I adore the smell of warm Cinnamon Roll French Toast wafting through the kitchen. That sweet, buttery, spiced aroma clings to the air, teasing your taste buds before you even take a bite. It’s the kind of scent that pulls sleepy kids out of bed and makes weekend mornings feel extra special.

But, if you’re a lover of breakfast pastries, one of the most mouthwatering candidates would have to be French toast. A nice thick slice of custard-soaked bread fried to golden perfection, with crispy edges and a soft fluffy-in-the-middle center, what’s not to love?

So one day, having sat in front of a nearly finished tray of cinnamon rolls, thoughts crossed my mind about merging the two legends of breakfast into one truly decadent dish! Put in the idea of cinnamon roll French toast-the best of both worlds in every single bite.

This recipe turns classic cinnamon rolls into a rich, custardy, cinnamon-spiced French Toast. Each bite is packed with warm vanilla flavors, hints of brown sugar, and a touch of buttery crispness. Whether you’re whipping this up for a lazy Sunday breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because you deserve something indulgent, you’re in for a treat.

Oh, and did I mention it’s super easy to make? With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform ordinary cinnamon rolls into a show-stopping breakfast. No need for fancy kitchen skills—just a love for sweet, comforting food that brings everyone to the table.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Making cinnamon roll French toast is easier than you think, and the result is downright irresistible. With the right choice of bread and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a breakfast that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Choosing the Best Bread for French Toast

The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in using thick, sturdy bread. Regular sandwich bread? Nope, it won’t cut it—it soaks up too much liquid and falls apart. Instead, go for one of these:

• Brioche – Buttery and slightly sweet, this is the gold standard for rich, flavorful French toast.
• Challah – Soft yet firm, it absorbs the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
• Texas Toast – If you prefer something a little heartier, this thick-cut white bread holds up well to soaking.

Want to take it up a notch? Try slightly stale bread. Fresh bread can be too soft and might not hold up well. Let your slices sit out overnight, or toast them lightly before dipping.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Recipe

To get that classic cinnamon roll flavor, here’s what you’ll need:

• Thick-sliced bread (brioche or challah preferred) – 8 slices
• Eggs – 4 large, beaten
• Milk – 1 cup (whole milk works best for creaminess)
• Heavy cream – ½ cup, for extra richness
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons, because it makes everything taste better
• Ground cinnamon – 1 tablespoon, for that signature warmth
• Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons, adding a caramel-like depth
• Butter – For frying, ensuring a crisp, golden crust
• Powdered sugar icing (for drizzling) – More on that later!

With all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring everything together in the next step. Btw, if you want more breakfast ideas, check out this 4-Ingredient Banana Bread for another easy morning treat!

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Making this cinnamon roll French toast is a breeze if you follow these simple steps.

Preparing the Egg Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Make sure everything is well combined, so the flavors blend evenly.

Pro Tip: For extra fluffiness, whisk the eggs separately first before adding the other ingredients. This introduces air and makes the custard lighter.

Dipping and Cooking the French Toast

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter and let it melt.
2. Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, letting it soak for about 10 seconds per side. Don’t overdo it—you want the bread to be well-coated but not falling apart.
3. Place the soaked bread onto the heated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges.

Adding the Signature Cinnamon Swirl

Here’s where the magic happens. While the toast is cooking, mix together:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Drizzle this mixture over the toast while it’s still hot, letting it soak into the crispy surface. It adds that cinnamon roll magic without needing actual dough.

Drizzling the Perfect Icing

No cinnamon roll is complete without icing! Mix together:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Once the toast is plated, drizzle the icing generously over the top. Serve immediately, and watch it disappear in seconds!

This recipe is a true breakfast showstopper, and if you love fun twists on French toast, you might enjoy this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for another tasty option!

Nutritional Facts of Cinnamon Roll French Toast

While cinnamon roll French toast is undeniably indulgent, it’s always helpful to know what you’re eating. Below is a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving, based on an average slice made with brioche, eggs, milk, and icing.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	380-450 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	150mg
Sodium	280mg
Carbohydrates	48g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	22g
Protein	10g

How to Make It Healthier

Want to lighten it up a bit? Try these simple swaps:

• Use whole wheat bread instead of brioche for more fiber.
• Swap heavy cream for almond milk to cut down on fat.
• Reduce sugar in the custard or skip the icing for a less sweet version.

Balancing indulgence with healthier choices means you can enjoy cinnamon roll French toast without the guilt!

Toppings & Side Dishes to Pair with Cinnamon Roll French Toast

A great breakfast isn’t just about the main dish—it’s about the whole spread. Pairing cinnamon roll French toast with the right toppings and sides can make it even better!

Best Syrups and Sauces

Drizzling on something sweet takes this dish to another level. Here are some tasty options:

• Classic maple syrup – A timeless choice that pairs beautifully.
• Caramel sauce – Adds a deep, buttery sweetness.
• Honey butter glaze – Lightly sweet with a hint of richness.

For a fun twist, try homemade fruit compote—simmer berries with a little sugar and lemon juice for a fresh, tangy contrast.

Fresh Fruits & Nuts

Adding fruit and nuts brings in fresh flavors and crunch. Some great choices include:

• Bananas – Naturally sweet and perfect with cinnamon.
• Strawberries or blueberries – Adds brightness to each bite.
• Toasted pecans or walnuts – A little crunch makes a big difference.

Beverage Pairing Ideas

What’s the perfect drink to go with cinnamon roll French toast? Here are a few favorites:

• Hot coffee or chai latte – The warm spices complement the toast beautifully.
• Fresh orange juice – A refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Vanilla almond milk – A creamy, slightly sweet pairing.

How to Store & Freeze Cinnamon Roll French Toast

If you’ve made a big batch of cinnamon roll French toast and have leftovers (lucky you!), don’t let them go to waste. Storing and freezing it properly means you can enjoy it later without losing flavor or texture.

Storing Leftovers the Right Way

For short-term storage, keep your French toast fresh with these simple steps:

• Let it cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stack slices with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Keep icing separate if you plan to reheat. Drizzle it on after warming for the best texture.

Freezing for Later: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to save some for another day? Freezing works perfectly!

1. Cool the French toast completely—never freeze warm slices.
2. Place slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1 hour. This prevents them from sticking together.
3. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, with parchment paper between each slice.
4. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor

Reheating cinnamon roll French toast the right way keeps it crispy on the outside and soft inside:

• Oven (Best Option): Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
• Toaster (Quick & Easy): Pop slices in on a low setting for a crispy bite.
• Microwave (Fastest): Heat for 30-45 seconds, but be careful—it can get soggy fast!

For an extra treat, warm up some extra icing or syrup before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions about making the perfect cinnamon roll French toast? Here are some answers to the most common ones!

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