Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake: A Favorite Make-Ahead Brunch Casserole

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When it comes to brunch showstoppers, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake might just take the crown.

It’s got all the gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls, combined with the soft, custardy texture of French toast, baked together in one easy, make-ahead dish. Drizzled with a sweet vanilla icing, it’s the perfect balance of warm cinnamon spice, rich buttery flavor, and soft, pillowy bites.

And the best part? It’s make-ahead friendly, meaning you can prep it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning while sipping your coffee.

Perfect for holiday brunches, Easter morning, or a cozy weekend treat!

Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Casserole Recipe

💛 Easy to Make – Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients with minimal effort.
💛 Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it the night before for a stress-free morning.
💛 Decadent & Crowd-Pleasing – Tastes like cinnamon rolls meets French toast, all in one delicious bite.
💛 Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or even a cream cheese drizzle for extra flair.

Ingredients

For the French Toast Bake:

• 1 loaf brioche or challah bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 6 large eggs
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup melted butter

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter

For the Vanilla Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prep the Bread

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom.

2. Make the Custard

• In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread, pressing the bread down gently to soak it in.

3. Add the Cinnamon Swirl

• In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
• Drizzle over the top of the French toast bake, using a spoon to swirl it into the top layer.

4. Let It Soak (Make-Ahead Option!)

• Overnight Method: Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• Same-Day Baking: Let it sit for 20 minutes to absorb the custard.

5. Bake Until Golden

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and set.

6. Make the Icing & Serve

• Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Drizzle over the warm bake and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 13g

Tips for the Best French Toast Bake

💡 Use Stale Bread – Slightly dry bread absorbs the custard better, preventing a soggy bottom.
💡 Want a Crunchy Topping? – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
💡 For Extra Indulgence – Swap the vanilla icing for a cream cheese glaze!
💡 Don’t Skip the Cinnamon Swirl – It creates pockets of gooey, caramelized cinnamon flavor throughout the bake.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is one of our family’s favorite brunch recipes, combining the best of both worlds—gooey cinnamon rolls and rich, custardy French toast. Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch, Father’s Day brunch, celebrating a holiday, or just treating yourself, this easy, make-ahead dish will make your morning feel extra special—with zero stress.

So go ahead, prep it tonight, bake it tomorrow, and enjoy the easiest, most delicious brunch you’ve ever made!

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