Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Prepare to experience a breakfast revelation! Imagine the gooey, comforting sweetness of a cinnamon roll perfectly melded with the custardy goodness of French toast. It’s a decadent dream come true, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

While the exact origins of this delightful mashup are shrouded in mystery, the concept draws inspiration from two beloved breakfast staples. French toast, with its roots tracing back to Roman times, has been a way to revive stale bread for centuries. Cinnamon rolls, popularized in Sweden and later embraced by the world, offer a warm, spiced indulgence. Combining these two classics creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible.

What makes Cinnamon Roll French Toast so universally appealing? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, soft and slightly crispy. The cinnamon swirl adds a delightful warmth, while the eggy batter creates a rich, satisfying base. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re looking for a special weekend brunch treat or a way to elevate your everyday breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness, making it a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1 pound) challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast, cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 8 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the butter is truly softened for easy mixing!
2. Using a fork or electric mixer, cream the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Preparing the French Toast Batter:

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or large pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure everything is well incorporated. This is your French toast batter!

Assembling the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Take one slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the cinnamon swirl filling evenly over one side. Don’t be shy! We want that cinnamon roll flavor in every bite.
2. Top with another slice of bread, creating a sandwich. Gently press down to help the filling adhere.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the remaining bread slices and cinnamon swirl filling. You should have several cinnamon swirl “sandwiches” ready to go.

Soaking and Cooking the French Toast:

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the French toast.
2. Dip one cinnamon swirl French toast sandwich into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for about 20-30 seconds per side. This allows the bread to absorb the batter without becoming soggy.
3. Carefully transfer the soaked French toast to the hot skillet.
4. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
5. Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining French toast sandwiches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed (about 1 tablespoon per batch).
7. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place the baking sheet with the cooked French toast in the oven to keep warm while you prepare the cream cheese glaze. This will keep the French toast warm and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Again, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened for a smooth glaze.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Pour in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You may need more or less milk depending on the humidity.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Serving the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Remove the French toast from the oven.
2. Drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. You can also spread the glaze evenly over the top of each slice.
3. Serve immediately. This French toast is best enjoyed warm!
4. Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor. You can also add chopped nuts or fresh berries.

Tips and Variations:

• Bread Choice: Challah bread, brioche, or Texas toast work best for this recipe because they are sturdy and absorb the batter well. However, you can use other types of bread if you prefer. Just be mindful of the soaking time, as some breads may become soggy more easily.
• Overnight Soak: For an even richer and more flavorful French toast, you can soak the bread in the egg mixture overnight. Place the assembled cinnamon swirl sandwiches in a baking dish, pour the egg mixture over them, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, cook as directed.
• Baking Instead of Pan-Frying: If you prefer to bake the French toast, you can do so in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Adding Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl filling or sprinkle them on top of the finished French toast.
• Fruit Filling: Get creative with the filling! Add a layer of sliced apples, peaches, or berries to the cinnamon swirl filling for a fruity twist.
• Maple Syrup: While the cream cheese glaze is delicious on its own, you can also serve the French toast with maple syrup for a classic touch.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cinnamon swirl filling and cream cheese glaze ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. The French toast can also be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before serving.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free milk, cream cheese, and butter to make this recipe dairy-free.

Troubleshooting:

• French Toast is Soggy: If your French toast is soggy, it could be due to over-soaking the bread or not cooking it at a high enough temperature. Make sure to only soak the bread for 20-30 seconds per side and cook it over medium heat.
• French Toast is Burning: If your French toast is burning, reduce the heat slightly and cook it for a longer period of time. You can also add a little more butter to the skillet to prevent sticking.
• Cream Cheese Glaze is Too Thick: If your cream cheese glaze is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Cream Cheese Glaze is Too Thin: If your cream cheese glaze is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect treat for a special breakfast or brunch.

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it takes two beloved comfort foods and marries them into something utterly irresistible. The soft, pillowy texture of the French toast, infused with the warm, spicy notes of cinnamon rolls, creates a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing. It’s quick enough for a weekday treat (if you’re feeling ambitious!) but special enough to impress guests at your next brunch gathering.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! For a truly decadent experience, I highly recommend serving it with a generous drizzle of cream cheese frosting – the tanginess perfectly complements the sweetness of the cinnamon and maple syrup. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries provide a burst of freshness and color. A dollop of whipped cream is always a welcome addition, too!

And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Try using different types of bread for the French toast – challah bread would add an extra layer of richness, while brioche would create an even more decadent texture. You could also incorporate different spices into the cinnamon roll mixture, such as nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves. For a chocolatey twist, add chocolate chips to the cinnamon roll filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished French toast. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a layer of caramelized apples or pears between the cinnamon roll and the French toast for a truly unforgettable flavor combination.

This recipe is also a fantastic way to use up leftover cinnamon rolls. Instead of letting them go stale, transform them into a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch. It’s a win-win situation – you reduce food waste and create a culinary masterpiece!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect way to start your day on a sweet note or to treat yourself to a well-deserved indulgence. The aroma alone, as it cooks, is enough to make your kitchen feel warm and inviting.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the magic of Cinnamon Roll French Toast! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What toppings did you use? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking (and eating)! I am sure that this will become a family favorite.

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