Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

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There’s something undeniably magical about waking up to the scent of cinnamon sugar melting into a warm, buttery pastry. This Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole takes the beloved flavors of your favorite cinnamon roll and transforms them into a melt-in-your-mouth breakfast bake. It’s soft, custardy, slightly crisp on top, and absolutely swimming in sweet icing and cozy spice.

Perfect for lazy weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or even a holiday breakfast, this casserole makes cinnamon rolls feel brand new. It saves time by using pre-made rolls but tastes like a treat that took hours. Each bite delivers layers of flavor—from fluffy dough to gooey cinnamon filling and a drizzle of luscious vanilla glaze.

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What Kind of Cinnamon Rolls Should I Use?

For convenience and consistency, refrigerated cinnamon rolls (like the classic ones from Pillsbury) work perfectly here. They come pre-swirled with cinnamon filling and include a ready-made icing that you can pour over the casserole after baking. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade cinnamon rolls will elevate this dish even more—just make sure they’re fully baked and slightly cooled before chopping and assembling.

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Ingredients for the Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

• Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: These serve as the star of the show, forming the base of the casserole with their swirled cinnamon-sugar goodness.
• Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving that custardy French toast texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps soften the cinnamon rolls as they bake.
• Milk: Balances out the heaviness of the cream and keeps the custard light.
• Ground Cinnamon: Boosts the cozy flavor and enhances the cinnamon swirl in the rolls.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness with warm aromatic notes.
• Powdered Sugar Icing (from cinnamon roll package): Poured over the baked casserole for that classic sticky finish.
• Optional Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a pretty presentation and an extra touch of sweetness.

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How To Make the Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Rolls

Pop open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set the icing aside for later. Cut each roll into quarters and place the pieces into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them evenly.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the chopped cinnamon rolls in the dish. Press the pieces down gently to help them soak up the mixture. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to allow absorption.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. You want the rolls to puff up and the custard to cook through without over-drying.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, drizzle the reserved icing over the warm casserole. If you like, sift a little powdered sugar on top for a bakery-style look. Serve warm and gooey.

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Serving and Storing Your Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

This casserole is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven when the icing is slightly melted and the edges have that golden crunch. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a warm cup of coffee.

For leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole the night before?

Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.

Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls?

Definitely. Just make sure they’re fully baked and cooled before cutting and layering them into the casserole.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can substitute the milk and cream with almond or oat milk, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

Can I add nuts or fruit?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch, and diced apples or raisins give a fruity touch.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a bit of custard.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two baking dishes or one larger pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

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