Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake: A Breakfast Dream Come True
There’s something truly magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon and sweet bread. My family loves a good breakfast treat. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a real winner. It’s like having cinnamon rolls and French toast all in one dish. It’s super easy to make. You can serve it to a big group. It makes mornings feel extra special.
Why This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a Must-Try
- It’s quick to put together.
- It’s great for feeding a crowd.
- You get that yummy cinnamon-swirl taste.
- Prep time is very short.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Making this delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a breeze. You just need a few simple things. Having everything ready makes the process so smooth.
First, grab one 16-ounce loaf of cinnamon swirl bread. Cut it into nice 1-inch cubes. This bread is the star, giving us that amazing cinnamon flavor.
For the custard, you’ll need six large eggs. Mix them with two cups of milk. Add a quarter cup of granulated sugar. Don’t forget one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. A half teaspoon of ground nutmeg adds warmth.
For the crumb topping, melt a half cup of butter. Mix it with a half cup of packed brown sugar. Add a quarter cup of all-purpose flour. If you like nuts, a quarter cup of chopped pecans or walnuts is perfect. This topping gets nice and crunchy.
Having these ready means you can whip up this breakfast casserole easily. It’s perfect for those busy mornings or special brunches.
Crafting Your Delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Now for the fun part! Making this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is like building a breakfast masterpiece. It’s simple, really. Let’s get started.
Preparing the Bread and Custard
First, I arrange my cubed cinnamon swirl bread. I put them right into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure your dish is ready. It stops sticking.
Next, I grab a big bowl. I whisk six large eggs. Then I add two cups of milk. A quarter cup of sugar goes in next. One teaspoon of vanilla extract adds sweetness. I also add one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. A half teaspoon of nutmeg gives it that cozy spice.
I whisk it all together. I want it really well combined. No one likes eggy bits. This mixture is the heart of our bake.
Soaking and Resting Time for the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Now, I pour this lovely egg mixture over the bread cubes. I make sure every piece gets soaked. It’s like giving the bread a delicious bath. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld. It makes the bake so moist.
Want to get ahead? You can soak it overnight. Just cover the dish. Pop it in the fridge. This makes busy mornings even easier. If you soak it overnight, it might need a few extra minutes to bake.
Creating the Irresistible Crumb Topping
While the bread soaks, I make the topping. I melt a half cup of butter. I put it in a small bowl. Then I add a half cup of packed brown sugar. A quarter cup of flour joins in. I mix it until it looks like coarse crumbs.
If you like nuts, this is your chance. Stir in a quarter cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. This crumb topping adds a wonderful crunch. It’s pure bliss.
Baking and Achieving Golden Perfection
Time to bake! I preheat my oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). I sprinkle that yummy crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread. It looks so good already.
I bake it for about 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll see it puff up. It turns a beautiful golden brown. The center should be set. No more wobbly bits! Let it cool a little. Then serve it warm.
Essential Tools for Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Getting ready to make this amazing Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake? Having the right tools makes all the difference. You don’t need fancy gadgets, just a few kitchen basics.
You’ll definitely need a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is perfect for holding all those bread cubes and custard. A large mixing bowl is a must for whisking the egg mixture. You’ll also want a smaller bowl for making that delicious crumb topping. A whisk is key for getting the custard nice and smooth. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons!
Tips for a Flawless Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Want your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake to be absolutely perfect? I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. These tips help ensure great results every time.
Achieving the Perfect Soak
Getting the bread cubes just right is crucial. Make sure every piece is coated in the egg mixture. Don’t be afraid to gently press them down. If you’re soaking overnight, the bread will absorb even more flavor. Check the dish; if it looks dry, add a splash more milk.
Ensuring Even Baking
Oven temperatures can vary. I always place my baking dish in the center of the oven. This helps with even cooking. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil. This stops the edges from getting too dark.
Customizing Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Feel free to get creative! Add some fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the dish. A pinch of cardamom in the custard adds a lovely warmth. You could even swap the nuts for dried cranberries for a chewy sweetness. This recipe is so forgiving!
Serving and Storing Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is best served warm. It’s perfect with a drizzle of maple syrup. A dusting of powdered sugar also looks lovely. It really makes it feel like a special treat.
Leftovers are great too! Let the bake cool completely. Store any extra portions in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop a slice in the microwave. Warm it for about 30 seconds. Or, you can warm it in a toaster oven for a crispier edge. It tastes almost as good the second day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Got questions about this amazing Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake? I get it. It’s good to know the little details.
Can I make the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! This is a lifesaver for busy mornings. Assemble the entire bake, bread and custard included. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator overnight. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. It’s still delicious!
What kind of bread is best for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake?
Cinnamon swirl bread is ideal. It has that built-in cinnamon flavor. But, you can use other breads too. Brioche or challah work wonderfully. Even thick-sliced white bread is fine. Just make sure it’s a day or two old. Stale bread soaks up the custard better. It prevents a soggy bake.
How do I know when the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is done?
Look for a few key signs. The bake should be puffed up. It will have a beautiful golden-brown color all over. The center should feel set when you gently touch it. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
Nutritional Snapshot of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Please remember that the nutritional information provided for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is an estimate. Factors like specific brands, ingredient amounts, and optional additions can change these values. It’s a general guide for your planning.
Amazing Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake in Under 1 Hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a crowd-pleasing breakfast casserole. It layers cinnamon-swirl bread with a rich egg custard and bakes to golden perfection. It’s an easy way to serve a delicious breakfast to many.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 ounce) loaf cinnamon swirl bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange the bread cubes in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, ensuring all pieces are moistened. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and flour until a crumbly mixture forms. Stir in the nuts if using.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the soaked bread.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the French toast bake is puffed, golden brown, and set in the center.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream.
- If soaking overnight, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Serve with your favorite syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
