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 colliding head-on with the custardy, golden perfection of French toast. It’s not just breakfast; it’s an experience, a warm hug on a plate that will have you leaping out of bed every weekend.

While the exact origins of this decadent mashup are shrouded in mystery, the inspiration is clear. Both cinnamon rolls and French toast boast rich histories. French toast, in its various forms, dates back to ancient Rome, while cinnamon rolls, as we know them, gained popularity in Northern Europe in the 19th century. Combining these two beloved treats feels like a natural evolution, a testament to our collective craving for comfort food that excites the palate.

What makes cinnamon roll French toast so irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures and flavors. The soft, pillowy interior of the cinnamon roll soaks up the egg custard beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation. The caramelized exterior offers a delightful contrast, while the cinnamon-sugar swirl provides that signature warm spice that we all adore. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe transforms leftover cinnamon rolls (or even store-bought ones!) into a show-stopping brunch dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate breakfast indulgence!

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

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparing the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a fork or electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of butter remaining. This mixture will be spread onto the bread slices, mimicking the cinnamon swirl in a traditional cinnamon roll.

Preparing the Bread:

1. Lay the bread slices out on a clean work surface. Using a butter knife or small offset spatula, spread a generous layer of the cinnamon swirl filling evenly over one side of each slice of bread. Don’t be shy with the filling; the more you use, the more flavorful and decadent the French toast will be.
2. Once all the bread slices are coated with the cinnamon swirl filling, stack two slices together, filling sides facing each other, to create a sandwich. Gently press the slices together to help the filling adhere. This will create the “cinnamon roll” effect when the French toast is cooked.

Preparing the Custard:

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or a large pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This custard base is what will soak into the bread and create the rich, creamy texture of the French toast. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk remaining.

Soaking the Bread:

1. Place the cinnamon swirl-filled bread sandwiches into the custard mixture, making sure to submerge them completely. Let the bread soak for at least 2-3 minutes per side, or even longer if you have the time. The longer the bread soaks, the more custard it will absorb, resulting in a richer and more flavorful French toast. Gently press down on the bread to ensure it is fully saturated. If the bread is very dry, you may need to soak it for up to 5 minutes per side.
2. Carefully flip the bread sandwiches over and repeat the soaking process on the other side. Again, ensure the bread is fully submerged and absorbs as much custard as possible. The goal is to have the bread completely saturated without becoming overly soggy.

Cooking the French Toast:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and coat the bottom of the pan evenly. The butter should be hot enough to sizzle gently when the bread is added.
2. Carefully remove the soaked bread sandwiches from the custard mixture, allowing any excess custard to drip back into the dish. Place the bread sandwiches into the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the French toast in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
3. Cook the French toast for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the French toast should reach 165°F. Use a spatula to carefully flip the French toast over, ensuring it doesn’t break apart.
4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet as needed to prevent the French toast from sticking and to ensure even browning. If the French toast is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
5. Once the French toast is cooked through and golden brown on both sides, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain any excess butter. This will help prevent the French toast from becoming soggy.
6. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining bread sandwiches, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. While the French toast is cooking, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer to cream the ingredients together until smooth and fluffy. Make sure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, as it can create a cloud of dust.
3. Add the milk and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the French toast but thin enough to drizzle easily.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Once the French toast is cooked and the cream cheese glaze is prepared, it’s time to assemble and serve. Place the cooked French toast on a serving platter.
2. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the French toast. You can also serve the glaze on the side for dipping.
3. Garnish the French toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or fresh berries, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is best enjoyed warm.

Tips for Success:

• Use good quality bread: The type of bread you use will greatly affect the final result. Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are all excellent choices because they are rich, dense, and absorb the custard well.
• Don’t skip the soaking: Soaking the bread for an adequate amount of time is crucial for achieving a rich and creamy French toast.
• Cook over medium heat: Cooking the French toast over medium heat will ensure that it cooks through evenly without burning.
• Adjust the glaze to your liking: The amount of milk you add to the cream cheese glaze will determine its consistency. Add more or less milk to achieve your desired thickness.
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings to the French toast, such as fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

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.

Conclusion:

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration on a plate! The irresistible combination of gooey cinnamon rolls transformed into fluffy, golden French toast is simply divine. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover cinnamon rolls (if you ever have any!), or a fantastic excuse to bake a fresh batch just for this purpose. Trust me, the aroma alone will have your family scrambling to the table.

But what truly elevates this recipe to must-try status is its simplicity. It takes minimal effort to create a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. The secret lies in the perfect balance of the cinnamon roll’s inherent sweetness and spice, complemented by the richness of the egg custard. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, from the slightly crisp exterior to the soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

Why is this Cinnamon Roll French Toast a must-try? Because it’s an incredibly delicious, surprisingly easy, and undeniably impressive breakfast (or brunch, or even dessert!) option that will leave everyone wanting more. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or simply a cozy weekend morning treat.

Looking for serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! A dusting of powdered sugar is a classic and elegant touch. A drizzle of maple syrup, of course, is always a welcome addition. But don’t stop there! Consider topping it with fresh berries – raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries would all be fantastic. A dollop of whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence. For a truly decadent experience, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

And for those who love to experiment, here are a few variations to consider:

* Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of maple syrup, drizzle with a homemade cream cheese glaze for an extra layer of richness and tanginess. Simply whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract until smooth.
* Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the egg custard for a delightful nutty crunch.
* Chocolate Chip Surprise: Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the cinnamon rolls before dipping them in the custard for a chocolatey twist.
* Savory-Sweet: For a more adventurous palate, try adding a pinch of salt to the egg custard to balance the sweetness and create a savory-sweet flavor profile.

I’m absolutely confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed winner that will become a staple in your breakfast repertoire. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible flavor makes it a truly unforgettable dish.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and prepare to experience the magic of Cinnamon Roll French Toast. I can’t wait to hear about your experience! Please, try this recipe and share your photos and feedback in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. Happy cooking, and happy eating! I’m sure you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

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