Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a decadent breakfast or brunch dish that combines the best of both worlds: the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls and the comforting richness of French toast. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, with layers of cinnamon-swirled bread soaked in a creamy egg mixture, baked to perfection, and topped with a luscious glaze. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings. The warm spices and sweet glaze make every bite a delightful experience that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of day-old cinnamon swirl bread, cut into cubes (about 8 cups)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the cubed cinnamon swirl bread evenly in the dish.
2. Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. Assemble the Bake: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes, pressing down lightly to ensure the bread absorbs the custard. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top, if using.
4. Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the bread to soak up the custard fully. However, if you’re short on time, you can bake it right away.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and bake the French toast bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
6. Make the Glaze: While the bake is cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
7. Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm French toast bake before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is the ultimate comfort food for breakfast lovers, combining the flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease and simplicity of a baked French toast casserole. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, and sure to become a family favorite!