cinnamon roll french toast

Published on October 05, 2025
4.8 (245 reviews)

Imagine the warm, caramel‑kissed aroma of cinnamon rolls meeting the comforting fluff of classic French toast—all in one indulgent breakfast. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast transforms leftover cinnam

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cinnamon roll french toast
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
20 min
Servings
4

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✓ Irresistible flavor combo The sweet, buttery cinnamon roll meets the rich, custardy French toast, creating a decadent breakfast that satisfies any sweet tooth.
✓ Quick, no‑waste solution Use store‑bought or leftover cinnamon rolls, turning them into a gourmet‑style dish in under thirty minutes.
✓ Crowd‑pleasing presentation The golden, caramelized exterior and soft interior look stunning on a platter, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.

Imagine the warm, caramel‑kissed aroma of cinnamon rolls meeting the comforting fluff of classic French toast—all in one indulgent breakfast. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast transforms leftover cinnamon rolls into a golden, custardy masterpiece that’s crisp on the edges and melt‑in‑your‑mouth soft inside. Perfect for lazy weekends or special brunches, it delivers a sweet‑spiced punch without extra effort. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll serve a dish that feels restaurant‑worthy yet home‑cooked, guaranteeing smiles around the table throughout the morning.

1 cup whole milk Provides a creamy base for the custard.
½ cup heavy cream Adds richness and helps the custard set.
3 large eggs Bind the custard and give structure.
2 tsp vanilla extract Adds aromatic depth.
¼ tsp salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
½ tsp ground cinnamon Reinforces the roll’s spice.
2 tbsp unsalted butter For pan‑frying and extra glaze.
¼ cup powdered sugar For the finishing glaze.
1 tbsp maple syrup Adds sweetness to the glaze.

Instructions

cinnamon roll french toast
1

Step 1: Make the custard

Whisk together 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, 3 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl until smooth. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Pro Tip: Whisk vigorously to incorporate air for a lighter texture.
2

Step 2: Slice and soak

Slice each cinnamon roll into 1‑inch thick rounds, preserving the swirl pattern. Lay the slices in a single layer in the custard bowl, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Allow them to soak for 2‑3 minutes, flipping once for even absorption thoroughly on both sides.

Pro Tip: Do not over‑soak; the rolls should be moist but not falling apart.
3

Step 3: Cook the toast

Heat a large non‑stick skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once bubbling, add the soaked cinnamon roll slices in batches, cooking each side for 3‑4 minutes until golden brown and the custard is set, resisting the urge to overcrowd the pan.

Pro Tip: Keep the heat steady; too high burns the exterior.
4

Step 4: Add glaze

Meanwhile, whisk together ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon melted butter to form a glossy glaze. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooked French toast stacks just before serving, allowing it to seep into crevices for extra sweetness and delicious.

Pro Tip: Apply glaze while the toast is hot for maximum absorption.
5

Step 5: Serve

Plate the cinnamon roll French toast on warm plates, topping each portion with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and fresh berries if desired. Serve immediately with additional maple syrup for a truly indulgent brunch experience that will delight every guest present.

Pro Tip: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for visual appeal.

Expert Tips

Tip #1: Use day‑old rolls

Use day‑old cinnamon rolls if possible; they absorb the custard more evenly, preventing a soggy interior while still delivering a tender crumb and rich flavor in every bite.

Tip #2: Control skillet heat

Keep the skillet temperature medium; too hot will burn the exterior before the custard sets, while too low yields pale, limp slices lacking caramelization and a sweet crust.

Tip #3: Butter before flip

For an extra buttery finish, brush each side with a thin layer of melted butter just before flipping; it adds shine and deepens the golden hue to perfection.

Storage & Variations

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven. For a vegan twist, substitute plant‑based milk, coconut cream, and flax‑egg, and use dairy‑free butter. Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for added richness, and enjoy within the same day for optimal flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories
420 kcal
Protein
12 g
Carbs
55 g
Fat
18 g
Sugar
22 g
Sodium
350 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute thick slices of brioche or challah, but add 1‑2 teaspoons of cinnamon‑sugar mixture to the custard to mimic the roll’s spice profile and a drizzle of melted butter before cooking for extra richness.

Pat the cinnamon rolls dry with paper towels before soaking, and limit the soak time to 2‑3 minutes. Cook on medium heat until the exterior is crisp, which seals in moisture and ensures a fluffy interior.

Prepare the custard and slice the rolls a day before, then store them separately. On the day of service, assemble and cook quickly; this keeps the texture fresh and the flavor bright for large groups.

Recipe Summary

Prep
30 min
Cook
3 min
Total
33 min
Servings
2
Category: Breakfast and Brunch
Cuisine: International
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Main
Quick Tips
  • Make ahead friendly
  • Freezer safe 3 months
  • Easily doubled
  • Customizable

Ingredients

  • 8 large cinnamon rolls (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

1
Make the custard

Whisk together 1 cup whole milk, ½ cup heavy cream, 3 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl until sm...

2
Slice and soak

Slice each cinnamon roll into 1‑inch thick rounds, preserving the swirl pattern. Lay the slices in a single layer in the custard bowl, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Allow them to soak for 2‑...

3
Cook the toast

Heat a large non‑stick skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once bubbling, add the soaked cinnamon roll slices in batches, cooking each side for 3‑4 minutes until golden br...

4
Add glaze

Meanwhile, whisk together ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon melted butter to form a glossy glaze. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooked French toast stacks just before se...

5
Serve

Plate the cinnamon roll French toast on warm plates, topping each portion with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, and fresh berries if desired. Serve immediately with additional maple syru...

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