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Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

This ultra-easy breakfast bake combines refrigerated cinnamon rolls with a rich French toast custard, baked until golden brown and topped with sweet icing. Perfect for a quick holiday brunch or weekend treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (12.4 oz each, 8 rolls per can)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
French Toast Custard
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer flavor)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or light brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt
Topping
  • 2 icing packets (included with the cinnamon rolls, set aside)

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Preparation and Assembly
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with the tablespoon of butter.
  2. Open both cans of cinnamon rolls. Remove the rolls and set the two small containers of icing aside; you will use these later. Use a sharp knife to cut each of the 16 cinnamon rolls into four equal pieces (quarters).
  3. Scatter the cinnamon roll pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish.
  4. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is completely uniform and slightly frothy. Carefully pour the entire egg custard mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces.
  5. Allow the cinnamon rolls to soak in the custard mixture for 10 minutes prior to baking. This crucial step helps the centers absorb the moisture for a softer French toast texture.
Baking and Finishing
  1. Bake the dish in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, the center is set, and the custard no longer appears runny.
  2. While the bake is hot, prepare the reserved icing. If the icing is stiff, warm it gently by placing the packets in a bowl of hot water for 2 minutes or microwaving the contents in a separate small bowl for 5 to 10 seconds.
  3. Immediately remove the French Toast Bake from the oven. Drizzle the warmed icing evenly over the top of the hot casserole. Allow the bake to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving while warm.

Notes

This bake tastes excellent served with fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) for added brightness. If you prefer a richer flavor, use half-and-half instead of whole milk, but monitor the bake time as the custard may set slightly faster.