Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Recipe

Cinnamon rolls: Pre-made rolls that come with icing, found in the refrigerated section.

Eggs: Essential for binding the casserole and adding richness.

Heavy cream: Adds a creamy texture and richness to the dish.

Ground cinnamon: Provides the warm, spicy flavor characteristic of cinnamon rolls.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

Chopped pecans: Optional, but adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

To ensure your cinnamon roll French toast casserole has a perfectly even texture, make sure to whisk the egg mixture thoroughly until fully combined. This helps to evenly distribute the cinnamon and vanilla extract throughout the heavy cream, creating a consistent flavor in every bite. Additionally, when cutting the cinnamon rolls into quarters, try to make the pieces as uniform as possible. This ensures even baking and prevents some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain underdone.

• cinnamon rolls - Substitute with brioche bread: Brioche bread has a similar texture and richness, making it a good alternative for the base of the casserole.

• icing - Substitute with cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the casserole.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This works well as a binder for those who are vegan or have an egg allergy.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a similar creamy texture and richness, suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves, adding a more complex flavor profile.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor that can add a unique twist to the casserole.

• maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a good alternative to maple syrup.

• chopped pecans - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and nutty flavor, making them a suitable replacement for pecans.

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the cinnamon rolls soggy.
• For short-term storage, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer individual servings, cut the casserole into portions and store them in airtight containers or resealable bags.
• To freeze, wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer method helps prevent freezer burn.
• Label the containers or bags with the date to keep track of freshness. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For individual portions, you can use a microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
• If the casserole seems dry after reheating, drizzle a bit of maple syrup or extra icing over the top to restore moisture and sweetness.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cinnamon roll french toast casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the casserole in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s not overcrowded. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway to ensure it’s warming evenly.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan. Place the casserole pieces in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) for baking the casserole.

• Baking dish: Grease this to prevent sticking and to hold the casserole.

• Knife: Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters.

• Mixing bowl: Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Use to mix the egg mixture thoroughly.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the heavy cream and maple syrup.

• Measuring spoons: Measure the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract.

• Spatula: Spread the cinnamon roll pieces evenly in the baking dish and drizzle the icing before serving.

• Oven mitts: Protect your hands when placing the dish in and taking it out of the oven.

Pre-cut the cinnamon rolls: Cut the cinnamon rolls the night before and store them in the fridge to save time in the morning.

Use pre-mixed spices: Instead of measuring out cinnamon and vanilla extract, use a pre-mixed spice blend to speed up the process.

Prepare the egg mixture ahead: Whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract the night before and store in the fridge.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.

Pre-chop the pecans: If using pecans, chop them ahead of time and store in an airtight container.