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Cinnamon Roll Overnight French Toast Casserole

Cinnamon Roll Overnight French Toast Casserole - featured image
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This easy overnight breakfast casserole combines the flavors of gooey cinnamon rolls and tender French toast, soaked in a rich custard and finished with a creamy glaze. Prep ahead for a decadent, crowd-pleasing brunch with minimal morning effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf brioche or challah bread (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free option)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cut the brioche or challah loaf into 1-inch cubes. Day-old bread works best.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Spread half the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
  4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional chopped pecans or walnuts. Sprinkle half of this mixture over the bread cubes.
  5. Layer the remaining bread cubes and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top.
  6. Slowly pour the custard mixture over the layered bread and cinnamon swirl. Gently press down with a spatula so the bread soaks up the custard.
  7. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (at least 6-8 hours). If short on time, soak at least 2 hours.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from fridge while oven heats.
  9. Bake, covered with foil, for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20-25 minutes until golden brown and center is set (total bake time: 50-55 minutes).
  10. While casserole bakes, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
  11. Let casserole cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle with cream cheese glaze while warm, then slice and serve.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best texture. Brioche and challah are ideal, but French bread works too. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute with sturdy gluten-free bread and plant-based milk/cream. Add fruit or nuts for seasonal variations. Let casserole rest after baking for easier slicing. Glaze can be made ahead and drizzled just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll casserole, overnight french toast, breakfast casserole, brunch, easy breakfast, make ahead, cream cheese glaze, holiday breakfast

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/cinnamon-roll-overnight-french-toast-casserole-recipe-easy-and-tender-breakfast/