If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug from your oven, you’ve got to try this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of cinnamon roll sweetness and classic French toast comfort, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy slice you’ll want to savor bite after bite. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become a weekend staple—and I’m here to guide you through every delicious step.

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich, Custardy Soak: A perfectly balanced egg and milk custard with cinnamon and nutmeg infuses each slice with warmth and depth.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread Base: Starting with cinnamon swirl bread means you get that authentic cinnamon roll flavor without the fuss of making rolls from scratch.
Creamy Vanilla Glaze: The drizzle on top elevates this French toast to dessert-like indulgence, making mornings feel special.
Easy Yet Impressive: Simple techniques combined with thoughtful ingredients make this recipe approachable but always impressive to serve.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast, cinnamon roll breakfast ideas, easy French toast recipes, sweet breakfast recipes, cinnamon swirl bread breakfast - The image shows a close-up of four cinnamon rolls stacked in a round pan. Each roll has three visible layers, with a thick swirl of brown cinnamon sugar filling in between the layers of golden brown, flaky dough. The cinnamon filling looks soft and glistens slightly from a sticky glaze coating the rolls. A light dusting of powdered sugar is scattered on top and some glaze pools inside the central spiral of the rolls. The pan's dark edges contrast with the shiny warm rolls, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component has a purpose, from the soft cinnamon swirl bread to the warm spices in the custard and the luscious glaze on top. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind while you shop and prep.

Cinnamon Roll French Toast, cinnamon roll breakfast ideas, easy French toast recipes, sweet breakfast recipes, cinnamon swirl bread breakfast - Flat lay of a thick slice of cinnamon swirl bread showing its swirled cinnamon pattern, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl holding pale yellow softened butter, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract liquid, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cinnamon Swirl Bread: This is the star of the show—choose a thick, soft variety for best results. If you can’t find cinnamon swirl bread, brioche or challah work great—just sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on it for that swirl effect.
Eggs: They create the rich custard that makes every bite so moist and tender, binding all the flavors together.
Milk: Balances the eggs and keeps the custard smooth so your bread absorbs just the right amount.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet fragrance and subtle complexity that complements the cinnamon without overpowering.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices deepen the flavors, with nutmeg lending an understated warmth that makes the custard extra cozy.
Butter or Oil for Cooking: Butter is my go-to because it adds flavor and helps develop that irresistible golden crust.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Provides smooth sweetness and a lovely texture that melts right into the hot French toast.
Milk (for glaze): Thins the powdered sugar so the glaze is pourable but still thick enough to stick.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe my own by playing around with toppings and spice blends. It’s such a versatile base—you can keep it classic or jazz it up to match your mood or the season.

Glaze Variations: I sometimes add a teaspoon of cream cheese or a bit of maple syrup to the glaze to give it a tangy sweetness that balances out the spices beautifully.
Spice it Up: Sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or even a pinch of cardamom into the custard adds a unique twist that’s addicting.
Dietary Swaps: I’ve swapped regular milk for almond or oat milk with great success, making it friendlier for those with dairy sensitivities.
Make it Fruity: Fresh berries or sliced apples on top add a refreshing contrast, especially in spring and fall.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up That Cozy Custard

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until it’s smooth and a little thick but still pourable—that sweet spice combo will gently infuse into the bread, setting the stage for that signature flavor. I like to take a moment here and give the custard a little sniff—just to remind myself how good this breakfast is going to be!

Step 2: Heat Your Pan Just Right

Place your skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a generous pat of butter. Let it melt until it’s bubbly but not browned. This slow melt ensures your French toast gets that gorgeous golden crust without burning. If you use oil instead, pick one with a high smoke point, but I’ll always reach for butter because of the flavor punch it delivers.

Step 3: Dip the Bread with Care

Now, take your cinnamon swirl bread slice and dip it into the custard, coating both sides well but don’t let it soak for too long—you want it to absorb enough custard for a rich interior but not get soggy. Let any extra drip off before laying it down on the skillet. This little step guarantees your French toast won’t fall apart on you.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Place the soaked bread slices in the skillet, giving them some breathing room so they cook evenly instead of steaming. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on the heat — if it’s too hot, you’ll risk burning the outside before the inside cooks through. I usually adjust the burner a couple of times until it’s just right, and that’s where that beautiful crust comes alive.

Step 5: Whip Up the Vanilla Glaze

While the French toast is sizzling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The goal is a pourable glaze that’s thick enough to coat but not drip off like water — if it’s too thick, just add a splash more milk. This glaze is what takes the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe into decadent territory, so don’t skip it!

Step 6: Drizzle, Serve, and Enjoy!

Once your French toast is perfectly done, transfer it to a plate and drizzle that luscious glaze all over. The warm toast soaks up the sweetness and vanilla notes, making every mouthful melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Serve immediately—though I have to confess, I’ve been known to sneak a slice or two right off the pan before plating.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Use Day-Old Bread: I’ve found that bread that’s a little stale holds up much better soaking the custard without falling apart.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures each slice crisps up nicely instead of steaming.
Adjust Heat As Needed: Medium heat works best, but feel free to lower it if the toast is browning too fast before cooking through.
Glaze Consistency Matters: Too runny glaze slips right off, too thick it clumps—thin with milk a little at a time to get that perfect drizzle.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Cinnamon Roll French Toast, cinnamon roll breakfast ideas, easy French toast recipes, sweet breakfast recipes, cinnamon swirl bread breakfast - A soft cinnamon roll with a golden-brown crust sits in a white plate against a white marbled surface. The roll has many spiral layers showing light golden dough and dark brown cinnamon filling in between. On top, a shiny, slightly thick cream glaze drips slowly down the sides, pooling a little on the plate. A dusting of fine white powdered sugar is sprinkled over the glaze, enhancing the texture. The background shows another cinnamon roll softly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a handful of fresh berries—they add a burst of freshness and cut through the sweetness beautifully. Sometimes I’ll add a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a few chopped toasted pecans for crunch. If you’re feeling decadent, a swirl of whipped cream never goes amiss.

Side Dishes

Pair this with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast that balances all the sweet. When I want something lighter, I opt for a fresh fruit salad or steamed asparagus with a lemon drizzle—sounds unexpected, but it works!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, I’ve arranged the slices in a fan shape on a wooden board, drizzled the glaze in thick ribbons, and scattered edible flowers on top. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and looks restaurant-worthy with zero stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast keeps surprisingly well in the fridge. I store mine tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to two days. The texture does soften a bit, but the flavors stay just right.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead, freezing works great. I let the cooked slices cool completely, freeze them in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, they thaw quickly and reheat nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in a toaster oven or a skillet on low heat to regain that crispness without drying out. Microwaves can make it soggy, so I avoid them if I want the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of cinnamon swirl bread?

Absolutely! While cinnamon swirl bread gives that classic cinnamon roll taste, you can substitute with any thick, soft bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast. Just sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on the slices before dipping them in the custard to mimic the swirl flavor.
How long should I soak the bread in the custard?

Just a few seconds per side is enough. The goal is to coat the bread thickly without it becoming soggy. If soaked too long, the bread may fall apart during cooking.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Give it a quick whisk before drizzling if it thickens too much.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets?

With a few swaps, yes! Use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and dairy-free butter or oil for cooking. Adjust the glaze by using dairy-free milk as well.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast?

The toaster oven or skillet method works best to revive that crispy edge and warm interior without making it soggy. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe is one of those joyful discoveries that brings a touch of celebration to any morning. I love how it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weekend but also special enough to impress guests or treat yourself. If you want a breakfast that feels indulgent and cozy with every bite, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!