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–+ servings
Ultra close-up macro slice of steaming cinnamon roll French toast casserole with dripping cream cheese glaze

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese Icing

Ultra-gooey, custardy, and effortless holiday brunch bake made with bite-sized cinnamon rolls soaked in rich vanilla spice custard, baked to golden perfection, and smothered in cascading warm cream cheese glaze.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 generous slices (9x13-inch dish)
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Holiday Baking, Make-Ahead Breakfast
Cuisine: American Comfort Food, Holiday Classic
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

Cinnamon Roll Casserole Base
  • 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing 17.5 oz each (like Pillsbury Grands), icing set aside
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter melted for greasing & drizzling
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream or whole milk
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Saigon cinnamon preferred
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg freshly grated
  • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Warm Cream Cheese Glaze & Crunch Topping
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoon whole milk to thin to pouring consistency
  • 2 tubs reserved icing from cinnamon roll cans
  • ½ cup roasted pecans chopped (optional crunch topping)

Method
 

Prep & Cut Cinnamon Rolls
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour 2 tablespoons of melted butter into the bottom of a 9x13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish, brushing to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
  2. Pop open both cans of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and set aside the icing containers. Cut each individual raw cinnamon roll into 6 to 8 bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
  3. Scatter the cut cinnamon roll dough pieces evenly across the prepared baking dish in a slightly overlapping layer.
Whisk Custard & Soak
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, sea salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter until completely smooth and frothy.
  2. Slowly pour the spiced egg custard mixture evenly over all the cut cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring every piece gets coated.
  3. Let the casserole rest on the counter for 10 minutes (or cover tightly and refrigerate overnight for an easy make-ahead morning bake).
Bake to Golden Perfection & Glaze
  1. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden amber, puffed, and the center is set (a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean).
  2. While baking, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and the two reserved icing tubs in a small bowl until silky and pourable.
  3. Remove the hot casserole from the oven. Immediately drizzle the warm cream cheese glaze all over the bubbling surface, scatter with toasted chopped pecans, and serve warm!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 7gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 540IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

Make-Ahead Baker's Tip: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly with foil, and store in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, pop it directly into the preheated oven and bake as directed (adding 5 extra minutes of covered baking time)!

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