Hearty Cinnamon French Toast Bake

I make this Cinnamon French Toast Bake whenever I want something that feels special without the fuss. My kitchen fills with the smell of cinnamon and vanilla while it bakes, and I love how simple ingredients turn into something everyone asks for again.

This recipe started as a weekend experiment with leftover cinnamon rolls. I realized the soft, sweet dough soaks up custard beautifully and bakes into a golden, custardy casserole that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen.

Here is what I love most about my Cinnamon French Toast Bake

I reach for this recipe when I need breakfast ready without much effort. The canned cinnamon rolls do most of the work, and the custard comes together in one bowl with ingredients I always have on hand.

My family loves how rich and comforting each bite tastes. The edges get slightly crispy while the center stays soft and custardy, and that contrast makes every forkful satisfying.

I also appreciate how forgiving this dish is. You can prep it the night before and bake it fresh in the morning, or throw it together when guests show up unexpectedly and still look like you planned everything perfectly.

If you enjoyed this, my The Perfect Avocado Toast with Egg Recipe makes a great savory counterpart for brunch spreads, and the Easy Dreamy Roasted Grape Ricotta Toast brings the same cozy weekend morning vibe with a lighter touch.

Everything you need for the perfect Cinnamon French Toast Bake

• 1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (I use Pillsbury Grands or Immaculate for organic)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup whole milk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for greasing the dish)

I keep canned cinnamon rolls in my fridge for mornings like this. Room temperature eggs and milk blend more smoothly into the custard, so I pull them out while the oven preheats.

My Method for Cinnamon French Toast Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with the melted butter, making sure to coat the bottom and sides evenly.
2. Open the can of cinnamon rolls and set the icing packet aside. Cut each cinnamon roll into 6-8 equal pieces using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. Arrange the pieces in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, fitting them snugly together.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten and smooth. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, whisking until everything combines into a pale yellow custard. Pour in the maple syrup and whisk again until the mixture looks glossy and well blended.
4. Pour the custard evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish, making sure each piece gets coated. Use a spoon to gently press down any pieces that float to the top so they soak up the liquid.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, checking at the 20-minute mark. The edges should pull slightly away from the sides of the dish, and the custard should be set with just a few moist crumbs when you insert a toothpick into the center. The top will turn golden brown and smell like cinnamon sugar.
6. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the reserved icing packet over the top while it’s still warm, letting it melt into the crevices. Serve immediately or store for later.

My personal tricks for the best Cinnamon French Toast Bake

I always bring my eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients don’t blend as smoothly, and the custard can turn lumpy or separate slightly during baking.

I cut the cinnamon rolls into smaller pieces for more surface area to soak up the custard. Larger pieces can stay doughy in the center, while smaller chunks bake through evenly and get that perfect custardy texture.

If you want a more classic baked french toast look, leave the cinnamon rolls whole instead of cutting them. They’ll still soak up the custard, but the final dish will have a more distinct swirl pattern and slightly different texture.

The best way I serve Cinnamon French Toast Bake

I serve this warm with extra maple syrup and fresh berries on the side. The tartness of raspberries or blueberries balances the sweetness beautifully, and the syrup adds another layer of richness.

This casserole works for holiday mornings when I need something easy but impressive. I prep it the night before, refrigerate it covered, and bake it fresh while everyone gathers in the kitchen.