I’ll never forget the Sunday morning my daughter declared that she wanted both cinnamon rolls AND French toast. The look of pure delight on her face when I combined the two into one incredible dish was priceless. That’s when I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast – Wow Worthy Breakfast you’ll ever make!
Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Breakfast Revelation
Okay, friends, let’s be honest: We all love a good breakfast indulgence. And what could be better than combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the classic deliciousness of French toast? This Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a total game-changer, transforming your ordinary breakfast into a wow-worthy treat. It’s the perfect recipe for special occasions, weekend brunches, or simply when you want to treat yourself (because you deserve it!).
This recipe is all about creating layers of flavor and texture. We’re talking soft, fluffy French toast infused with the sweet, spicy aroma of cinnamon rolls, all topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Are you drooling yet? Because I definitely am!
Why This Recipe Works
There are a million French toast recipes out there, so what makes this one so special? Well, a few things:
- The Cinnamon Swirl: We’re not just adding cinnamon to the batter; we’re creating a beautiful cinnamon swirl that runs through every slice, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
- The Bread Choice: The right bread is key. We’ll be using a sturdy, slightly sweet bread that can stand up to the custard and hold its shape while soaking.
- The Custard: Our custard is rich and creamy, thanks to a combination of eggs, milk, cream, and a hint of vanilla. This creates a decadent, flavorful base for our French toast.
- The Cream Cheese Glaze: This is the crowning glory! Tangy cream cheese, sweet powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla create the perfect balance of flavors that complements the cinnamon roll perfectly.
Making Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Follow these easy steps and you’ll be enjoying a plate of Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast in no time. Don’t be intimidated – I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Part 1: The Cinnamon Swirl
- Soften the Butter: In a medium bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
- Mix it Up: Use a fork or your fingers to mash the ingredients together until they form a thick, pasty mixture. It should resemble wet sand. This is our cinnamon swirl magic!
Part 2: The Custard
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or a pie plate), whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Combine Thoroughly: Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This is our lovely custard base.
Part 3: Assembling the French Toast
- Prepare the Bread: Choose your bread wisely! Thick slices of Challah, brioche, or Texas toast work best. I’m partial to Challah myself – its slightly sweet flavor complements the cinnamon perfectly. Cut 6-8 slices, about 1-inch thick.
- Cinnamon Swirl Application: Spread a generous layer of the cinnamon swirl mixture onto one side of each slice of bread. Don’t be shy – we want that cinnamon flavor to shine!
- Soak the Bread: Dip each slice of bread, cinnamon-swirl side up, into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 30-45 seconds per side, ensuring that the bread is fully saturated but not falling apart. You want it nice and juicy!
Part 4: Cooking the French Toast
- Preheat Your Pan: Preheat a lightly oiled griddle or large skillet over medium heat. You want the pan hot enough to cook the French toast evenly but not so hot that it burns.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle, cinnamon-swirl side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully to avoid losing the cinnamon swirl.
- Keep Warm (Optional): If you’re making a large batch, you can keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated 200°F oven until ready to serve.
Part 5: The Cream Cheese Glaze
- Soften the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sweetness: Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, beating on low speed until well combined.
- Thin it Out: Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.
- Vanilla Infusion: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the glaze.
Part 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Drizzle the Glaze: Drizzle the warm French toast with the cream cheese glaze. Don’t be afraid to be generous!
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast immediately and watch the smiles light up the room!
Success Tips for Amazing Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Okay, friend, before you dive in, let me share a few golden tips that will guarantee your Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a complete triumph:
- Choose the Right Bread: As mentioned before, thick-cut Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are your best bets. Avoid thin, flimsy bread, as it will become soggy and fall apart.
- Don’t Over-Soak: While you want the bread to be fully saturated with the custard, be careful not to over-soak it. Too much soaking will result in soggy French toast. Aim for 30-45 seconds per side.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cook the French toast over medium heat to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn. Be patient and allow the bread to brown slowly and develop a beautiful golden crust.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk will help the custard come together more smoothly and evenly.
- Adjust the Glaze Consistency: Add milk or cream to the cream cheese glaze gradually, until you reach your desired consistency. You can make it thicker or thinner depending on your preference.
Variations and Adaptations
Want to get creative? Here are a few fun variations you can try:
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts onto the cinnamon swirl mixture before soaking the bread for added crunch and flavor.
- Fruit Infusion: Add a layer of sliced apples or berries between the cinnamon swirl and the bread for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix chocolate chips into the cinnamon swirl mixture for a decadent chocolate cinnamon roll French toast.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the custard mixture for a warmer, more complex flavor.
- Use Different Extracts: Try using almond extract instead of vanilla in the custard or glaze for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or peaches for a healthy and refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle with maple syrup for a classic French toast topping.
- Bacon or Sausage: Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory-sweet breakfast feast.
- Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect start to your day.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to make this recipe in advance:
- Cinnamon Swirl: The cinnamon swirl mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Custard: The custard mixture can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Assembled French Toast (Uncooked): You can assemble the French toast (soak the bread in the custard) up to 30 minutes before cooking. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Cooked French Toast: Cooked French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warmed through.
While you’re prepping this amazing breakfast, why not consider baking a Cinnamon Roll Cake for a later treat? It has all the cinnamon roll flavor you love in a cake form! Or, if you’re looking for a more traditional French toast experience, but still want a bit of flair, consider trying Crème Brûlée French Toast for a truly decadent breakfast option. You might also enjoy making Baked French Toast Casserole for a crowd! Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a simpler, yet equally delicious option, the Cinnamon Swirl Bread is a fantastic way to enjoy the cinnamon flavor in a loaf. Are you craving a donut flavor? Then the Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread is definitely the thing you want to try! And if you like to discover dishes from other locations, then you should definitely bake Dollywood Cinnamon Bread!
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6-8 slices thick-cut Challah, brioche, or Texas toast
- 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Custard:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until a thick paste forms.
- In a large shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Spread cinnamon swirl on one side of each bread slice.
- Dip each slice in the custard for 30-45 seconds per side.
- Preheat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook French toast for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- For the glaze, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk/cream until desired consistency is reached. Stir in vanilla.
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm French toast. Serve immediately.
Conclusion
There you have it! The most Irresistible Cinnamon Roll French Toast – Wow Worthy Breakfast recipe you’ll ever need. I truly believe this is a showstopper that will impress your friends and family. The combination of flavors and textures is simply magical. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy cooking!
What type of bread is best for Cinnamon Roll French Toast, and why?
Thick-cut Challah, brioche, or Texas toast are the best choices. These sturdy, slightly sweet breads can stand up to the custard and hold their shape while soaking, preventing them from becoming soggy.
How long should I soak the bread in the custard mixture?
Soak each slice of bread for about 30-45 seconds per side, ensuring the bread is fully saturated but not falling apart. You want it nice and juicy without becoming overly soggy.
Can I prepare any parts of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The custard mixture can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator as well. You can also assemble the French toast (soak the bread in the custard) up to 30 minutes before cooking.
What are some variations I can try to customize my Cinnamon Roll French Toast?
You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl, add a layer of sliced apples or berries between the swirl and the bread, mix chocolate chips into the cinnamon swirl, add nutmeg or cardamom to the custard, or use almond extract instead of vanilla.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until a thick, pasty mixture forms.
- In a large shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Spread a generous layer of the cinnamon swirl mixture onto one side of each slice of bread.
- Dip each slice of bread, cinnamon-swirl side up, into the custard mixture. Let it soak for about 30-45 seconds per side, ensuring that the bread is fully saturated but not falling apart.
- Preheat a lightly oiled griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle, cinnamon-swirl side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully to avoid losing the cinnamon swirl.
- If making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast warm in a preheated 200°F oven until ready to serve.
- For the glaze, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until well combined.
- Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread easily.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm French toast. Serve immediately.
- Optional: Garnish with a pinch of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup.