If you adore the warm, comforting embrace of cinnamon rolls and the classic charm of French toast, then you are in for a treat with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe. It combines the delightful swirl and spice of cinnamon rolls with the crisp, golden texture of traditional French toast, making breakfast feel like an indulgent celebration. Every bite is a perfect balance of soft, custardy bread infused with cinnamon flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that simply melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, this dish makes mornings brighter and hearts happier with its irresistible aroma and cozy sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet essential, each bringing their own magic to the table. From the eggs that give the custardy richness to the cinnamon swirl bread that delivers the signature flavor, these components work together to create a French toast experience that feels both familiar and fabulously indulgent.
- 4 large eggs: The foundation of the custard that ensures your French toast is rich and fluffy.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the perfect soaking mixture for the bread.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a sweet, aromatic depth to the custard batter.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Boosts that cozy, warm spice flavor integral to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread: The star ingredient that brings the iconic swirl and cinnamon taste.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For that golden, flavorful sear on your French toast.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For a sweet, smooth cream cheese icing topping.
- 2 tablespoons softened cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to the icing, mirroring classic cinnamon roll frosting.
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing): Helps achieve the perfect drizzle-able consistency for the icing.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing): Rounds out the flavor of the cream cheese icing perfectly.
- Optional toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream: Customizable finishing touches to elevate your plate.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Begin by cracking the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk them until smooth and slightly frothy. This step ensures your custard will be light and airy. Then add whole milk and vanilla extract, stirring gently to combine the flavors. Mixing in the cinnamon and salt at this stage brings the warm spice directly into the batter, setting the tone for that signature cinnamon roll flavor in your French toast.
Step 2: Prepare the Skillet
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. The butter not only prevents sticking but also contributes a deliciously golden crust to the French toast, imparting a nutty richness that contrasts perfectly with the soft interior of the bread.
Step 3: Soak and Cook the Bread
Dip each slice of cinnamon swirl bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides but avoiding a too-long soak to prevent sogginess. Place the soaked bread slices carefully onto your preheated skillet, cooking until golden brown—about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This slow cooking allows the outside to crisp beautifully while maintaining a custardy inside.
Step 4: Keep Warm While Cooking Remaining Slices
Once cooked, transfer the French toast slices to a warm oven set to around 200°F. This keeps them perfectly warm and ready to serve while you finish cooking the rest, ensuring every slice maintains that freshly-made quality and warmth.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing
In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and softened cream cheese. Slowly add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until the icing is smooth and creamy. If the consistency is too thick, a splash more milk will help it drizzle effortlessly over your French toast, much like the frosting on a classic cinnamon roll.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Stack the warm French toast slices on a plate and drizzle the luscious cream cheese icing generously over the top. This finishing touch transforms the dish from breakfast to a comforting indulgence, worthy of any weekend morning or special occasion.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra never hurts when it comes to presentation and flavor. Sprinkle some powdered sugar for a light dusting that adds sweetness and visual appeal. Fresh berries or sliced bananas provide a tangy, fresh contrast, while a dollop of whipped cream adds an airy, creamy element. Don’t forget a drizzle of warm maple syrup to bring it all together in the most satisfying way.
Side Dishes
To balance the sweetness, serve with crispy bacon or savory sausage links. A simple side of scrambled eggs can add protein to the meal as well, keeping things hearty and satisfying. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait can bring brightness and refresh your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe as a brunch centerpiece by stacking it high and layering the cream cheese icing in between slices like frosting on a cake. For a bite-sized twist, cut the French toast into squares and drizzle icing over mini skewers, perfect for a brunch buffet or party. You can even prepare individual portions in ramekins, layering bread with icing and warming in the oven for a cozy, personal treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe, just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, preserving the flavors without drying out too much.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked slices by separating them with parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab a quick breakfast anytime. Frozen French toast stays delicious for up to a month without losing its charm.
Reheating
To reheat, toast leftover slices in a toaster oven or warm them on a skillet over low heat to recapture that irresistible crispness. You can also microwave briefly, but the texture might not be quite as perfect. Reheat the cream cheese icing separately or drizzle it fresh after warming so it keeps its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of cinnamon swirl bread?
Absolutely! Using cinnamon swirl bread gives a more authentic cinnamon roll flavor, but any good-quality bread will work. For a touch of cinnamon, you might want to lightly sprinkle cinnamon on regular bread before soaking it in the custard mixture.
Is it necessary to make the cream cheese icing from scratch?
While you can skip the icing and top your French toast with maple syrup alone, the cream cheese icing adds that rich, tangy sweetness that really completes the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe experience. It’s easy to make and definitely worth the extra step.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the custard the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before dipping your bread to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
What’s the best type of butter to use?
Unsalted butter is preferred here so you can control the saltiness, but you can also use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand—just use slightly less salt in the custard to balance things out.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
The key is not to soak the bread for too long. A quick dip that coats the slices evenly but doesn’t saturate them excessively will help maintain a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is more than just breakfast. It’s a little celebration on a plate, a way to turn ordinary mornings into something special with warm spices, creamy icing, and that perfect golden crust. If you’re craving that cozy bakery vibe at home, I promise this recipe will become one of your favorites to share with family and friends. Give it a try, and watch morning magic unfold!
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast offers a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite by using cinnamon swirl bread and a rich cream cheese icing. This easy-to-make recipe combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the warm, comforting texture of French toast, perfect for a special morning treat or weekend brunch.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 slices cinnamon swirl bread (or any preferred bread)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cream Cheese Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until smooth, then add whole milk and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Add Cinnamon and Salt: Sprinkle ground cinnamon and salt into the mixture, whisking until combined and slightly frothy to infuse flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter completely to prepare for cooking.
- Dip Bread Slices: Dip each slice of cinnamon swirl bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides carefully without soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook French Toast: Place the coated bread slices on the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd; cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while cooking the remaining slices to retain heat and texture.
- Make Cream Cheese Icing: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar and softened cream cheese, then add milk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy; adjust thickness with additional milk if necessary.
- Serve: Stack warm French toast slices on serving plates and generously drizzle with the cream cheese icing. Add optional toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream as desired for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use cinnamon swirl bread for authentic flavor, or substitute with brioche or challah for a different texture.
- Do not soak the bread too long in the egg mixture to keep the French toast from becoming soggy.
- The cream cheese icing is optional but adds a deliciously rich complement reminiscent of cinnamon roll frosting.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven to serve all slices at the perfect temperature.
- Adjust sweetness in the icing by varying the amount of powdered sugar to your taste.
- Optionally serve with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream for enhanced flavor combinations.
