Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast fusion that combines the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls with the classic comfort of French toast. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a festive brunch, or when you simply crave something sweet and satisfying. Easy to prepare and even easier to fall in love with, this casserole will be the star of your dining table.

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:

  • 2 cans (12 oz each) of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, icing reserved
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Butter, for greasing the baking dish

• For the Topping:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• For the Icing:

  • Reserved icing from cinnamon rolls
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Open the cans of cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing for later use. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread them evenly into the buttered baking dish.
3. Make the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. Pour this mixture over the cinnamon roll pieces, making sure all pieces are well coated.
4. Prepare the Topping (If Using): In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole.
5. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and set in the center.
6. Prepare the Icing: While the casserole is baking, take the reserved icing from the cinnamon rolls and mix it with maple syrup to make it more fluid and add a touch of extra flavor.
7. Finish and Serve: Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the icing mixture over the warm casserole.
8. Serve Warm: Serve the casserole warm, with additional maple syrup if desired, for a delightfully decadent breakfast or brunch treat.

Tips and Variations

• Overnight Option: Assemble the casserole the night before and cover it with plastic wrap. In the morning, let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven and then bake as directed.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for both the casserole and topping.
• Add Fruit: Feel free to add a cup of fresh blueberries or diced apples to the casserole before baking for a fruity twist.
• Customize Your Topping: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts or simply omit the nuts altogether. A sprinkle of oat flakes can also add a nice texture.

Enjoy the delightful harmony of sweet, spicy, and toasty flavors in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole, a dish that’s sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, it’s bound to receive rave reviews and requests for seconds!