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 humble beginnings as a way to use stale bread, has evolved into a global favorite, enjoyed in countless variations. Cinnamon rolls, with their warm, spicy aroma and irresistible icing, have long been a symbol of cozy mornings and sweet indulgence. Combining these two treats is a stroke of genius, offering the best of both worlds in a single, unforgettable bite.

People adore this dish for its incredible flavor profile. The warm cinnamon spice, the rich, buttery notes, and the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture create a symphony of sensations that will tantalize your taste buds. But beyond the taste, cinnamon roll French toast is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends, leaving them begging for more. So, let’s dive into this recipe and create some breakfast magic!

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 packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons 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
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

Okay, let’s get started with the best part – the cinnamon swirl! This is what really makes this French toast taste like cinnamon rolls.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Use a fork or electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until they are light and fluffy. You want it to be easily spreadable. If the butter isn’t soft enough, it will be difficult to mix and you’ll end up with clumps.
3. Set the cinnamon swirl filling aside while you prepare the bread.

Preparing the Bread:

Now, let’s get our bread ready for its cinnamon roll makeover. The type of bread you use is important! Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are all great choices because they are sturdy enough to hold up to the custard and the filling. Regular sandwich bread will likely fall apart.

1. Lay the bread slices out on a baking sheet or large cutting board.
2. Using a butter knife or small offset spatula, spread a generous layer of the cinnamon swirl filling evenly over one side of each bread slice. Don’t be shy! The more filling, the better.
3. Stack the slices of bread on top of each other, cinnamon swirl side up.
4. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each stack of bread in half. This will give you two smaller, more manageable pieces of French toast.

Preparing the Custard:

The custard is what transforms ordinary bread into decadent French toast. This recipe uses a rich custard with plenty of eggs, milk, and cream for a truly indulgent experience.

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
2. The dish should be large enough to easily dip the bread slices without overcrowding them.

Soaking and Cooking the French Toast:

This is where the magic happens! Soaking the bread in the custard allows it to absorb all that delicious flavor. Then, cooking it in butter creates a golden-brown crust that is simply irresistible.

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely.
2. Dip each slice of cinnamon swirl bread into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Let the bread soak for about 30-60 seconds per side, allowing it to absorb as much of the custard as possible. Don’t soak it for too long, or it will become soggy and fall apart.
3. Carefully place the soaked bread slices into the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the French toast in batches.
4. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. 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 wire rack to keep it warm while you cook the remaining slices.
6. Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet before cooking each batch of French toast.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

No cinnamon roll is complete without a generous drizzle of cream cheese glaze! This glaze is super easy to make and adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tanginess to the French toast.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter.
2. Use an electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until they are smooth and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until it is fully incorporated.
4. Add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to drizzle, but not too thick that it’s difficult to spread.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembling and Serving:

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! It’s time to assemble our Cinnamon Roll French Toast and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

1. Arrange the cooked French toast slices on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze.
3. Serve immediately.

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream

Tips and Tricks:

• Use day-old bread: Slightly stale bread will absorb the custard better than fresh bread.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the French toast in batches ensures that it cooks evenly and gets a nice golden-brown crust.
• Keep the French toast warm: Place the cooked French toast on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F) to keep it warm while you cook the remaining slices.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the cinnamon swirl filling and the custard mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the French toast.
• Freezing: Cooked French toast can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Variations:

• Nutella Swirl: Substitute Nutella for the cinnamon swirl filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Apple Cinnamon: Add diced apples to the cinnamon swirl filling for an apple cinnamon flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice: Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall-inspired French toast.

Enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast! I hope you love it as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate! The irresistible combination of gooey cinnamon roll filling, the custardy embrace of French toast, and that final, decadent drizzle makes it a truly unforgettable experience. I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Is this too much?” And my answer is a resounding, “Absolutely not!” It’s the perfect indulgence for a special occasion, a lazy Sunday brunch, or simply when you need a little extra sweetness in your life. But what truly elevates this recipe to must-try status is its simplicity. Despite its impressive presentation and flavor profile, it’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to whip up a batch of this deliciousness. The steps are straightforward, the ingredients are readily available, and the result is guaranteed to impress. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can absolutely nail this recipe. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Fruit Frenzy: Top your Cinnamon Roll French Toast with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness and color. A dollop of whipped cream wouldn’t hurt either! * Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the finished product for added texture and a nutty flavor. Toasted nuts are even better! * Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate over the French toast for an extra layer of indulgence. You can even add chocolate chips to the batter for an even more intense chocolate experience. * Savory Twist: Believe it or not, this can even be adapted for a savory brunch! Try adding a sprinkle of crumbled bacon or a side of sausage for a delightful sweet-and-savory combination. * Ice Cream Extravaganza: For the ultimate dessert experience, serve your Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm French toast and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast that’s simply irresistible. * Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the egg mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect combination! The possibilities are endless. I truly believe that this Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe is a winner. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a guaranteed mood booster, and a delicious way to start (or end!) your day. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience breakfast bliss. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did you serve it with anything special? Please, share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of Cinnamon Roll French Toast enthusiasts! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see what you create!

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