Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

If you love the cozy, sweet comforts of cinnamon rolls but want to shake up your breakfast routine, you’re going to adore this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe. It’s like your favorite cinnamon roll and classic French toast had a delicious baby—soft, custardy bread swirled with cinnamon, kissed by warm spices, and finished with a luscious glaze that feels decadent but totally doable on a weekend morning. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to treat for lazy mornings or brunch with friends.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture—nothing is extra or unnecessary. I always suggest using cinnamon swirl bread if you can get it, but the other key ingredients bring everything together with familiar warmth and creaminess.

• Cinnamon swirl bread: This bread is the star, offering those sweet swirls of cinnamon right inside each slice, creating that signature cinnamon roll vibe.
• Eggs: They bind and enrich the custard, giving the French toast that tender, custardy bite.
• Milk: Helps thin the custard into a smooth soakable liquid, preventing dryness without sogginess.
• Vanilla extract: Adds subtle fragrance and enhances the sweetness naturally.
• Ground cinnamon: Boosts the cinnamon bread’s flavor and creates a cozy spiced foundation.
• Ground nutmeg: A pinch adds depth and warmth you might not even realize but quickly crave.
• Butter or oil: Crucial for crisp edges and rich flavor when cooking each slice.
• Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla (for glaze): These simple ingredients combine to form a luscious, drizzleable glaze that ties it all together beautifully.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about my Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I love to change it up depending on mood or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Glaze Variations: Sometimes I add a touch of cream cheese to the glaze for tang or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for extra crunch.
• Alternative Breads: When I can’t find cinnamon swirl bread, thick slices of challah or Texas toast work great. I just add a bit of cinnamon sugar to the custard soak.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk and coconut oil instead of butter so everyone can enjoy.
• Extra Spices: If you’re a fan of warm spices, try adding a dash of cardamom or cloves to the custard blend; it’s special and cozy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up Your Warm, Spiced Custard

Start by mixing eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl until everything is smooth and well combined. It should be thick enough to cling to the bread but still easy to dip. I find whisking vigorously helps avoid clumps and flavors meld seamlessly, so don’t skip that part!

Step 2: Get Your Skillet Ready

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter or oil. I usually use butter because of the rich flavor it adds, but oil works perfectly too. Once the butter bubbles and smells nutty, it’s time for the star of the show: the bread.

Step 3: Dip the Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Dip each slice of cinnamon swirl bread into your custard, coating both sides without letting it soak too long — about 10-15 seconds per side usually does the trick. You want the bread to absorb the custard so it’s rich inside but not so soggy that it falls apart. Let the excess drip off before placing it gently onto the hot skillet.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crisp

Cook each slice for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, keeping an eye on the color and adjusting heat as necessary. Medium heat is your friend here—it allows the inside to cook through while the outside crisps up beautifully. If the pan gets too crowded, the toast will steam rather than crisp, so give each piece some space.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Vanilla Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. The glaze should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to coat the French toast without sliding off completely. You can tweak the milk amount to get the perfect consistency—just trust your eyes and taste buds!

Step 6: Plate, Drizzle, and Devour!

Arrange your perfectly cooked cinnamon roll French toast slices on a plate, and generously drizzle with that heavenly glaze. The warmth of the toast melts the glaze slightly, creating this irresistible, gooey topping. Now grab your fork and prepare to savor one of the coziest breakfasts you’ll ever make.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Garnishes

I like a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top for that extra sparkle and crunch, plus fresh berries or sliced bananas when I have them on hand—they add a lovely balance to all the sweetness. A little pat of butter melting on top before the glaze is divine, too.

Side Dishes

Some crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage plays beautifully against the sweet French toast in my opinion. If you want to keep it vegetarian, a side of Greek yogurt with honey or a fruit salad brightens the plate and adds freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For weekend brunches, I love stacking the slices like a mini tower and drizzling generous amounts of glaze over the top so it cascades down. Adding edible flowers or a sprig of fresh mint makes it extra special if you’re serving guests. Or serve the toast in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, charming vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, lined up in a single layer if possible. The toast keeps well for up to 2 days, but since it’s best fresh, I recommend reheating sooner rather than later to retain that golden crispness.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I separate the slices with parchment paper and wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to one month. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge or gently defrost in the microwave.

Reheating

To revive the crispness, I pop leftover slices into a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This heats through the custardy inside and crisps the outside without drying it out. Microwaving can work in a pinch but often leaves it soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that makes you feel like a breakfast rockstar—without all the fuss of baking cinnamon rolls from scratch. I love how the warm spices and creamy glaze turn simple bread into a soul-soothing morning hug. If you’re on the fence about making it, go for it! Pull out your skillet, grab some cinnamon swirl bread, and treat yourself. You’ll thank me when you’re enjoying every melt-in-your-mouth bite.

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