Save This cinnamon roll French toast casserole transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary treat that will have everyone rushing to the table. The perfect marriage of two beloved breakfast classics creates a make-ahead dish that feels special enough for holidays yet simple enough for weekend family breakfasts.
I created this recipe when hosting an impromptu brunch for unexpected weekend guests. The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through the house had everyone gathered in the kitchen before I could even call them to the table.
Ingredients
- Brioche or challah bread: provides the perfect texture. The rich egg content creates a tender interior while maintaining structure to soak up all the delicious custard.
- Eggs: form the base of our custard mixture. Farm fresh eggs with bright orange yolks will give your casserole the most vibrant color.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: create the luxurious custard texture. The fat content is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Granulated sugar: sweetens the custard without overpowering. Look for pure cane sugar for best results.
- Pure vanilla extract: adds depth of flavor. Always use real extract rather than imitation for noticeably better flavor.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: provide that signature cinnamon roll warmth. Freshly grated nutmeg makes a noticeable difference.
- Brown sugar: creates the gooey cinnamon swirl. Dark brown sugar can be substituted for a more robust molasses flavor.
- Cream cheese: forms the base of our irresistible glaze. Allow it to fully soften for the smoothest results.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Dish:
- Thoroughly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring you coat the sides as well as the bottom. Cut your bread into consistent 1-inch cubes and arrange them evenly in the prepared dish. The uniform size ensures even soaking and baking.
- Create The Custard Mixture:
- In a large bowl, crack 6 eggs and whisk until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated. Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth with no streaks of egg visible. The custard should have a rich, warm color from the spices.
- Soak The Bread:
- Pour the custard mixture slowly and evenly over the bread cubes, making sure to hit all areas of the dish. Using the back of a spoon or clean hands, gently press the bread down to ensure each piece absorbs the custard. Pay special attention to any dry spots or pieces sticking up above the liquid.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:
- Melt your butter completely but avoid overheating it. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring until it forms a thick, glossy paste with no sugar lumps. The mixture should be smooth enough to dollop but thick enough to hold its shape.
- Create The Marble Effect:
- Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface of the soaked bread. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture through the top layer of bread, creating beautiful ribbons of cinnamon throughout the casserole. Avoid over-mixing which would lose the distinct swirl pattern.
- Refrigerate And Rest:
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results, prepare the night before and refrigerate overnight. This resting period allows the bread to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a perfectly moist interior and slightly crisp top.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and remove the casserole from the refrigerator to take the chill off while the oven heats. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.
- Create The Cream Cheese Glaze:
- While the casserole bakes, beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then gradually incorporate milk until you reach a pourable consistency. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely.
Save The cinnamon swirl is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered that letting the brown sugar and butter mixture sit for about 5 minutes before swirling creates the perfect consistency that mimics the filling of a traditional cinnamon roll. My family now judges all breakfast casseroles against this one, and nothing else quite measures up to its perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This casserole is designed for make-ahead convenience. For best results, assemble the entire dish up through the cinnamon swirl step, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. The extended soaking time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a more cohesive texture. You can prepare this up to 48 hours in advance, though 8-12 hours is ideal. Allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this casserole into a complete brunch spread by serving alongside savory options like a simple egg frittata or crispy bacon. Fresh fruit provides a welcome brightness to balance the richness of the dish. Consider setting up a toppings bar with maple syrup, fresh berries, toasted nuts, and additional cream cheese glaze for guests to customize their portions. For a special touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar just before bringing to the table.
Storage And Reheating
Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For individual portions, reheat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds until warmed through. To reheat the entire casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes. The texture remains remarkably good even after refrigeration, though the top will lose some of its crispness. For best results when reheating, add a fresh drizzle of cream cheese glaze just before serving.
Seasonal Adaptations
Spring Fresh strawberries or blueberries folded into the custard
Summer Peaches or nectarines layered between the bread cubes
Fall Diced apples tossed with extra cinnamon before adding to the dish
Winter Orange zest added to the custard for a bright holiday flavor
Creative Variations
While the classic version is perfection, this versatile casserole welcomes creativity. Try adding a layer of cream cheese cubes between the bread for pockets of creamy goodness. Substitute brioche with cinnamon raisin bread for extra flavor dimension. For a decadent twist, layer thin slices of apple or pear between the bread cubes. The recipe even works with gluten-free bread for those with dietary restrictions, though you may need to reduce the liquid slightly.
Save This casserole is the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Enjoy this delightful dish for a special occasion or a weekend treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, assemble it the night before and refrigerate. Bake in the morning for a fresh, warm breakfast.
- → Can I use different breads besides brioche or challah?
Absolutely, use any sturdy white bread or leftover French bread. Avoid soft sandwich bread for better texture.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat individual pieces in the microwave for best results.
- → Is it possible to add nuts or fruit?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch. Fresh berries or a drizzle of maple syrup work beautifully as toppings.
- → Can this be made dairy-free?
Substitute dairy-free milk, cream, butter, and cream cheese. Use a dairy-free bread for a fully dairy-free option.
- → What tools do I need for preparation?
You will need a baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups, and a hand mixer or whisk for the glaze.