Ingredients

For the French Toast Bake:

• Bread: 6 slices (white or whole wheat)
• Cinnamon Rolls: 1 can (8 oz), with icing
• Eggs: 3 large
• Milk: ¼ cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
• Ground Cinnamon: ½ tsp
• Butter: 2 tbsp (for cooking)

For Serving:

• Powdered Sugar: For dusting
• Maple Syrup: For drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking while you prepare the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

1. Cut the slices of bread into cubes, about 1-inch in size. This will allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture and create a delightful texture.
2. Set the bread cubes aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

1. Open the can of cinnamon rolls and separate each roll. Reserve the icing packet for later use.
2. Cut each cinnamon roll into quarters. Add the cinnamon roll pieces to the bowl with the bread cubes, gently mixing to combine.

Step 4: Whisk the Egg Mixture

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
2. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and cinnamon roll cubes, ensuring that all the pieces are coated. Gently toss the mixture to combine, allowing the bread to soak in the liquid.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with the 2 tablespoons of butter, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking.
2. Transfer the bread and cinnamon roll mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Dish

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
2. To ensure even cooking, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Step 7: Drizzle with Icing

1. Once the French toast bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Meanwhile, gently heat the reserved icing packet in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
3. Drizzle the icing over the warm cinnamon roll bake, allowing it to melt into the crevices.

Step 8: Serve

1. Cut the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
2. Serve warm with maple syrup drizzled on top for that extra sweet touch.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximately)

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 6g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?

Yes! If you have a favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe, you can use it in place of the store-bought version. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

2. What kind of bread works best for this recipe?

While white or whole wheat bread works well, you can also use brioche, challah, or even croissants for a richer flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as some breads may require less egg mixture.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

4. What toppings can I use?

In addition to maple syrup and powdered sugar, consider adding fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries or bananas, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture and flavor.

5. Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze individual portions of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

1. Cut Uniformly: Ensure that the bread and cinnamon roll pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking and soaking.
2. Soak Time: If time allows, let the bread mixture soak in the egg mixture for about 10-15 minutes before baking to enhance the flavor and texture.
3. Don’t Skip the Icing: The icing adds a sweet, gooey finish that complements the flavors beautifully, so be sure to drizzle it generously!
4. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add mix-ins such as chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried fruits to customize the flavor to your liking.
5. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of icing used or omit it altogether.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the baked dish to cool completely, then slice it into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a delectable, crowd-pleasing breakfast that combines the best of both worlds: the classic comfort of French toast and the indulgent flavor of cinnamon rolls. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences and is perfect for any occasion, from busy weekday mornings to festive brunches. With its easy preparation and satisfying flavors, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast repertoire. Serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar for an unforgettable morning treat that everyone will love! Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors, and watch as this dish disappears from your breakfast table!