Breakfast has always been a special time in my household, a moment to indulge in comfort food and enjoy cozy mornings with family. I remember the first time I attempted to make French toast, trying to perfect that golden-brown, crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior. It was a challenge, but the joy of biting into that warm, comforting slice was worth every second spent in the kitchen. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a perfect combination of two classic favorites—cinnamon rolls and French toast—into one indulgent breakfast dish. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks yet luxurious enough to impress anyone at the breakfast table.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Treat for Beginners
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s paired with the irresistible warmth of freshly made French toast. But what if you could take this classic breakfast dish to the next level? That’s exactly what this Cinnamon Roll French Toast does—transforming humble cinnamon swirl bread into a golden, crispy delight with a velvety glaze drizzled over the top. It’s a breakfast that feels like a treat but is incredibly simple to make, making it the perfect choice for beginner cooks looking to impress with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Griddling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:
- 8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread (or any cinnamon-flavored bread you prefer)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter or oil for cooking (optional: coconut oil or olive oil for a twist)
For the Creamy Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Custard:
Start by preparing the custard for your French toast. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. The key to the perfect custard is to make sure the eggs and milk are fully combined, and the spices are evenly distributed. The custard bath will infuse each slice of bread with rich, warm flavor, making every bite a comforting delight.
It’s important to whisk the mixture until smooth, without lumps, to ensure that your French toast cooks evenly. Take your time with this step—mixing properly is crucial to avoid a chunky custard texture, which would affect the final result. If you’re making this for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask a family member or friend for help while whisking. The more you practice, the easier it will become!
2. Dip the Bread:
Once your custard is ready, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan—just enough to lightly coat the surface. Once the pan is hot, dip each slice of cinnamon swirl bread into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Don’t soak the bread too long—just a quick dip on each side is enough for the perfect texture.
The bread should absorb just the right amount of custard, enough to create a rich, flavorful bite, but not too much to make the bread soggy. If you find that your bread is soaking up too much custard, reduce the soaking time and make sure to coat both sides evenly without overdoing it. The bread should still hold its structure and texture while cooking, so the quick dip technique works wonders.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Place the dipped bread slices onto the skillet, cooking them until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them as they cook—if they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat to ensure they cook through without burning. You’ll know the French toast is done when both sides are beautifully golden and slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and custardy.
Make sure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you’re cooking multiple slices, do so in batches, allowing enough space for the bread to cook evenly. If you’re unsure when the French toast is fully cooked, use a fork to gently press down on the center. If it feels firm but still tender, it’s ready to be flipped.
4. Prepare the Creamy Glaze:
While the French toast is cooking, prepare the creamy glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The glaze should have a pourable consistency but still be thick enough to coat the French toast beautifully. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
The glaze is what gives this dish a luxurious touch, transforming a simple French toast into a delightful breakfast indulgence. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly complements the warm, cinnamon-infused bread. You’ll want to drizzle it generously over your French toast for that added touch of indulgence.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your French toast is cooked to perfection, plate each slice and drizzle the creamy glaze generously over the top. The glaze should be smooth and velvety, complementing the warm, cinnamon-infused bread. Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast while it’s still warm for the best experience.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet. If you’re serving it to a group, you can keep the French toast warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) while you cook the remaining slices. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the French toast at the same time.
Notes
- Avoid soggy French toast: Don’t over-soak the bread in the custard bath. A quick dip is all you need to coat both sides. If the bread becomes too saturated, it can fall apart or become soggy when cooking.
- Monitor the heat: Keep the skillet or griddle at a medium temperature. If it’s too hot, the French toast will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If the heat is too low, you’ll miss out on that crispy texture.
- Flip gently: Use a spatula to flip the bread gently, ensuring it doesn’t tear or fall apart. If you’re cooking in batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in the oven (at a low temperature) until you’re ready to serve.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This saves time in the morning, making breakfast preparation even quicker.
- Use the right bread: Cinnamon swirl bread is a great choice, but for even more flavor and richness, try using brioche or challah. These breads hold the custard well and create a beautiful, indulgent texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the French toast in batches allows it to cook evenly without sticking or becoming soggy.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone who’s just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast is the ultimate breakfast treat. The recipe is easy to follow, with minimal ingredients and clear instructions, making it a perfect starting point for beginners. What makes this dish even more exciting is the added creamy glaze that transforms each bite into a sweet indulgence. Plus, it’s quick—ready in just 25 minutes—which means you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a delightful breakfast.
This dish perfectly encapsulates the beauty of quick and healthy meals—it’s rich in flavor but doesn’t require long hours of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this breakfast will be a hit every time. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit various tastes, so you can make small changes to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Let’s dive in and explore how you can make this dreamy breakfast dish from start to finish.
Ingredients and Preparation
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients, which come together to create the rich and flavorful custard bath and luscious glaze. This dish is incredibly forgiving and flexible, allowing you to customize the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
For the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:
- 8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread (or any cinnamon-flavored bread you prefer)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Butter or oil for cooking (optional: coconut oil or olive oil for a twist)
For the Creamy Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Bread: While cinnamon swirl bread is ideal, you can use any type of bread, such as challah, brioche, or even whole wheat bread if you prefer a healthier option. For a richer taste, brioche or challah will offer a more decadent texture, making them perfect for French toast.
- Milk: Whole milk gives a richer flavor, but you can opt for skim milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk for a lighter version. If you’re avoiding dairy, any plant-based milk works well in this recipe.
- Spices: Ground cloves, allspice, or cardamom can be substituted for cinnamon and nutmeg for a different flavor profile. You can experiment by adding a little more cinnamon for extra warmth or even a dash of ginger for some zing.
These ingredient choices are simple and accessible, making it easy for beginner cooks to gather what they need without feeling overwhelmed. With just a handful of items, you’re on your way to a delicious breakfast. The combination of cinnamon swirl bread, eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla creates the perfect custard bath that will make your French toast flavorful, rich, and perfectly indulgent. The creamy glaze elevates the dish, adding a touch of sweetness that is both decadent and comforting. This is truly a dish where every bite feels like a treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Custard:
Start by preparing the custard for your French toast. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. The key to the perfect custard is to make sure the eggs and milk are fully combined, and the spices are evenly distributed. The custard bath will infuse each slice of bread with rich, warm flavor, making every bite a comforting delight.
It’s important to whisk the mixture until smooth, without lumps, to ensure that your French toast cooks evenly. Take your time with this step—mixing properly is crucial to avoid a chunky custard texture, which would affect the final result. If you’re making this for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask a family member or friend for help while whisking. The more you practice, the easier it will become!
2. Dip the Bread:
Once your custard is ready, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan—just enough to lightly coat the surface. Once the pan is hot, dip each slice of cinnamon swirl bread into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Don’t soak the bread too long—just a quick dip on each side is enough for the perfect texture.
The bread should absorb just the right amount of custard, enough to create a rich, flavorful bite, but not too much to make the bread soggy. If you find that your bread is soaking up too much custard, reduce the soaking time and make sure to coat both sides evenly without overdoing it. The bread should still hold its structure and texture while cooking, so the quick dip technique works wonders.
3. Cook the French Toast:
Place the dipped bread slices onto the skillet, cooking them until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them as they cook—if they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat to ensure they cook through without burning. You’ll know the French toast is done when both sides are beautifully golden and slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and custardy.
Make sure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you’re cooking multiple slices, do so in batches, allowing enough space for the bread to cook evenly. If you’re unsure when the French toast is fully cooked, use a fork to gently press down on the center. If it feels firm but still tender, it’s ready to be flipped.
4. Prepare the Creamy Glaze:
While the French toast is cooking, prepare the creamy glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The glaze should have a pourable consistency but still be thick enough to coat the French toast beautifully. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
The glaze is what gives this dish a luxurious touch, transforming a simple French toast into a delightful breakfast indulgence. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly complements the warm, cinnamon-infused bread. You’ll want to drizzle it generously over your French toast for that added touch of indulgence.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your French toast is cooked to perfection, plate each slice and drizzle the creamy glaze generously over the top. The glaze should be smooth and velvety, complementing the warm, cinnamon-infused bread. Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast while it’s still warm for the best experience.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet. If you’re serving it to a group, you can keep the French toast warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) while you cook the remaining slices. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the French toast at the same time.
Beginner Tips and Notes
Cooking French toast for the first time may feel intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll feel confident and capable in the kitchen:
- Avoid soggy French toast: Don’t over-soak the bread in the custard bath. A quick dip is all you need to coat both sides. If the bread becomes too saturated, it can fall apart or become soggy when cooking.
- Monitor the heat: Keep the skillet or griddle at a medium temperature. If it’s too hot, the French toast will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. If the heat is too low, you’ll miss out on that crispy texture.
- Flip gently: Use a spatula to flip the bread gently, ensuring it doesn’t tear or fall apart. If you’re cooking in batches, keep the cooked French toast warm in the oven (at a low temperature) until you’re ready to serve.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This saves time in the morning, making breakfast preparation even quicker.
- Use the right bread: Cinnamon swirl bread is a great choice, but for even more flavor and richness, try using brioche or challah. These breads hold the custard well and create a beautiful, indulgent texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the French toast in batches allows it to cook evenly without sticking or becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Cinnamon Roll French Toast, consider these complementary sides and additions:
- Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas make a refreshing and colorful addition.
- Bacon or sausage: For a savory balance to the sweet French toast, crispy bacon or savory sausage links are great options.
- Whipped cream: For extra indulgence, top the French toast with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Maple syrup: If you love extra sweetness, drizzle real maple syrup over the French toast for a classic finishing touch.
This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different toppings. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of nuts can add some texture and extra flavor to your French toast. You can even top it with a dollop of yogurt for a creamy addition.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the French toast in a toaster or on a skillet for a few minutes to bring back its crispiness. You can also freeze the cooked French toast for up to a month. Simply place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, toast them directly from the freezer.
Conclusion: Give It a Try!
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe is a fantastic choice for beginner cooks who want to impress family and friends with minimal effort. The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla paired with the creamy glaze make this dish an irresistible morning treat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for loved ones, it’s sure to be a hit. I encourage you to try it out and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to get creative with toppings and variations—the beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
