If you have a soft spot for both cinnamon rolls and French toast, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe. It takes the best comforting flavors of a cinnamon swirl roll and transforms them into a golden, pillowy breakfast treat that’s simple to make but feels incredibly indulgent. Each bite is a warm hug of cinnamon and that lovely cream cheese icing drizzle, perfectly combining the classic breakfast favorites into one unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each item plays its part in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that enticing aroma you’ll fall for instantly.
- 4 large eggs: These provide the rich custard base that soaks into the bread for tender, fluffy French toast.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and keeps the skillet mixture smooth and luscious.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings out the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for that signature cinnamon swirl flavor that makes this toast special.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet flavors perfectly.
- 8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread (or any bread of your choice): The star ingredient providing both structure and a cinnamon-packed twist.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For cooking, it adds a rich, golden crust and buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for icing): Sweetens the cream cheese drizzle to an irresistible finish.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened): Creates that classic tangy, silky icing that pairs amazingly with cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing): Adjusts the icing to a smooth spreadable consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Enhances the sweet cream cheese icing with a hint of warmth.
- Optional: maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for serving: Add these if you want to elevate the experience with extra decadence or freshness.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Make the Custard Mixture
Start by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisking them until they’re smooth and uniform in color. Then pour in the whole milk and vanilla extract, stirring everything together until combined. This custard mixture is what transforms your bread slices into that soft, custardy delight.
Step 2: Add Cinnamon and Salt
Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and salt before whisking the mixture again. The cinnamon infuses the custard with its signature spice, and the salt enhances the overall flavor, making everything pop just right.
Step 3: Prepare the Cooking Surface
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter. This step is crucial because the butter not only prevents sticking but also browns the toast to a perfect golden crisp.
Step 4: Dip the Bread Slices
Take your cinnamon swirl bread and dip each slice into the custard mixture, coating both sides evenly. Don’t soak it too long or the bread will become soggy, just a quick dip so it holds enough delicious custard inside.
Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Place the soaked bread on the skillet, cooking each slice for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until it turns golden brown and slightly crispy. Flip it gently and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the other side, ensuring every bite is beautifully caramelized.
Step 6: Keep Warm While Cooking Remaining Slices
As you finish cooking the rest of the slices, transfer the cooked French toast onto a plate and keep it warm inside a low oven, around 200°F. This helps the toast stay warm and cozy until you’re ready to serve.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Icing
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, adding milk and vanilla extract little by little. Whisk until the icing is smooth and creamy—add more milk if it’s too thick, aiming for a drizzle-ready consistency.
Step 8: Serve with Icing and Toppings
Place slices of warm French toast on plates, stack them if you like, then drizzle that dreamy cream cheese icing extravagantly over the top. This final flourish takes your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe from delicious to extraordinary.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
The cream cheese icing alone is a showstopper, but you can brighten things up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed pecans or chopped nuts for texture. Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries add a lively contrast to the rich toast and icing.
Side Dishes
To round out your breakfast, serve with crispy bacon or sausage for a salty balance, or keep it vegetarian-friendly with a side of fresh fruit salad. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm maple syrup never hurts either.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your French toast slices in a neat tower drizzled with icing and topped with fresh berries for a gorgeous brunch centerpiece. You can even cut them into smaller shapes and layer them on a serving platter to share at a gathering, making it as delightful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and believe me, that happens less often than you’d expect), place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your cooked Cinnamon Roll French Toast by placing slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and keeps your toast fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisped back up. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that lovely crunch and texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of cinnamon swirl bread?
Absolutely! While cinnamon swirl bread enhances the cinnamon flavor, any sturdy bread like brioche or challah works perfectly and still tastes amazing with this recipe.
Is it possible to make this cinnamon roll French toast dairy-free?
Yes, swap whole milk for almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make the dish suitable for dairy-free diets without compromising the creamy richness.
Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?
It’s best to make and use the custard mixture fresh to keep the eggs and cinnamon flavor bright, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and keep refrigerated to save time in the morning.
What’s the best way to keep French toast crispy?
Keeping cooked French toast warm in an oven set to about 200°F on a wire rack helps the steam escape so the toast stays crispy without getting soggy.
Can I make the cream cheese icing in advance?
Yes, the icing can be made up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before drizzling it over your warm French toast.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe that just feels like a weekend celebration at home. It’s incredibly comforting, impressively easy to throw together, and yields a breakfast that everyone will rave about. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly special start to the day—you deserve it!
