Cinnamon Roll French Toast

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe might just be the BEST way to use leftover cinnamon rolls. No basic sliced bread here! We’re taking your classic cinnamon roll, soaking it in a sweet custard mix, and pan-frying it for a sticky-sweet breakfast that’s anything but boring.

The Star of Your Next Brunch Menu

If you want a brunch dish that will wow, it doesn’t get better than this cinnamon roll French toast. It’s basically as easy as making regular French toast, but you swap the bread for cinnamon rolls.

I love making this recipe when I’ve got leftover cinnamon rolls that aren’t getting eaten fast enough. Honestly though, I’ll often make a fresh batch just so I can turn them into French toast! They’re just that good. I mean, come on… it’s the ultimate breakfast mashup!

For more sweet & delicious breakfast ideas, check out my Baked Oatmeal Banana Raspberry Breakfast Cups, Classic Buttermilk Pancakes, and Overnight French Toast Bake.

Ingredients

• Leftover cinnamon rolls: Make sure your cinnamon rolls are baked and cooled before you dive into this recipe, or you’ll end up cooking longer than you planned.
• Large eggs: Eggs are key for making custard. They add richness and help hold everything together.
• Heavy cream or whole milk: Either works! I don’t typically buy heavy cream, so for my version of this recipe, I used whole milk.
• Granulated sugar: Just a bit is needed to sweeten the custard.
• Vanilla extract: This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the custard.
• Ground cinnamon: A classic addition to custard, adding warmth and spice.
• Unsalted butter: For the skillet and to top the French toast if you’d like!

Topping Ideas

I used maple syrup and powdered sugar, but there are so many other directions you can take this recipe! Here are a few ideas to take your cinnamon roll French toast to the next level:

• Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or bananas.
• Brown sugar: Sprinkle brown sugar on top for a caramelized sweetness.  
• Cream cheese glaze: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk for a creamy glaze.  
• Nutella: Spread Nutella between the slices for a chocolatey twist.  
• Whipped cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich custard.  

Preparation

Start by slicing each leftover cinnamon roll in half horizontally and set them aside. 

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth. 

Dip each cinnamon roll half into the mixture, making sure both sides are coated.

Cooking

Next, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Cook the dipped cinnamon rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.

Serving

Transfer them to a serving platter and enjoy them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Delicious and so easy!

Sides to Add to Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast

I like to pair his cinnamon roll French toast with some morning classics. Lately, I’ve been all about these Restaurant Style Scrambled Eggs with a side of fresh fruit. Have a Foreman Grill? Learn How to Make Bacon on a Foreman Grill. You’ve gotta try it!

Looking for something a bit different? These Southwest Scrambled Egg Bites are the perfect savory counterpart. And if you’re trying to balance out the indulgence with something nutritious, check out my Healthy Breakfast Smoothie.

Storage & Reheating

Store your cinnamon roll French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, put it in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick reheating.

For a crisper texture, reheat your French toast on the stove by lightly frying it with a little butter or oil. This will give it that fresh-off-the-griddle taste and texture.

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