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Imagine waking up to the delicious scent of cinnamon rolls and French toast. This Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake brings those two favorites together for a sweet morning treat. You can make it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning! In this post, I’ll guide you through the easy steps, share helpful tips, and show you how to customize this dish for your taste. Let’s dive into this delightful breakfast!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings or brunch gatherings.
- Make Ahead Convenience: With the option to refrigerate overnight, you can simply bake it in the morning, saving you time.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The combination of cinnamon rolls and a rich custard creates a truly decadent breakfast treat.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, fruits, or extra spices to make this dish uniquely yours!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cans (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
The main ingredients form the base of our dish. The refrigerated cinnamon rolls add sweetness and ease. Eggs bind everything together while giving a rich texture. Milk and heavy cream create a creamy custard that soaks into the rolls.
Flavor Enhancers
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
The flavor enhancers make this dish special. Vanilla extract brings warmth and sweetness. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy spice note. Maple syrup gives a touch of sweetness, perfect for drizzling on top.
Optional Additions
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Optional additions let you customize your bake. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar makes it look fancy and sweet. These little touches can really elevate your dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for getting a nice bake. Next, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well. This helps prevent sticking. Now, open the two cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Cut each roll into quarters. Arrange the pieces evenly in the greased dish.
Mixing the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together six large eggs. Add one cup of milk and half a cup of heavy cream. Then, mix in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Finally, add two tablespoons of maple syrup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Assembling and Refrigerating
Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces. Make sure every piece gets soaked. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle half a cup of chopped pecans on top. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Place it in the fridge overnight or for at least four hours. This step allows the flavors to meld and the rolls to soak up the egg mixture.
Baking Instructions
When you are ready to bake, remove the dish from the fridge. Uncover it and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the rolls to puff up and turn golden brown. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your delicious bake!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Bake
To ensure even cooking, cut the cinnamon rolls into quarters. Spread them evenly in the baking dish. This helps each piece soak in the egg mixture. Check for doneness by looking for a golden brown top. A toothpick can help too. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done!
Presentation Ideas
Serve straight from the baking dish for an inviting look. Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup on top. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Pair it with fresh fruit for color and freshness. Berries or sliced bananas work great!
Customizing Flavors
Get creative with your flavors! You can add fruits like berries or bananas for a fresh twist. Chocolate chips also make a tasty addition. For spices, try cardamom or allspice instead of cinnamon. These will give your dish a unique flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Pro Tips
- Use Day-Old Rolls: For the best texture, use day-old cinnamon rolls. They will absorb the egg mixture better and yield a fluffier bake.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice to add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for breakfast gatherings; prepare it the night before and just bake it in the morning for a hassle-free start.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert option.
Variations
Different Bread Options
You can switch things up by using different types of bread. Instead of cinnamon rolls, try using traditional bread like brioche or challah. These breads soak up the egg mixture well and give a soft texture.
If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free loaves. Just ensure they are fresh to get the best flavor.
Flavor Profiles
Add a twist to your dish with different flavors. For a bright taste, mix in some citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest can really wake up the dish. It adds a fresh note that pairs well with the sweetness of the rolls.
You can also explore spiced variations. Try adding cardamom or allspice to the egg mixture. Both spices enhance the warmth of cinnamon and give a unique depth to your bake.
Serving Variations
Want to make it vegan? You can swap the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of dairy milk and cream. This keeps the dish tasty and plant-based.
For a fun twist, bake single servings in muffin tins. This makes them easy to serve and great for kids. Just adjust the baking time to about 15-20 minutes for these mini bakes. Each one will have a nice golden top and be perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its flavors and texture. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your dish, you can use either the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the bake with foil and heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps it moist. If using a microwave, place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, checking until warm.
Freezing Options
Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely after baking. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. After thawing, reheat it using the methods described above. This keeps the dish tasty and ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish the same day?
Yes, you can make this dish the same day. To do this, start by cutting the cinnamon rolls into quarters. Then, mix the eggs, milk, and other ingredients in a bowl. Pour the egg mix over the cinnamon roll pieces. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This allows the rolls to absorb the flavors. After soaking, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want it to puff and turn golden brown.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using milk instead. You can also mix milk with a bit of butter. A 1/4 cup of butter mixed with 3/4 cup of milk works well. Coconut cream is another great option. It adds a nice flavor and is dairy-free. Adjust the amount based on your taste and needs.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk. For heavy cream, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream option. Ensure your cinnamon rolls are dairy-free, too. Check the label before buying. You can still enjoy the same great taste with these swaps.
The dish combines refrigerated cinnamon rolls, eggs, and creamy flavors for a delightful breakfast. You learned how to prepare and bake it step-by-step, along with storage tips. You can enhance flavors with spices or customize with fruits. Remember, using gluten-free or different bread adds variety. This dish is fun to make and easy to adapt to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with new ideas to share and delight your friends and famil
Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
A delicious and easy breakfast bake made with cinnamon rolls, eggs, and creamy custard, perfect for serving a crowd.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 2 heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 4 nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 2 chopped pecans (optional)
- none Powdered sugar for dusting
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. Arrange the quartered rolls evenly in the greased baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they are all soaked evenly.
If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top for added crunch.
Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
When ready to bake, uncover the dish and place it in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.
Once done, allow to cool for a few minutes before drizzling with maple syrup and dusting with powdered sugar.
Serve directly from the baking dish with an extra drizzle of maple syrup on top and dusted with powdered sugar for an inviting look. Serve with fresh fruit on the side for a pop of color.
Keyword breakfast bake, cinnamon rolls, french toast
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