil; it will keep well for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds until warmed through. For the best texture, use a 350°F oven to reheat slices for 10-15 minutes, which helps crisp the edges back up nicely.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls will make this casserole extra special and let you customize the sweetness and spice. Just be sure they fit well in your baking dish when cut.
Is this dish suitable for overnight preparation?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it covered. When ready, bake it in the morning for a fresh, warm breakfast or brunch.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free eggs or an egg substitute. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I serve with this cinnamon roll casserole for a balanced meal?
Pairing the casserole with protein like eggs or sausage and fresh fruit will create a well-rounded meal that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe yields about 8 servings, perfect for feeding a family or bringing to a brunch gathering.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten your mornings and wow your loved ones with a comforting, show-stopping breakfast, the Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe is a must-try. Its perfect balance of gooey sweetness, custardy softness, and cinnamon flavor will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become your go-to recipe for special mornings that feel extra cozy and indulgent.
Print
Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a decadent and easy-to-make breakfast treat combining soft cinnamon rolls with a rich custard. Baked until golden and gooey, it offers the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth that’s ideal for a cozy morning or special occasion brunch.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut Cinnamon Rolls: Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish for even baking.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Custard with Rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, gently pressing them down to immerse in the custard.
- Soak: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes so the cinnamon rolls can absorb the custard mixture fully for a gooey texture.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle the cinnamon roll icing over the warm casserole and dust with powdered sugar if desired for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the casserole warm to enjoy the gooey, sweet, and comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can prepare the dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate to bake fresh in the morning.
- Using both heavy cream and milk helps to create a rich but balanced custard.
- Adjust cinnamon quantity to taste for more or less spice.
- Optional powdered sugar adds a nice decorative touch but can be skipped for less sweetness.
- This casserole is best served immediately but can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
