The Recipe Buffet

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake: A Sweet Start to Your Day

Looking for a crowd-pleasing breakfast to kick off the New Year? This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is the perfect choice. It’s a delightful combination of classic cinnamon rolls and creamy French toast, baked into one gooey, cinnamon-scented dish. It’s quick to assemble and bursting with flavor, making it ideal for New Year’s Day brunch or any special occasion.

Ingredients:

For the French Toast Bake:

• 2 tubes (12.4 oz each) of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ cup maple syrup

For the Topping:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed for desired consistency)
• Additional maple syrup for serving (optional)

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Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Open the cinnamon roll tubes and set aside the icing packets for later. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters and place the pieces evenly in the prepared dish.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and maple syrup until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Use a spatula to gently press the rolls into the mixture so they soak it up.

Step 4: Bake

5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 5: Prepare the Glaze

6. While the bake is cooling slightly, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk for your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

7. Drizzle the reserved cinnamon roll icing and the powdered sugar glaze over the warm French toast bake. For an extra touch, serve with additional maple syrup on the side.

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Tips for Success:

• Customization: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it directly from the fridge (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
• Serving Suggestions: Pair it with fresh fruit, bacon, or a hot cup of coffee for a complete meal.

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is guaranteed to make your New Year’s morning both festive and delicious. It’s a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. Here’s to starting the year with something sweet and unforgettable!