Cinnamon Roll French Toast is the ultimate breakfast indulgence—a delicious mash-up of gooey cinnamon rolls and classic French toast. Imagine fluffy slices of bread swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar, soaked in a rich custard, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Each bite is soft, caramelized, and warmly spiced, topped with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze that tastes just like the center of a cinnamon roll.
This dish is perfect for lazy weekend mornings, holiday brunches, or any time you want to treat yourself and your family to something special. It’s cozy, aromatic, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. Serve it with a side of coffee or orange juice, and you’ll have a breakfast that feels like a bakery treat—without the need for any yeast or long rising times.
Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought cinnamon rolls, this French toast variation is quick, decadent, and easy enough for any home cook. It’s comfort food at its finest: warm, sweet, and irresistible.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Each ingredient plays a role in achieving that classic cinnamon roll flavor and rich French toast texture. Here’s how to make it your own.
Bread: Thick-cut brioche, challah, or Texas toast gives you a soft yet sturdy base that soaks up the custard beautifully. You can use croissants or leftover cinnamon rolls for an even richer version.
Eggs: Create the custard base and add structure. Use 3 large eggs for a balanced ratio of richness and fluffiness.
Milk & Cream: A mix of milk and heavy cream gives the custard its luxurious texture. Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Cinnamon & Brown Sugar: Bring the signature cinnamon roll warmth and sweetness. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the sweetness naturally.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk—this is your “icing on the roll.” For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Butter: Used for frying the toast, adding golden crisp edges and buttery flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Whisk or fork
- Large nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula for flipping
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack (optional, to prevent sogginess)
- Electric mixer (for the glaze)
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Sticky Bun Style: Add chopped pecans and drizzle caramel sauce instead of glaze.
- Apple Cinnamon: Add thinly sliced apples sautéed in butter and brown sugar on top.
- Maple Pecan: Replace the glaze with warm maple syrup and toasted pecans.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips to the custard or drizzle chocolate sauce on top.
- Berry Bliss: Top with fresh raspberries or blueberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Overnight Casserole: Layer the bread in a baking dish, pour the custard over, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 thick slices of brioche or challah bread
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- For the cream cheese glaze:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (to thin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time: about 25 minutes. Expect 10 minutes for prep, 10 minutes for cooking, and a few minutes to make the glaze. It’s a quick, indulgent breakfast you can whip up anytime.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
2. Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the custard, letting it soak for about 10–15 seconds per side. Don’t oversoak or the bread may fall apart. Let excess custard drip off before cooking.
3. Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add soaked slices and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp at the edges. Repeat with remaining slices, adding more butter as needed.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk to reach your desired drizzle consistency.
5. Assemble and Serve
Stack the French toast slices on plates, drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze, and sprinkle with cinnamon. For extra indulgence, top with chopped pecans, caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pro Tips for Best Texture & Taste
For French toast that’s crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside, follow these professional tips.
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread—it absorbs custard without getting soggy.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure the inside cooks before the outside browns too much.
- Keep finished slices on a wire rack in a warm oven while you cook the rest.
- Don’t skip the glaze—it’s what transforms this dish into true cinnamon roll flavor.
- For an extra touch, dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the custard mixture and glaze the night before. Store them covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, soak and cook the bread fresh for best results.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use almond or oat milk in the custard, vegan butter for frying, and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
What’s the best bread to use?
Brioche or challah are ideal because of their rich, soft texture. However, thick slices of French bread or Texas toast also work beautifully.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Arrange soaked slices in a greased baking dish, pour any leftover custard on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. It becomes a delicious cinnamon roll French toast casserole.