Name: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake: A Deliciously Easy Breakfast Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a delightful twist on two beloved breakfast classics that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your home, promising a delicious start to your day. This dish combines the fluffy, comforting texture of French toast with the sweet, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls, creating a breakfast experience that is both indulgent and satisfying.

Originating from the traditional French toast, which has been enjoyed for centuries, this recipe adds a modern flair that has captured the hearts of many. People love Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake not only for its incredible taste but also for its convenience; it can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh in the morning, making it perfect for family gatherings or lazy weekends. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

1 loaf of day-old French bread (about 12-16 ounces)
6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
2 tablespoons milk (for icing)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing)

Preparing the Bread

First things first, let’s get our bread ready. I love using day-old French bread for this recipe because it soaks up the custard beautifully without falling apart.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your French toast bake cooks evenly.
Next, take your loaf of French bread and cut it into 1-inch cubes. You can use a serrated knife for this, which makes cutting through the crust much easier.
Once you have your bread cubed, place it in a large mixing bowl. If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can toss in the chopped pecans or walnuts at this stage.

Making the Custard Mixture

Now, let’s whip up the custard that will bring our French toast bake to life!

In a separate large mixing bowl, crack the 6 large eggs and whisk them until they are well beaten.
To the eggs, add 1 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This combination gives the custard a rich and creamy texture.
Next, add in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and the sugar has dissolved.

Combining Bread and Custard

Now comes the fun part—combining the bread with the custard!

Pour the custard mixture over the cubed bread in the large mixing bowl. Make sure all the bread pieces are coated well.
Gently fold the bread and custard together using a spatula or your hands. Be careful not to break the bread too much; we want to keep those lovely chunks intact!
Once everything is well mixed, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to soak up the custard.

Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl

While the bread is soaking, let’s prepare the cinnamon swirl that will add a delightful touch to our bake.

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix them together until they are well combined.
Once the bread has soaked, take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer half of the soaked bread mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the first layer of bread.
Now, add the remaining bread mixture on top, spreading it out evenly again.
Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top layer of bread. Drizzle the melted butter over everything to ensure it gets that lovely golden color while baking.

Baking the French Toast Bake

It’s time to bake our delicious creation!

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game. The combination of soft, gooey cinnamon rolls and rich, custardy French toast creates a delightful dish that is perfect for special occasions or a cozy weekend brunch. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and sugar, making it hard to resist. For serving suggestions, consider drizzling a generous amount of cream cheese icing over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also add fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of nuts or a dash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture for a unique twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the joy of this delightful dish together!