Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Holiday Brunch)

If you’re dreaming of a brunch that combines the gooey, cinnamon-swirled magic of cinnamon rolls with the comforting, custardy warmth of French toast, look no further than this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Holiday Brunch). It’s a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for holiday mornings when you want something sweet, satisfying, and easy enough to prepare ahead of time. Using just one package of cinnamon rolls, eggs, milk, and a handful of pantry staples, this bake is a crowd-pleaser that marries indulgence with convenience. The optional crunch from walnuts and a savory hint from crumbled turkey bacon make it versatile enough to please every palate at your table.

The Upside of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Holiday Brunch)

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Holiday Brunch) is the ultimate way to make your holiday mornings extra special without spending hours in the kitchen. First, it’s incredibly easy to pull together—no complicated dough or lengthy rise times here. The cinnamon rolls do all the heavy lifting, bringing that iconic swirl and sweetness baked right in. The custard mixture soaks the rolls perfectly, resulting in a tender, flavorful bake that’s crisp on the edges and soft in the middle.

Another major upside? It can be made the night before and baked fresh in the morning, freeing up your time to enjoy your guests (or just relax with a cup of coffee). Plus, the combination of sweet cinnamon, warm vanilla, and the subtle maple syrup drizzle makes every bite feel like a cozy holiday hug.

Adding optional walnuts introduces a satisfying crunch and nutty depth, while the turkey bacon adds a smoky, savory contrast that balances the sweetness. This dish is customizable, forgiving, and guaranteed to impress, whether you’re hosting a big family brunch or enjoying a quiet holiday at home.

Your Shopping Guide

• Package of Cinnamon Rolls (with icing): Choose your favorite brand or freshly made rolls that come with icing included.
• Large Eggs (6): These form the custard base ensuring the bake holds together with a creamy texture.
• Milk (1 cup): Whole milk is preferred for richness, but any milk you have on hand works well.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, sweet aroma to complement the cinnamon.
• Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the cinnamon flavor already in the rolls.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and ties flavors together.
• Maple Syrup (1/2 cup): For drizzling or mixing in, it adds natural sweetness and depth.
• Chopped Walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): Adds texture and nuttiness.
• Turkey Bacon (1/4 cup, cooked and crumbled, optional): Provides a savory contrast.

Tools of the Trade

• Baking Dish (8×8 inch or similar): Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: To whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
• Whisk or Fork: For blending the custard mixture smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy makes a difference in flavor and texture.
• Knife and Cutting Board: To chop walnuts or turkey bacon if using.
• Oven Mitts: Safety first when removing the hot bake from the oven.

Step-by-Step: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Holiday Brunch)

Step 1: Prepare Your Cinnamon Rolls

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Open your package of cinnamon rolls and cut each roll into quarters. This helps the custard soak in and creates bite-sized pieces that blend beautifully in the bake. Evenly distribute the chopped rolls in your greased baking dish.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 6 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smooth and combined. This mixture will soak into the cinnamon roll pieces, giving them that luscious French toast texture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Dish

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the chopped cinnamon rolls in the baking dish. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure all pieces absorb the custard. If you’re adding walnuts or cooked turkey bacon, sprinkle them evenly on top now for added texture and flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Keep an eye toward the end so the edges don’t over-bake.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the 1/2 cup of maple syrup over the top just before serving. The syrup melts into the warm bake, adding a sticky, sweet finish that’s impossible to resist.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Eggs: Substitute with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) to make it vegan-friendly.
• Walnuts: Swap for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies.
• Turkey Bacon: Replace with plant-based bacon alternatives or omit entirely.
• Cinnamon Rolls: For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free cinnamon rolls or bake your own gluten-free version.

Steer Clear of These

• Avoid cinnamon rolls with non-approved gelatin or animal-based additives to keep your bake aligned with your dietary preferences.
• Do not substitute maple syrup with corn syrup or artificial syrups that contain high fructose corn syrup for a more natural flavor.
• Stay away from overly processed or pre-cooked bacon that may contain additives or preservatives you want to avoid.

Storing Tips & Timelines

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Holiday Brunch) is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or in a 325°F oven until heated through. Avoid freezing as the texture may suffer due to the custard and icing.

Ask & Learn

Can I prepare the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble the bake in your dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free holiday brunch.

What’s the best way to make the bake less sweet?

You can reduce the maple syrup drizzle or omit the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls. Adding turkey bacon also balances the sweetness with a savory touch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cinnamon rolls or bake your own gluten-free version. Just ensure all other ingredients are free of gluten-containing additives.

What can I serve alongside this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Holiday Brunch)?

This bake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or even a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a complementary sweet treat, try Maple Glazed Apple Scones or indulge in a rich Cinnamon Maple Cheesecake for dessert. If you want something lighter, the Apple Cinnamon Puffed Pancake makes a delightful breakfast companion.

Explore More

• Apple Cinnamon Puffed Pancake – A light, fluffy breakfast treat packed with warm spices.
• Cinnamon Maple Cheesecake – Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during the holidays.
• Maple Glazed Apple Scones – Buttery scones with a sweet maple glaze that pair wonderfully with coffee.

Bring It Home

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake (Holiday Brunch) is a delicious way to elevate your holiday gatherings with minimal fuss. Whether you enjoy it as a decadent breakfast or a comforting brunch, it serves up all the best parts of cinnamon rolls and French toast in one luscious dish. Don’t forget to customize with your favorite nuts or bacon for a personal touch, and make this a new holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year.

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