There’s nothing quite like the combination of cinnamon and sugar to make your mornings feel a little extra special. The aroma alone is enough to awaken even the sleepiest of souls, wrapping the kitchen in the cozy scent of warmth and nostalgia. Cinnamon Roll French Toast takes two beloved classics—pillowy cinnamon rolls and golden, custardy French toast—and fuses them into a breakfast masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, treating your family to a weekend delight, or simply indulging yourself on a quiet morning, this dish guarantees smiles all around.
This recipe has all the decadence of cinnamon rolls without the wait time of making dough from scratch. You’ll achieve those iconic spiced notes layered with the creamy, sweet glaze, and the crisped edges of the French toast bring a delightful contrast to the tender center. Pair this dish with a hot cup of coffee, a swirl of whipped cream, or even fresh fruit, and you have yourself a morning to remember.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in Every Bite: The perfect blend of cinnamon roll flavors and French toast textures makes for a breakfast that’s rich and satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet, glazed dish. It’s an instant hit for special breakfasts.
- Quick Yet Impressive: You don’t need hours in the kitchen to make something this indulgent. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish worthy of a bakery window.
- Flexible for Occasions: This is ideal for holiday brunches, cozy weekends, or even a whimsical breakfast-for-dinner night!
Ingredients You’ll Need
French Toast
- 8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter or oil for cooking
Creamy Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Whisk Together the Custard
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and evenly combined. This custard mixture will be the heart of your French toast, giving it a warm, spiced flavor that mimics a cinnamon roll filling.
2. Heat the Pan
Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or drizzle of oil, and allow it to melt, coating the surface. The pan should be hot enough that the bread sizzles when it hits the surface but not so hot that it burns.
3. Soak the Bread
Take each slice of cinnamon swirl bread and dip it into the custard. Let it sit for a few seconds on each side to absorb the mixture, but don’t leave it long enough to fall apart. Shake off any excess custard before transferring the bread to the skillet.
4. Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. As the slices cook, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5. Prepare the Creamy Glaze
While the French toast is cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until the glaze is smooth and reaches a pourable consistency. You can add a little more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
6. Plate and Serve
Once the French toast is golden and crisp, transfer it to serving plates. Drizzle the creamy glaze generously over the top of each slice, letting it cascade down the edges for that classic cinnamon roll effect. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
7. Garnish and Enjoy
For an extra special touch, top your French toast with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with fresh fruit or a side of crispy turkey bacon for a complete breakfast.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a thick, sturdy cinnamon swirl bread to hold up to the custard. Day-old bread works best, as it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy.
- Control the Heat: Cooking over medium heat ensures the French toast develops a crisp exterior while cooking through evenly.
- Keep Warm While Serving: If preparing multiple servings, keep cooked slices warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until all slices are ready.
- Make-Ahead Glaze: The glaze can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Stir well before using.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your French toast sweeter, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar to the custard mixture.
- Explore Toppings: Beyond the glaze, consider topping your French toast with chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe scales beautifully if you’re serving a larger crowd.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 291
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 153mg
- Sodium: 145mg
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 31g
- Protein: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! While cinnamon swirl bread is ideal for this recipe, you can use any bread with a sturdy texture. Brioche or challah bread work wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a plant-based butter alternative for cooking.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place leftover French toast in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat to restore its crisp texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the toast soggy.
Can I make the glaze less sweet?
Yes, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or replace it with a cream cheese drizzle for a tangy alternative.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate for best results.
- Freeze: French toast can be frozen by wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster oven or skillet.
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Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast is more than just breakfast—it’s an experience. With its comforting aroma, indulgent flavors, and beautiful presentation, it’s a dish that turns any morning into a celebration. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with loved ones, this recipe will surely become a cherished tradition in your home. Give it a try, and watch as this irresistible treat brightens your day!
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Description
There’s nothing quite like the combination of cinnamon and sugar to make your mornings feel a little extra special. The aroma alone is enough to awaken even the sleepiest of souls, wrapping the kitchen in the cozy scent of warmth and nostalgia. Cinnamon Roll French Toast takes two beloved classics—pillowy cinnamon rolls and golden, custardy French toast—and fuses them into a breakfast masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, treating your family to a weekend delight, or simply indulging yourself on a quiet morning, this dish guarantees smiles all around.
This recipe has all the decadence of cinnamon rolls without the wait time of making dough from scratch. You’ll achieve those iconic spiced notes layered with the creamy, sweet glaze, and the crisped edges of the French toast bring a delightful contrast to the tender center. Pair this dish with a hot cup of coffee, a swirl of whipped cream, or even fresh fruit, and you have yourself a morning to remember.
Ingredients
French Toast
- 8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter or oil for cooking
Creamy Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Whisk Together the Custard
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until smooth and evenly combined. This custard mixture will be the heart of your French toast, giving it a warm, spiced flavor that mimics a cinnamon roll filling.
2. Heat the Pan
Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or drizzle of oil, and allow it to melt, coating the surface. The pan should be hot enough that the bread sizzles when it hits the surface but not so hot that it burns.
3. Soak the Bread
Take each slice of cinnamon swirl bread and dip it into the custard. Let it sit for a few seconds on each side to absorb the mixture, but don’t leave it long enough to fall apart. Shake off any excess custard before transferring the bread to the skillet.
4. Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked slices onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. As the slices cook, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5. Prepare the Creamy Glaze
While the French toast is cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until the glaze is smooth and reaches a pourable consistency. You can add a little more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
6. Plate and Serve
Once the French toast is golden and crisp, transfer it to serving plates. Drizzle the creamy glaze generously over the top of each slice, letting it cascade down the edges for that classic cinnamon roll effect. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
7. Garnish and Enjoy
For an extra special touch, top your French toast with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, chopped nuts, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Pair it with fresh fruit or a side of crispy turkey bacon for a complete breakfast.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your French toast sweeter, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar to the custard mixture.
- Explore Toppings: Beyond the glaze, consider topping your French toast with chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.
- Double the Recipe: This recipe scales beautifully if you’re serving a larger crowd.