Name: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices cinnamon swirl bread; 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Butter or oil for cooking (about 2 tablespoons); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you already know how magical cinnamon rolls can be. Now, imagine that same comforting cinnamon flavor with the fluffy, satisfying texture of French toast—that’s exactly what this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe delivers. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become your go-to weekend indulgence or a special-occasion showstopper. And the best part? It’s simpler than you think to make, with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Stick around and I’ll walk you through every step for a picture-perfect, melt-in-your-mouth breakfast experience.

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Why This Recipe Works

Decadent Cinnamon Swirl Bread: Using cinnamon swirl bread means every bite already has that iconic cinnamon roll flavor built-in, giving you instant coziness.
The Perfect Custard Blend: A mix of eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a rich custard that soaks into the bread beautifully without turning soggy.
Creamy, Sweet Glaze Finish: The glossy powdered sugar glaze ties the whole dish together perfectly, adding just the right touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Balance of Texture and Flavor: Cooking the bread on medium heat ensures a crisp exterior with a tender, custardy inside for that ultimate French toast experience.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast, cinnamon roll breakfast ideas, easy cinnamon French toast, indulgent breakfast recipes, cinnamon toast casserole - The image shows a close-up of four cinnamon rolls stacked in a round pan. Each roll has three visible layers, with a thick swirl of brown cinnamon sugar filling in between the layers of golden brown, flaky dough. The cinnamon filling looks soft and glistens slightly from a sticky glaze coating the rolls. A light dusting of powdered sugar is scattered on top and some glaze pools inside the central spiral of the rolls. The pan's dark edges contrast with the shiny warm rolls, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe lies as much in the ingredients as it does in the method. Every component plays a role to build layers of flavor and texture that’ll impress every breakfast guest — or just make your own morning truly special. Let’s break down why each of these ingredients is a star.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast, cinnamon roll breakfast ideas, easy cinnamon French toast, indulgent breakfast recipes, cinnamon toast casserole - Flat lay of a thick slice of cinnamon swirl bread showing its swirled cinnamon pattern, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl holding pale yellow softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract liquid, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cinnamon swirl bread: This is your flavor foundation; the cinnamon ribbons mean you get that warm spice and sweetness baked right in.
Eggs: Eggs give the custard body, richness, and help create a velvety interior for the toast.
Milk: It thins the custard to just the right consistency, making it easy to soak the bread evenly.
Vanilla extract: Adds a deep, fragrant sweetness that enhances all the cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
Ground cinnamon: A little extra cinnamon intensifies the spice experience—never hurts to amp the flavor up!
Ground nutmeg: A tiny bit of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity that makes the custard more interesting.
Butter or oil for cooking: Butter is my favorite because it browns beautifully and gives a lovely, rich flavor to the crust.
Powdered sugar: Essential for the glaze’s smooth sweetness and that classic cinnamon roll finish.
Milk for glaze: Keeps the glaze pourable and luscious without being too runny.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to keep things classic, go with what’s outlined here. But don’t hesitate to personalize — it’s your breakfast, after all!

Variation: I’ve tried swapping out cinnamon swirl bread for brioche plus a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar on the bread edges, and it’s just as delightful. It’s a great option if you don’t want to hunt down swirl bread.
Dietary tweaks: For dairy-free, almond or oat milk works surprisingly well in both custard and glaze, though the flavor shifts slightly.
Extra indulgence: Add a splash of cream cheese to your glaze for a tangy twist reminiscent of traditional cinnamon roll icing—trust me, it’s worth it.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Perfect Custard

Start by cracking 3 large eggs into a medium bowl. Then add your milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. I like to whisk until the mixture is uniform and smooth—this really helps the custard soak in evenly. You want it thick enough to cling to the bread but still pourable. The cinnamon and nutmeg will fill your kitchen with that cozy scent we love so much.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a generous pat of butter or splash some oil. Butter is my go-to because it browns so nicely and adds that golden crust we’re aiming for. When the butter’s melted and starts bubbling, it’s time for the good stuff.

Step 3: Dip the Bread with Care

Take a slice of your cinnamon swirl bread and gently dip it into the custard. Make sure both sides are coated but not soggy—too much custard can cause the bread to fall apart. Let the excess drip off so you’re getting that perfect soak without the mess. Repeat with all slices, and if your kitchen gets busy, you can hold dipped slices on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Place your custard-coated slices onto the hot skillet without crowding them. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden brown crust forming. I always keep an eye on the heat because burn marks can sneak up fast! If needed, adjust your burner to medium-low for a slower, more even cook that gives a tender center and crisp outside.

Step 5: Whisk Up the Creamy Glaze

While your French toast cooks, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. If the glaze feels too thick, add a tiny splash more milk — it should drizzle easily but still coat the toast well. This glaze is the magic touch that brings the cinnamon roll vibe to full fruition.

Step 6: Serve It Up and Savor

Once your French toast is perfectly golden and crisp, plate it up and drizzle the creamy glaze generously over each slice. It’s best enjoyed immediately while warm, so the glaze melts a little into the toast, making every bite sinfully good. This part always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Day-Old Bread: I always recommend using cinnamon swirl bread that’s at least a day old; it soaks up the custard without turning mushy.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each slice plenty of room to get that crisp edge—crowding leads to steaming and soggy toast.
Control Your Heat: Medium to medium-low heat is key to cooking the toast through without burning the outside.
Customize Your Glaze: I’ve learned that a splash of cream cheese in the glaze creates an amazing tangy-sweet contrast—feel free to experiment!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast, cinnamon roll breakfast ideas, easy cinnamon French toast, indulgent breakfast recipes, cinnamon toast casserole - A soft cinnamon roll with a golden-brown crust sits in a white plate against a white marbled surface. The roll has many spiral layers showing light golden dough and dark brown cinnamon filling in between. On top, a shiny, slightly thick cream glaze drips slowly down the sides, pooling a little on the plate. A dusting of fine white powdered sugar is sprinkled over the glaze, enhancing the texture. The background shows another cinnamon roll softly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep my garnishes simple because the French toast itself is so flavorful, but a sprinkle of chopped pecans adds a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty note that plays nicely with the cinnamon. Fresh berries also add a pop of color and tartness that balances the sweetness perfectly. And if I’m feeling extra decadent, I drizzle a little warm maple syrup on top—hello, bliss.

Side Dishes

On the side, I often serve crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage—it’s that salty contrast that I find elevates the sweetness of the cinnamon roll French toast. Some fresh fruit salad or yogurt with honey works great for brighter, fresher balance too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like stacking the French toast slices in a staggered pile, drizzling glaze artistically down the sides, and topping it all with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered cinnamon sugar. It makes the whole plate feel like an event—perfect for family brunches or weekend treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (sometimes tough to happen!), I recommend letting them cool completely, then placing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You’ll want to keep the glaze separate if possible to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe freezes quite well! Flash freeze the cooked slices on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They keep nicely for up to a month. When you want a quick breakfast, just pop a slice or two in the toaster or oven straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your French toast on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to revive that crispness. Avoid microwaving as much as possible, since it tends to make the bread rubbery. Reapply glaze just before serving for the freshest taste.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of cinnamon swirl bread for this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe?

Absolutely! If you can’t find cinnamon swirl bread, feel free to use brioche, challah, or Texas toast. To mimic the cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and sugar on each slice before dipping it in the custard. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious and very comforting.
What’s the best way to prevent French toast from getting soggy when making this recipe?

Using day-old bread helps a lot because it absorbs the custard but maintains its structure. Also, don’t leave the bread soaking too long in the custard—just a quick dip is enough. When cooking, don’t overcrowd your pan so each slice gets a chance to crisp up rather than steam.
Can I make the creamy glaze in advance?

Yes, you can mix the glaze ahead and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a good stir before drizzling, and if it thickened too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it back up.
Is this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! The sweet cinnamon flavors and creamy glaze tend to be a hit with kids. Just be sure to cook the toast thoroughly and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Can I add toppings like nuts or fruit to the glaze?

Yes, absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or fresh berries on top of the glaze is a great way to add texture and fresh flavor—plus it makes your plate look extra inviting.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is one of my favorite breakfast hacks whenever I want to bring a bit of bakery magic into my own kitchen. The rich spices and buttery crust paired with that dreamy glaze always make mornings feel a little more special. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do—it’s a wonderful way to treat yourself or someone you love with a delicious start to the day. Seriously, once you try it, it might just become your favorite weekend ritual too!