Last updated on: February 6, 2025

Have you ever craved a breakfast that’s both indulgent and easy to make? Cinnamon Roll French Toast is the perfect combination of two classic morning favorites—gooey cinnamon rolls and rich, custardy French toast. Whether you’re making breakfast for your family or hosting a brunch, this dish will impress everyone at the table.

Unlike regular French toast, which uses plain bread, Cinnamon Roll French Toast brings an extra layer of sweetness, spice, and fluffiness. It’s soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and bursting with cinnamon flavor. Best of all, you can prepare it in just seven simple steps with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from choosing the best cinnamon rolls to perfecting your cooking technique. Plus, we’ll share expert tips to avoid common mistakes like sogginess and uneven cooking. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game!

Ingredients & Equipment Needed

Fresh cinnamon rolls, eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices arranged on a marble countertop.

Before diving into the recipe, gather everything you need to make Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Using the right ingredients and tools will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Below is a detailed ingredients checklist, including recommended quantities to serve four people.

Ingredient and Nutrition Facts

Ingredient Checklist

Check	Ingredient	Quantity
	Cinnamon Rolls	4 large
	Eggs	3
	Milk	¾ cup
	Vanilla Extract	1 teaspoon
	Cinnamon	½ teaspoon
	Nutmeg (optional)	¼ teaspoon
	Butter	2 tablespoons
	Maple Syrup	For serving
	Powdered Sugar	For garnish

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	350	17%
Protein	9g	18%
Carbohydrates	45g	15%
Fat	15g	23%
Sugar	20g	22%

Best Types of Cinnamon Rolls to Use

The quality of your Cinnamon Roll French Toast depends on the rolls you use. Here are some options:

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: Ideal for a fresher taste and full control over ingredients.
Store-Bought Cinnamon Rolls: A quicker alternative that still delivers great results.
Day-Old Cinnamon Rolls: Slightly firmer, making them better for absorbing custard without becoming too soggy.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this recipe effortless, gather the following tools:

Mixing bowl – for preparing the custard.
Whisk – to blend the egg mixture smoothly.
Shallow dish – for soaking the cinnamon rolls evenly.
Non-stick pan or griddle – for even cooking.
Spatula – to flip the rolls without breaking them.

Step 1: Preparing the Cinnamon Rolls

Should You Use Fresh or Day-Old Rolls?

Fresh cinnamon rolls are soft and tender, but they can soak up too much custard and become mushy. Using day-old rolls helps prevent this issue. If your rolls are fresh, consider toasting them slightly before dipping them into the custard mixture.

How to Slice Cinnamon Rolls for French Toast

For the best texture, slice each cinnamon roll into halves or thirds. This allows for better absorption of the custard while maintaining a good balance between softness and crispiness.

Pro Tip: Cutting the rolls too thick can result in an undercooked center, while slicing them too thin may cause them to fall apart. Aim for ¾ to 1-inch thick slices for best results.

Step 2: Making the Custard Mixture

A rich, well-balanced custard is the key to perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast. The right combination of ingredients ensures a creamy texture while enhancing the warm, spiced flavors of the cinnamon rolls.

Key Ingredients for a Rich Custard

The custard mixture is what transforms the cinnamon rolls into French toast perfection. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient is important:

Eggs (3 large): Provide structure and help bind the ingredients. They also give the French toast a soft, custardy texture.
Milk (¾ cup): Adds moisture and prevents the toast from drying out. Whole milk is preferred for a richer taste, but you can use almond, oat, or soy milk as a dairy-free alternative.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Reinforces the cinnamon flavor already present in the rolls.
Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds warmth and complexity to the custard.
A Pinch of Salt: This balances out the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Mix for the Perfect Consistency

Whisk the eggs first. This ensures they blend smoothly into the mixture without creating streaks of egg whites.
Slowly add the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk continuously to incorporate air, making the custard light and fluffy.
Pour into a shallow dish. This makes it easier to dip and coat each cinnamon roll slice evenly.

Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey to the custard for a subtle sweetness.

Step 3: Dipping the Cinnamon Rolls

Cooking Cinnamon Roll French Toast In A Pan

The way you soak your cinnamon rolls in the custard will determine the final texture. If done incorrectly, your French toast could turn out too dry or overly soggy.

How Long Should You Soak Them?

Soaking time depends on the thickness and freshness of the rolls:

For fresh cinnamon rolls: Dip each slice for 2-3 seconds per side to avoid oversaturation.
For day-old rolls: Let them soak for 5-7 seconds so they absorb enough moisture to soften up.

If the rolls start falling apart, they’re too saturated. Reduce the soaking time to avoid a mushy texture.

The Right Technique for Even Coating

To ensure every bite is flavorful, follow these steps:

Use tongs or your hands to gently place each roll into the custard mixture.
Flip once to coat both sides evenly—don’t leave them sitting in the liquid for too long.
Let any excess custard drip off before transferring the roll to the pan.

Pro Tip: If your custard isn’t soaking in properly, pierce the cinnamon roll slices lightly with a fork before dipping. This allows the custard to seep in more evenly.

Step 4: Cooking the French Toast

Once your cinnamon rolls are coated in custard, it’s time to cook them to golden perfection. This step requires the right heat setting and cooking method to achieve the ideal balance of crispiness and softness.

Best Pan and Heat Settings for Even Cooking

The right cooking surface ensures your Cinnamon Roll French Toast cooks evenly without burning. Here’s what works best:

Non-stick skillet or griddle: Prevents sticking and allows for even heat distribution.
Medium-low heat: Cooking on low to medium heat prevents burning while ensuring the custard fully cooks through. High heat will brown the outside too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked.

How to Know When It’s Done

Properly cooked French toast should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside. Look for these signs:

The surface is crispy but not burned.
The center is firm yet soft, without any raw custard.
Press gently with a spatula—if liquid seeps out, it needs more cooking time.

Cooking Time Guide:

Heat Level	Cooking Time (Each Side)
Low-Medium Heat	3-4 minutes per side
Medium Heat	2-3 minutes per side

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, add a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil to the pan before cooking. It enhances the flavor and gives the toast a slightly caramelized texture.

Step 5: Adding Toppings and Syrups

Now that your Cinnamon Roll French Toast is golden brown and perfectly cooked, it’s time to elevate it with delicious toppings. The right combination of flavors and textures can transform this dish into an irresistible breakfast treat.

Classic Toppings for Cinnamon Roll French Toast

If you love traditional flavors, these classic toppings will enhance the warm cinnamon taste without overpowering it:

Maple Syrup – The natural sweetness of maple syrup pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and custard flavors. Drizzle generously before serving.
Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and a bit of extra sweetness.
Whipped Cream – Soft and airy, whipped cream balances out the richness of the toast. Use freshly whipped cream for the best texture.
Butter – A pat of butter melts beautifully over warm Cinnamon Roll French Toast, adding extra richness.

Creative Twists: Fruit, Nuts, and More

Looking to add a unique spin to your French toast? Try these creative toppings:

Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds provide a crunchy texture that complements the soft toast.
Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel or melted chocolate makes this dish even more decadent.
Greek Yogurt: If you prefer a slightly tangy contrast, add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.

Pro Tip: Want a bakery-style finish? Mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk to create a quick icing drizzle for a cinnamon roll effect.

Step 6: Serving Suggestions

Once your Cinnamon Roll French Toast is beautifully plated with toppings, you’ll want to pair it with the right drinks and sides to complete the meal.

Best Drinks and Sides to Pair With It

The rich, spiced flavors of this dish pair well with light and refreshing sides. Here are some great choices:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of oranges, apples, and berries helps balance the sweetness of the toast.
Scrambled Eggs: For a savory contrast, serve with soft, fluffy scrambled eggs.
Smoothies: A banana or berry smoothie makes a refreshing and nutritious addition.
Coffee or Tea: The warm, slightly bitter notes of coffee or black tea complement the sweet, buttery toast.

Pro Tip: If serving for brunch, offer a variety of toppings and sides so guests can customize their plates to their liking.

Step 7: Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), you’ll want to store and reheat them properly to maintain the best texture.

How to Keep Leftovers Fresh

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

The Best Way to Reheat Without Drying Out

To keep the toast from becoming soggy or too dry, reheat using these methods:

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes. This method preserves the crisp edges.
Air Fryer: Heat at 320°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Stovetop: Reheat on low heat with a small amount of butter in the pan.

Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the toast chewy and unevenly heated.

FAQs: Common Questions About Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Before wrapping up, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about making Cinnamon Roll French Toast.

What Is the Most Common Mistake in Making French Toast?

One of the biggest mistakes is soaking the bread for too long, which leads to soggy, undercooked toast. Always follow the soaking guidelines—just a few seconds for fresh rolls and a bit longer for firmer ones.

Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have cinnamon rolls, use thick-cut brioche, challah, or Texas toast and add extra cinnamon to the custard. However, using actual cinnamon rolls enhances the flavor and texture for an authentic experience.

How Can I Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Ahead of Time?

If you’re preparing for a brunch or special occasion, you can:

Prepare the custard in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
Slice the cinnamon rolls and refrigerate so they’re ready for dipping.
Cook the French toast and reheat it in the oven just before serving.

How Do I Prevent My Cinnamon Roll French Toast from Being Soggy?

To avoid soggy toast:

Don’t oversoak the rolls. A few seconds per side is enough.
Cook on medium-low heat so the inside cooks through before the outside burns.
Use day-old rolls instead of fresh ones for better texture.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to make Cinnamon Roll French Toast in just 7 simple steps! From selecting the best cinnamon rolls to cooking and serving them with delicious toppings, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re making breakfast for your family or hosting a weekend brunch, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Follow the expert tips in this guide to avoid common mistakes and achieve the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, custardy centers.

Are you ready to try it for yourself? Gather your ingredients, heat up your pan, and enjoy the ultimate Cinnamon Roll French Toast experience!

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