Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole – Warm and Sweet Dessert
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is warm, sweet, soft in the center, and golden on top, with cozy cinnamon and brown sugar flavor in every bite. It's an easy make-ahead breakfast or brunch recipe that's perfect for holidays, weekends, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
French Toast Casserole
- 1 loaf brioche bread — slightly stale cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 large large eggs — creates the rich custard base
- 2 cups whole milk — adds creaminess to the custard
- ½ cup heavy cream — makes the casserole extra rich
- ½ cup brown sugar — adds warm caramel-like sweetness
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon — gives the casserole its signature flavor
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract — enhances the sweet warm flavor
- ¼ teaspoon salt — balances the sweetness
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter — melted for richness
Cinnamon Topping
- ⅓ cup brown sugar — creates a sweet caramelized topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — adds extra cinnamon flavor
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter — cut into small pieces for the topping
For Serving
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar — for dusting
- ¼ cup maple syrup — for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cut the brioche bread into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
- Make the Cinnamon Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the Custard Over the Bread: Slowly pour the cinnamon custard evenly over the bread pieces. Gently press the bread down with a spatula so the pieces can absorb the custard.
- Let It Soak: Let the casserole rest for about 30 minutes. This gives the brioche enough time to soak up the custard, creating a soft and rich center when baked.
- Add the Cinnamon Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the soaked bread, then scatter the small pieces of butter over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve Warm: Dust the casserole with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature briefly before baking.
- Bread: Slightly stale brioche, challah, or French bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming overly mushy.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven until heated through.
- Serving: Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or crispy bacon.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 25 g