Cinnamon Roll French Toast (Easy Breakfast Bake)

This cinnamon roll French toast is the ultimate breakfast comfort food — soft, gooey, and loaded with warm cinnamon-sugar flavor in every bite. Made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, a rich egg custard, and a drizzle of icing, it combines the best parts of cinnamon rolls and French toast into one irresistible breakfast bake. I took inspiration from my Cinnamon Roll Casserole and Challah Bread French Toast Bake to create a recipe that’s indulgent, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re cooking for family on Christmas morning or making a cozy weekend breakfast, this is a dish that both kids and adults are guaranteed to love.

Why I Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Cinnamon rolls have always been my go-to sweet breakfast treat, and French toast is one of my favorite nostalgic comfort foods. I’ve made countless versions of both — from my caramel rolls to my cream cheese stuffed French toast, but I wanted to create something that merged the two classics into one easy, over-the-top delicious recipe. After a few tests, this cinnamon roll French toast bake turned out even better than I expected.

I designed this recipe to be fast, foolproof, and special enough for any occasion. Using store-bought cinnamon rolls keeps prep simple, but baking them in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard transforms them into a bakery-style breakfast — crisp on the edges, pillowy in the center, and dripping with sweet icing.

It’s the perfect recipe for holiday mornings, brunch gatherings, or lazy weekends when you want something homemade and impressive without a ton of work. The combination of textures — buttery, soft, and slightly caramelized — makes every bite pure comfort, and the icing drizzle on top gives it that final, decadent touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing packet included (Pillsbury Cinnamon
  Rolls work great)
• 2 tablespoon butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup maple syrup

How To Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut each cinnamon roll into 8 small pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Custard

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Layer the Base

Pour melted butter into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish, coating it evenly. Arrange cinnamon roll pieces in a single layer.

Step 4: Add the Egg Mixture and Sweetness

Pour the egg custard evenly over the cinnamon rolls, making sure each piece is coated. Drizzle maple syrup over the top for extra richness and a caramelized flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and set in the center.  Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time so you don't overbake. 

Step 6: Add the Icing and Serve

Remove from the oven and drizzle the included icing over the top while it's still warm. Serve warm straight from the dish, or top with whipped cream, extra syrup, or fresh fruit.

Expert Tips for The Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast

• Cut the cinnamon rolls small for even baking. Slice each cinnamon roll into 8 bite-sized pieces before layering them in the pan. Smaller pieces absorb the custard more evenly, ensuring every bite is soft, creamy, and packed with cinnamon flavor. If the pieces are too large, the outside can overbake while the center stays doughy.
• Coat every piece with the custard. When you pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon rolls, gently press the pieces down with a spoon or spatula to help them soak up the liquid. This ensures your cinnamon roll French toast casserole bakes up moist and custardy throughout instead of dry on top.
• Use the icing while the casserole is warm. As soon as the casserole comes out of the oven, drizzle on the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls. The warmth from the bake helps the icing melt into all the crevices, creating a glossy, sweet glaze that ties everything together. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can even warm the icing packet slightly in hot water before drizzling.
• Add texture with mix-ins or toppings. For a bakery-style twist, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even crumbled bacon on top before baking. The nuts toast in the oven and add a crunchy contrast to the soft custard base. You can also dust the baked casserole with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar right before serving for a little extra sweetness.
• Don’t overbake — aim for a soft, custardy center. The perfect cinnamon roll French toast bake should be crisp and golden on the edges but soft and custard-like in the middle. Bake just until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when you shake the pan. Overbaking can dry it out and make it lose that rich, creamy texture.
• Experiment with flavored syrups or glazes. While maple syrup is classic, don’t be afraid to switch it up! Try caramel, cream cheese glaze, butterscotch, or even vanilla icing for a flavor variation that takes this breakfast bake to the next level. A light drizzle of cream cheese frosting gives it that true cinnamon roll bakery vibe.
• Make it ahead for an easy brunch. This recipe is a dream for holiday mornings or make-ahead brunches. You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge — just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a stress-free way to serve a warm, homemade breakfast without any morning prep.
• Use the right baking dish. An 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch dish gives the perfect balance of crispy edges and custardy center. If you prefer a thicker, bread pudding-style bake, use a smaller, deeper dish. For a crispier version, use a larger, shallower pan to spread the cinnamon rolls out more.
•  Serve it warm for the best texture. This casserole tastes best when served right out of the oven while the icing is still melty and the center is warm and soft. If you’re serving it later, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, or in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.
• Customize it for the season. You can easily turn this recipe into a seasonal showstopper by adding mix-ins like pumpkin spice, apple pie filling, or cranberries during the holidays. In summer, try topping it with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a bright, fresh twist.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast FAQs

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use homemade cinnamon rolls, you can use either baked or unbaked dough. For unbaked rolls, cut the dough into small pieces and follow the recipe as written, but add an extra 5–10 minutes of baking time if the dough is thicker. For baked rolls, just cut them into bite-sized chunks and toss them in the custard mixture before baking — they’ll soak up the liquid and bake into a rich, bread pudding–style casserole.

Can I make cinnamon roll French toast ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and brunches. Simply assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge — just add about 5 minutes to the bake time so it heats evenly. This is my favorite way to serve a warm, homemade breakfast with zero morning prep!

Can I use a different type of bread instead of cinnamon rolls?

Definitely. While cinnamon rolls give this casserole its signature sweetness and cinnamon flavor, you can substitute other types of bread for a less sweet version. Brioche, challah, croissants, or Texas toast work great — just cut them into cubes and follow the same custard and baking instructions. If you use plain bread, consider adding extra cinnamon and brown sugar to the custard to enhance the flavor.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The oven method keeps the edges crispy and the center soft, just like when it was freshly baked.

Can I freeze cinnamon roll French toast?

Yes — this cinnamon roll French toast casserole freezes well! Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. The texture stays soft and gooey, and the flavor is just as delicious.

Can I use the air fryer to reheat it?

Yes! For the best results, reheat individual slices in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. This method crisps up the edges while keeping the center warm and soft — it’s a great option if you want that “just baked” texture without turning on the oven.

Can I make this cinnamon roll French toast dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is easy to adapt! Use your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) and replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Most refrigerated cinnamon roll brands are dairy-free, but always check the label just to be sure.

What toppings go well with cinnamon roll French toast?

Aside from the classic icing drizzle, you can take your breakfast to the next level with toppings like whipped cream, powdered sugar, caramel sauce, cream cheese glaze, or chopped pecans. For a fresh touch, add sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. It’s a versatile dish, so you can keep it simple or make it brunch-worthy with a few extra toppings.

My Final Thoughts

This cinnamon roll French toast bake is sweet, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. With gooey cinnamon roll pieces baked in a creamy custard and topped with icing, it’s the ultimate easy brunch dish that feels elevated but takes minutes to prepare. Whether you serve it for the holidays, brunch parties, or a cozy Sunday breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table! Give it a try and leave me a comment and review below so I can hear your thoughts. 

Easy Breakfast Recipes To Try Next

• Sheet pan pancakes
• Small batch pancakes
• Mini waffles
• French toast for two
• Brioche French toast casserole