Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a delightful breakfast or brunch dish combining the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the rich custard flavor of French toast. It’s easy to prepare and bakes into a golden, nutty treat topped with sweet icing, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a special family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cans cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury, 8 count packages)
- 5 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 package of syrup for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan: Melt the butter and pour it into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan to coat the bottom with butter for flavor and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dough: Separate the cans of cinnamon roll dough into 16 individual rolls and set the icing that comes with the rolls aside for later use.
- Cut and layer the dough: Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and arrange them in a single layer in the buttered baking pan, distributing evenly.
- Make the custard mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs. Then add the heavy whipping cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat all ingredients until well combined to create a custard mixture.
- Pour custard over dough: Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll dough quarters in the baking pan, allowing it to soak in.
- Add nuts and syrup: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top and drizzle with syrup as desired for extra sweetness and texture.
- Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes to set slightly for easier serving.
- Drizzle icing: Microwave the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls for 10-15 seconds until pourable. Drizzle the icing over the warm casserole to finish.
- Serve: Slice the casserole, serve warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon roll French toast.
Notes
- Using ungreased pan with melted butter adds flavor and helps to crisp the bottom slightly.
- Letting the casserole cool slightly before icing prevents the drizzle from melting too much.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice in the custard mixture.
- If you want a sweeter casserole, increase drizzle syrup or add brown sugar sprinkled on top before baking.
- Prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning for a convenient breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American