Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revelation! Imagine the gooey, comforting sweetness of a cinnamon roll colliding head-on with the custardy, golden goodness of French toast. It’s a flavor explosion that will redefine your weekend brunch game.

While the exact origins of this decadent mashup are shrouded in mystery, the inspiration is clear. Cinnamon rolls, with their Scandinavian roots and widespread popularity in American bakeries, represent pure indulgence. French toast, a dish with variations dating back to ancient Rome, offers a comforting familiarity. Combining these two beloved treats is a stroke of genius, a culinary marriage made in breakfast heaven.

What makes Cinnamon Roll French Toast so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures: the slightly crisp exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy interior, infused with cinnamon-sugar swirls. The creamy custard soaks into every nook and cranny, creating a symphony of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe transforms store-bought cinnamon rolls into an elegant and impressive brunch centerpiece, perfect for wowing guests or simply treating yourself to a special morning.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Mix with a fork or spatula until well combined and smooth. This will be your cinnamon swirl filling. Set aside.

Preparing the French Toast:

1. Using a small offset spatula or butter knife, spread a generous layer of the cinnamon swirl filling onto one side of each slice of bread. Don’t be shy! We want that cinnamon flavor in every bite.
2. Stack two slices of bread together, cinnamon swirl sides facing each other, to create a “cinnamon roll” sandwich. Gently press the slices together to help them adhere.
3. Repeat with the remaining bread slices and cinnamon swirl filling.

Making the Custard:

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or a large pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no streaks of egg yolk. This is your custard base for soaking the French toast.

Soaking the French Toast:

1. Place one cinnamon swirl French toast sandwich into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring that the bread is thoroughly saturated. You want the custard to penetrate all the way through the bread, but not so much that it becomes soggy and falls apart.
2. Carefully flip the sandwich and soak the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Repeat the soaking process with the remaining French toast sandwiches.

Cooking the French Toast:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully place two or three soaked French toast sandwiches into the skillet, depending on the size of your skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the French toast won’t brown evenly.
2. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
3. Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining French toast sandwiches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
5. If you’re making a large batch, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated oven at 200°F until ready to serve.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. While the French toast is cooking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less milk depending on the humidity and the consistency of your cream cheese and butter.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
5. Taste and adjust the sweetness or consistency as needed. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Once the French toast is cooked and the glaze is prepared, it’s time to assemble and serve!
2. Place the cooked French toast on a serving platter or individual plates.
3. Generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top of the French toast. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping.
4. Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy! This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is best enjoyed warm.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: While challah, brioche, and Texas toast are excellent choices for French toast, you can also use other types of bread, such as croissants, sourdough, or even day-old bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up to the soaking process.
• Custard Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the custard. You can add a splash of bourbon, rum, or coffee liqueur for an extra kick. You can also add different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
• Filling Variations: Get creative with the filling! You can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, or even a layer of Nutella.
• Glaze Variations: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese glaze, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze or a maple syrup glaze. You can also add different flavors to the glaze, such as lemon zest, orange zest, or almond extract.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cinnamon swirl filling and the custard mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also soak the French toast sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before serving.
• Baking Option: For a hands-off approach, you can bake the French toast in the oven. After soaking the French toast sandwiches, place them in a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a side of fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate! The irresistible combination of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls transformed into fluffy, golden French toast is simply divine. Trust me, the aroma alone will have your family scrambling to the kitchen. It’s the perfect way to elevate your brunch game and create lasting memories.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. We’re talking about the comforting taste of cinnamon rolls, amplified by the richness of French toast. It’s a decadent treat that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings or lazy Sunday brunches. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Forget boring toast; this is where breakfast dreams come true!

But the best part? The versatility! While the recipe as written is pure perfection, feel free to experiment and make it your own. For a truly indulgent experience, try using brioche cinnamon rolls for an extra rich and buttery flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the egg mixture for a boozy brunch twist.

Serving suggestions are endless. A simple dusting of powdered sugar is always a classic choice. But why stop there? Drizzle generously with maple syrup, homemade cream cheese frosting, or a decadent caramel sauce. Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, add a burst of freshness and vibrant color. For a truly over-the-top experience, top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Consider serving this Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a complete and satisfying breakfast. A refreshing glass of orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee complements the sweetness perfectly. And don’t forget the whipped cream! A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and makes every bite even more heavenly.

Variations to Explore:

* Nutella Swirl: Spread a thin layer of Nutella between the cinnamon roll layers before dipping in the egg mixture.
* Apple Pie Spice: Add a teaspoon of apple pie spice to the egg mixture for a warm and comforting flavor.
* Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest into the egg mixture for a bright and citrusy twist.
* Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the French toast while it’s still warm for a melty chocolatey delight.
* Savory Option: Believe it or not, you can even make a savory version! Use plain rolls and add herbs and spices to the egg mixture. Top with cheese and bacon after cooking.

I’m confident that this Cinnamon Roll French Toast will become a new family favorite. It’s a guaranteed way to start your day with a smile and create lasting memories around the breakfast table.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the most delicious French toast you’ve ever tasted. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, try this recipe and share your creations and variations with me in the comments below. Let me know what toppings you used, what variations you tried, and how much your family loved it. Happy cooking!