Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon roll french toast: just the name alone conjures up images of cozy weekend mornings, doesn’t it? Imagine biting into a slice of golden-brown, perfectly cooked French toast, but instead of the usual bread, it’s made with a soft, gooey, cinnamon-swirled cinnamon roll! This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience, a delightful collision of two beloved comfort foods that will have your taste buds singing.

While the exact origins of combining these two breakfast titans are shrouded in mystery, the concept feels inherently American – a celebration of indulgence and flavor. Both cinnamon rolls and French toast have deep roots in culinary history, with variations found across cultures for centuries. The beauty of cinnamon roll french toast lies in its simplicity and the sheer joy it brings.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The taste is an obvious draw – the warm, spiced cinnamon mingling with the rich, eggy custard is simply irresistible. The texture is equally appealing, offering a delightful contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and the soft, pillowy interior. And let’s not forget the convenience! It’s a relatively quick and easy way to elevate your breakfast game, transforming ordinary cinnamon rolls into an extraordinary treat. Whether you’re looking to impress brunch guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a winner.

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, or more to reach desired consistency
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a fork or electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This mixture will be spread onto the bread slices to create that signature cinnamon roll swirl.

Preparing the Bread:

1. Lay the bread slices on a clean work surface. Using a butter knife or small offset spatula, spread a generous layer of the cinnamon swirl filling evenly over one side of each bread slice. Don’t be shy with the filling – it’s what makes this French toast so special!
2. Starting at one end of each bread slice, gently roll the bread up tightly, like you would a cinnamon roll. Secure the seam with a toothpick if needed, although usually the filling will help hold it together.
3. Once all the bread slices are rolled, use a sharp serrated knife to slice each roll into 1-inch thick rounds. You should get about 6-8 slices from each roll, depending on the size of your bread.

Preparing the Custard:

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. This custard mixture is what will soak into the bread and give it that rich, creamy texture.

Soaking the Cinnamon Roll Slices:

1. Gently place the cinnamon roll slices into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Let them soak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are saturated but not falling apart. You want the bread to absorb as much of the custard as possible without becoming soggy.
2. If you have a lot of slices, you may need to soak them in batches to avoid overcrowding the dish.

Cooking the French Toast:

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely, coating the bottom of the pan.
2. Carefully transfer the soaked cinnamon roll slices to the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The cinnamon swirl filling may start to caramelize, which is perfectly fine and adds to the flavor.
3. Add more butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
4. Once the French toast slices are cooked, transfer them to a baking sheet and keep them warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) while you cook the remaining slices.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. While the French toast is cooking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
3. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less milk depending on the humidity and the consistency of your cream cheese.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
5. Taste and adjust the sweetness or consistency as needed.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Arrange the cooked cinnamon roll French toast slices on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping.
3. Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or fresh berries.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! This French toast is best enjoyed warm, when the glaze is still soft and the cinnamon swirl filling is gooey.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: While challah, brioche, and Texas toast are all excellent choices for this recipe, you can also use other types of bread, such as croissants or even day-old cinnamon rolls. Just adjust the soaking time accordingly.
• Overnight Soak: For an even richer and more flavorful French toast, you can soak the cinnamon roll slices in the custard mixture overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
• Baking Option: If you prefer, you can bake the French toast instead of cooking it on the stovetop. Arrange the soaked cinnamon roll slices in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Flavor Variations: Get creative with the cinnamon swirl filling! You can add chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins. You can also use different spices, such as cardamom or ginger.
• Glaze Variations: Instead of cream cheese glaze, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze, maple syrup, or even a chocolate ganache.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cinnamon swirl filling and roll the bread slices ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to slice and soak.
• Freezing: Cooked cinnamon roll French toast can be frozen for later use. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Troubleshooting:

• French Toast is Soggy: Make sure you don’t soak the bread slices for too long. They should be saturated but not falling apart. Also, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the slices.
• French Toast is Burning: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the slices for a longer period of time. You may also need to add more butter to the skillet to prevent sticking.
• Glaze is Too Thick: Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Glaze is Too Thin: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 450-550
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 200-250mg
• Sodium: 200-300mg
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Sugar: 30-40g
• Protein: 10-15g

Enjoy this decadent and delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast! It’s the perfect treat for a special breakfast or brunch.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a celebration on a plate! I truly believe this cinnamon roll french toast recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a little indulgence in the morning (or, let’s be honest, any time of day!). The combination of the warm, spiced cinnamon roll flavor with the custardy goodness of french toast is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect way to elevate your brunch game and impress your family and friends.

But what makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. While it’s fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-worthy treat.

For those who prefer a lighter option, fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are a wonderful complement to the richness of the french toast. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance without being overly sweet. You could even create a berry compote to drizzle over the top for a burst of fruity flavor.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cinnamon rolls! While I used classic cinnamon rolls in this recipe, you could easily substitute them with caramel pecan cinnamon rolls, cream cheese filled cinnamon rolls, or even homemade cinnamon rolls for a truly personalized touch. The possibilities are endless!

Beyond toppings, consider the bread you use for your french toast. While challah bread is my personal favorite for its rich flavor and texture, brioche or even thick-cut Texas toast would work beautifully. Each type of bread will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the final dish, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination.

I’m confident that this cinnamon roll french toast will become a new favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note or to treat yourself to a special weekend brunch.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the magic of cinnamon roll french toast! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Once you’ve tried it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what toppings you loved, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures! Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I am sure you will love this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family so they can enjoy this delicious treat too!