Cinnamon Roll Baked French Toast

Get the delicious flavor of cinnamon rolls in a whole new, simple way! This simple Cinnamon Roll Baked French Toast recipe is ready in well under an hour and with less effort than homemade cinnamon rolls. Topped with cream cheese icing and perfect for a holiday breakfast or a quiet weekend in!

There is nothing, and I mean nothing like waking up to freshly baked cinnamon rolls.

And sometimes, you really want cinnamon rolls but you do not want to put in the time or the effort to have the ooey gooey goodness all to yourself.

Look no further--this Cinnamon Roll Baked French Toast IS the answer when you really want a cinnamon roll but may be feeling a bit on the lazy side. And trust, me that is ok.

Why we love this recipe so much:

1. 15 minutes of prep. Seriously. No kneading, no rolling, no waiting for anything to rise--none of that. Simple, no nonsense prep.
2. This baked French toast seriously tastes just like a cinnamon roll! You will be so amazed by how incredible this is and how much it actually tastes like cinnamon rolls--only better if you ask me.
3. Cream cheese icing. Everything is better with cream cheese. Everything.

Maybe you are heading into the holidays and want a new morning tradition with the family, or maybe its time

What you will need:

• For best results, I recommend using sliced Brioche bread. Second, you want to make sure it is day old--as in let it sit out overnight. This will keep the bread from getting overly soggy when soaked in the egg mixture. Brioche bread, when baked in this recipe has more of the buttery pastry like texture to it you will find in a cinnamon roll. If you don't have any, then use a thicker sliced bread like Texas Toast.
• I also recommend using the heavy cream and whole milk. The thicker creaminess you will get from this combination is another way to keep the bread from getting overly soggy. If you do need to substitute something, half and half would probably be ok as well.

How to make this:

First and foremost, you want to make sure you have slightly stale or day old bread. This will help keep anything from getting too soggy when baked.

• Whisk the eggs, cream, vanilla, and milk well until combined. (steps 1-2) Spray a 9x13 inch pan and then prep these two things: melt the 4 tablespoons of butter and then combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Dip a slice of bread into the egg mixture and allow it to soak up the mixture, coating each side and especially making sure the bread crust is moistened. Place the slice of bread into the baking pan. (step 3)

• Spread a small amount of butter over top the slice of bread and then generously sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar over top of the bread to cover. (steps 4-5)
• Continue this process with each slice of bread. Cover each lower piece of bread about halfway. This actually. makes for some amazing cinnamon roll like layers in the Cinnamon Roll Baked French Toast. The more toward the middle you get, the better! If you have remaining egg mixture, use it brush the edges and crust of the bread to help keep them from drying out. Sprinkle any remaining brown sugar and cinnamon over top. (step 6)

While the French Toast bakes, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and butter for the icing. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Add the vanilla and mix and then slowly mix in the powdered sugar until desired consistency. After removing the baked French Toast from the oven and allowing it to cool for about 5 minutes or so, spread the icing over top.

Serve it up!

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I mean, can you imagine how much your family is going to love you when they get to wake up to THIS?

Easy, iced, perfection.

Notes and Tips:

• You could make this more French Toast Casserole like if you prefer. If you decided to do that, just make sure again that the bread has had time to dry out. Cut the bread into smaller pieces and then toss it with the egg mixture. Place the bread into the baking pan and then drizzle the butter over top followed by the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture. From there, smother it with icing once it is baked!
• I also thought about layering the pieces and making 4 piles of 3, but have not done so yet. If you decide to try it that way, let me know how it goes!
• I would not suggest making this in advance. You don't want the bread to get really soggy overnight.

Try these other breakfast recipes:

• Cinnamon Cheesecake Stuffed Crescent Wreath
• Blueberry Muffin Baked Oatmeal
• Apple Cinnamon Donuts with Apple Cider Glaze
• The Easiest Homemade Pop Tarts
• Maple Bacon French Toast Muffins

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