Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Save this recipe on:

Golden, tender, and sinfully sweet—this Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is your ticket to breakfast heaven. It brings together the indulgent flavors of classic cinnamon rolls and the comforting texture of baked French toast. With layers of soft cinnamon-swirled bread soaked in a luscious custard and topped with a drizzle of icing, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish that fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of a bakery.

Whether it’s for a leisurely Sunday brunch or a festive holiday morning, this casserole has all the qualities to impress. You get that satisfying bite of soft, gooey bread contrasted with a slight crisp on top and a swirl of creamy icing in every forkful. It’s nostalgic, decadent, and surprisingly easy to put together with minimal prep.

---

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

• Quick Prep, Big Payoff: Using pre-made cinnamon rolls cuts down on time but keeps the flavor indulgent.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before and just bake in the morning for stress-free hosting.
• Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for brunch tables, holiday breakfasts, or even dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Warm, Spiced Comfort: Each bite bursts with cinnamon-sugar richness and creamy custard texture.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (and Why They Matter)

To get the most out of your Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole, having the right tools makes all the difference:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for evenly baking and layering the casserole without overflow.
• Mixing Bowls (2 sizes): You’ll need one for whisking the custard mixture and another for combining icing or storing cut cinnamon rolls.
• Whisk: Helps ensure your eggs, milk, and spices are smoothly blended for a rich and creamy custard base.
• Knife or Kitchen Shears: For cutting the cinnamon rolls into bite-sized pieces for better texture distribution.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters when combining your ingredients, especially for the custard and icing drizzle.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent over-browning during the first half of baking while ensuring a gooey center.
• Spatula or Serving Spoon: For easy serving and preserving those luscious layers when dishing out.

---

Preparation Tips

• Use Slightly Stale Cinnamon Rolls: If using homemade or day-old cinnamon rolls, they absorb the custard better, preventing sogginess.
• Cut Rolls Evenly: Uniform pieces ensure every bite has a consistent balance of bread, custard, and cinnamon filling.
• Don’t Overmix Custard: Whisk until just combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can affect the texture.
• Let It Soak: Let the assembled casserole rest for at least 15 minutes (or overnight in the fridge) so the custard fully saturates the bread.
• Cover with Foil First: Bake the first half covered to keep it moist, then uncover to allow browning and a lightly crisp top.

---

Ingredients for This Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

To create this rich and comforting breakfast dish, you’ll need a mix of refrigerated staples and pantry basics. Here’s your full list of ingredients:

---

Main Casserole Ingredients

• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packets included) – These serve as the sweet, doughy base and are the star of the dish.
• 4 large eggs – Provides structure and richness to the custard mixture.
• 1 cup whole milk – Creates a creamy custard that soaks into the cinnamon rolls.
• ½ cup heavy cream – Adds decadence and a silky texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the warm flavor profile.
• 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Boosts the spice level and aroma.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) – Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Slightly sweetens the custard mixture.

---

Toppings

• Icing from cinnamon roll packages – Drizzled on top after baking for that signature cinnamon roll finish.
• Powdered sugar (optional) – For dusting over the finished casserole to add a touch of elegance.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Transforming simple ingredients into a decadent breakfast treat is easier than you think. Follow these straightforward steps for a foolproof casserole that’s crispy on the edges, gooey in the center, and topped with velvety icing.

---

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.

---

Step 2: Cut the Cinnamon Rolls

• Open the refrigerated cinnamon roll tubes and set aside the icing packets.
• Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.

---

Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and granulated sugar until well combined.
• The mixture should be smooth and evenly spiced.

---

Step 4: Pour Over and Soak

• Pour the custard mixture evenly over the chopped cinnamon rolls in the baking dish.
• Gently press the pieces down so they begin absorbing the liquid.
• Let the casserole sit for 15–20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight if prepping ahead.

---

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 more minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.

---

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
• Warm the reserved icing packets slightly (place them in a bowl of hot water or microwave for a few seconds).
• Drizzle the icing generously over the warm casserole.
• Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

---

Notes

• Make Ahead Magic: You can fully assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for an effortless breakfast or brunch.
• Cinnamon Levels: Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. If you’re a cinnamon lover, go heavy—it won’t overpower the dish.
• Alternative Milks: You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk. Just note that the texture might be slightly lighter.
• Extra Topping Ideas: For added crunch and flavor, top with chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
• Double the Icing: If you want a truly indulgent finish, consider making a little extra glaze using powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Soak Time: If you don’t let the casserole sit before baking, the custard won’t fully absorb, leading to dry or uneven texture.
• Overbaking: Baking too long can dry out the casserole. Pull it out when the center is just set—it will continue to firm up as it cools.
• Uneven Cinnamon Roll Cuts: Cutting pieces too large or unevenly can cause inconsistent baking. Aim for uniformity.
• Forgetting to Cover: Skipping the foil during the first half of baking can lead to a burnt top before the inside is done.
• Using Cold Icing: The icing will be difficult to drizzle if not warmed slightly. Just a few seconds in the microwave or a warm water bath will make it pourable.
• Crowding the Dish: Make sure your baking dish is the right size. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than baking, which ruins texture.
• Not Greasing the Pan: Skipping this step means you’ll lose that beautiful golden crust when serving.
• Serving Too Soon: Allowing it to cool for 10 minutes before serving helps the custard set and improves texture.

---

What to Serve With Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole?

This dish shines as the centerpiece of any breakfast or brunch spread, but pairing it with the right sides can round out the meal beautifully. Since the casserole is rich and sweet, it’s a good idea to balance it with both fresh and savory options.

---

8 Recommendations:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A medley of berries, melons, and citrus adds a refreshing, juicy contrast to the richness of the casserole.
2. Crispy Bacon
   The salty crunch of bacon cuts through the sweetness and adds that irresistible savory balance.
3. Scrambled Eggs
   Light and fluffy eggs are a mild, protein-packed companion that won’t compete with the main flavor.
4. Breakfast Sausage Links
   These offer a flavorful, herby bite that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and vanilla notes.
5. Greek Yogurt with Honey
   Tangy yogurt provides a creamy, slightly acidic side that helps balance the sugar.
6. Hash Browns or Home Fries
   A crispy potato side adds a hearty element and contrast in texture.
7. Caffe Latte or Cappuccino
   The subtle bitterness of coffee complements the sugary casserole perfectly.
8. Mimosas or Fresh Orange Juice
   A splash of citrus adds brightness to your brunch spread and pairs well with the warm spices.

---

Storage Instructions

To make the most of your Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole, proper storage is essential—whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping ahead.

---

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes, loosely covered with foil to retain moisture.

---

Freezing Instructions

• Freezing (Before Baking): Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Freezing (After Baking): Cool completely, portion if desired, and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat straight from frozen in the microwave or in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate for one serving (based on 12 servings total). Keep in mind, values may vary depending on brands used and additional toppings.

• Calories: ~350–400 kcal
• Total Fat: ~18g
• Saturated Fat: ~8g
• Cholesterol: ~80mg
• Sodium: ~450mg
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Sugar: ~24g
• Protein: ~6g
• Fiber: ~1g

This casserole is definitely a treat—rich, indulgent, and best enjoyed in the spirit of celebration or comfort-food cravings.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole the night before?

Absolutely! It’s ideal for overnight prep. Assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it in the morning—no extra steps needed.

2. Do I need to use canned cinnamon rolls or can I make it with homemade?

You can use either. Canned cinnamon rolls offer convenience, but homemade rolls will make it even more special. Just make sure they’re fully baked before using in the casserole.

3. Can I use low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative?

Yes, but expect slight texture changes. Whole milk or cream provides a richer custard, but oat milk or almond milk works for a lighter version.

4. How can I tell when it’s fully baked?

The center should be just set—not jiggly—and the top should be golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out moist but not overly wet.

5. Can I add toppings before baking?

Yes! Chopped nuts, raisins, or even small apple cubes can be sprinkled over the top before baking for added texture and flavor.

6. What if my casserole turns out soggy?

It may be underbaked or not soaked long enough. Make sure to let the custard soak in for at least 15 minutes before baking and bake until the center is set.

7. Can I make this in a smaller pan?

Yes, but you’ll need to reduce the quantity or split into two batches. Also adjust baking time, as smaller pans bake faster.

8. Is it okay to serve this cold?

While it’s best warm, you can serve it cold or at room temperature if you prefer a firmer texture. It still tastes great!

---

Conclusion

The Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole brings the bakery to your kitchen in the easiest and most indulgent way. With a delicious blend of fluffy cinnamon roll bites soaked in velvety custard and topped with sweet icing, it’s a breakfast showstopper that’s as simple to prepare as it is satisfying to serve.

Whether you’re planning a family brunch, hosting a holiday breakfast, or simply want to treat yourself on a cozy weekend, this recipe is the kind of comforting dish that invites second helpings—and plenty of smiles.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: