Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revelation! Imagine the gooey, comforting sweetness of a cinnamon roll colliding with the custardy, golden perfection of French toast. It’s not just breakfast; it’s a decadent indulgence that will transform your weekend mornings.

French toast, in its simplest form, has ancient roots, with variations appearing across cultures for centuries. But the genius of combining it with the beloved cinnamon roll? That’s a more modern marvel, a testament to our collective craving for over-the-top deliciousness. Think of it as a breakfast mashup made in heaven, taking two already amazing treats and elevating them to a whole new level of scrumptiousness.

People adore this dish for its sheer indulgence. The soft, pillowy texture, the warm cinnamon spice, and the sweet, creamy glaze create a symphony of flavors and textures that are simply irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe is perfect for a special occasion brunch or simply when you want to treat yourself (because, let’s be honest, you deserve it!). Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable breakfast creation. I know you’ll love it!

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
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is best done with a hand mixer, but a stand mixer will work too. Just be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Set aside while you prepare the French toast batter.

Preparing the French Toast Batter:

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. You don’t want any streaks of egg yolk or sugar clumps.
2. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy. This ensures that the bread will soak up the batter evenly.

Assembling the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Take one slice of bread and spread a generous layer of the cinnamon swirl filling on one side. Don’t be shy! The more filling, the more delicious it will be.
2. Top with another slice of bread, creating a sandwich. Gently press down to help the filling adhere.
3. Repeat with the remaining bread slices and cinnamon swirl filling.

Soaking the French Toast:

1. Place one cinnamon swirl sandwich into the egg mixture. Let it soak for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread is thoroughly saturated. You want the bread to be nice and soft, but not falling apart.
2. Carefully remove the soaked sandwich from the egg mixture, allowing any excess batter to drip off.
3. Repeat with the remaining cinnamon swirl sandwiches.

Cooking the French Toast:

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the French toast.
2. Place two cinnamon swirl French toast sandwiches in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and result in soggy French toast.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
4. Repeat with the remaining butter and French toast sandwiches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
5. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. If it’s not browning enough, increase the heat slightly.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Pour in 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.
5. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Serving the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Place the cooked cinnamon swirl French toast on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze.
3. Serve immediately.
4. Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also add fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread soaks up the egg mixture better and prevents the French toast from becoming soggy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the French toast in batches ensures that each slice browns evenly and cooks through properly.
• Adjust the heat as needed: If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If it’s not browning enough, increase the heat.
• Keep the cooked French toast warm: Place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F) while you finish cooking the remaining slices. This will prevent it from getting cold and soggy.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the cinnamon swirl sandwiches the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time in the morning. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before soaking them in the egg mixture.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the cinnamon swirl filling, such as chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
• Experiment with different toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce.
• For a richer flavor: Use brown butter in the cinnamon swirl filling. To make brown butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns a nutty brown color and has a rich, nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn the butter.
• Add a touch of citrus: A little bit of orange zest or lemon zest in the egg mixture can add a bright, refreshing flavor to the French toast.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.

Variations:

• Apple Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Add diced apples to the cinnamon swirl filling for a delicious fall-inspired twist.
• Nutella Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Spread Nutella on the bread instead of the cinnamon swirl filling for a decadent treat.
• Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Add peanut butter to the cinnamon swirl filling for a peanut butter lover’s dream.
• Savory Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Omit the sugar from the cinnamon swirl filling and add savory ingredients such as shredded cheese, cooked bacon, or chopped chives. Serve with a fried egg on top for a complete breakfast.

Storage Instructions:

• Leftover French Toast: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, or toaster.
• Cream Cheese Glaze: Store leftover cream cheese glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before using. You may need to add a little milk to thin it out if it has thickened.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe is truly a breakfast game-changer, and I genuinely believe it’s 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 comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the classic, custardy goodness of French toast is simply irresistible. It’s sweet, it’s satisfying, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for a weekend brunch or even a special weekday treat.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s more than just a breakfast dish; it’s an experience. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the cinnamon-spiced bread soaks in the egg mixture is heavenly. The first bite, with its crispy exterior and soft, gooey interior, is pure bliss. And the best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re serving it to your family, friends, or even just yourself, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast is guaranteed to bring smiles to faces.

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! For a classic touch, a simple dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup is always a winner. But if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try adding some fresh berries, like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries? The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the French toast perfectly.

Another fantastic option is to top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This takes it to a whole new level of decadence and makes it feel like a truly special occasion. If you’re a fan of nuts, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

And for those who like a little extra cinnamon flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the egg mixture or even sprinkle some on top of the finished French toast. You could also experiment with different types of bread. While cinnamon swirl bread is the star of the show, you could also use challah bread or brioche for an equally delicious result.

If you want to make it even more cinnamon roll-esque, consider adding a cream cheese glaze. Simply whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, then drizzle it over the warm French toast. Trust me, it’s divine!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Cinnamon Roll French Toast for yourself. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to create a breakfast masterpiece. And when you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and stories with me – did you make any variations? What did your family think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments below! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your Cinnamon Roll French Toast adventures. Happy cooking!