Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Decadent Twist on Breakfast Classics
There’s a magic that happens when you combine two beloved breakfast staples—cinnamon rolls and French toast—into one glorious dish. Cinnamon Roll French Toast is a comforting, indulgent creation that takes the best parts of both classics and turns them into a breakfast or brunch item that’s even better than you could have imagined. Imagine the aroma of warm cinnamon swirling through your kitchen as slices of cinnamon swirl bread soak in a rich, custard bath, turning into golden, crisp perfection. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, a creamy glaze is poured over the top, adding a velvety sweetness that complements the spiced bread in the most delightful way.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread: The base of this recipe, cinnamon swirl bread infuses each bite with that sweet, spiced flavor that cinnamon rolls are known for. If you can’t find cinnamon swirl bread, don’t worry—you can easily substitute with another soft, thick bread such as brioche, challah, or even Texas toast. Just be sure to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to mimic the cinnamon swirl.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs are the foundation of the custard mixture that coats the bread, adding richness and a velvety texture to the final dish.
- 1 cup milk: Milk helps to thin the custard, making it easier to coat the bread and giving it a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of the cinnamon and gives the dish a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The cinnamon brings out the flavor of the cinnamon swirl bread, tying the dish together and creating a perfectly spiced flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is a warm spice that complements cinnamon and adds a touch of complexity to the custard.
- Butter or oil for cooking: A generous amount of butter or oil is essential for achieving that golden, crispy crust on each slice of French toast. You can use either, but butter tends to add a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste.
For the creamy glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The powdered sugar gives the glaze its sweetness and smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Milk helps achieve the ideal consistency for the glaze, making it pourable without being too runny.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Like in the custard, vanilla extract adds a lovely fragrance and flavor to the glaze, complementing the sweetness of the sugar.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Custard:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Continue whisking until everything is fully incorporated and smooth. The custard should be slightly thick but still pourable. The cinnamon and nutmeg will give the custard a warm, aromatic flavor that will infuse the bread as it soaks.
2. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add butter or oil to the pan and let it melt completely. You want enough butter or oil to coat the bottom of the skillet to prevent the French toast from sticking and to ensure a beautifully crisp exterior. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, your skillet is ready for the bread.
3. Dip the Bread:
Take one slice of cinnamon swirl bread and dip it into the custard mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. You don’t want the bread to be soaking wet, but you do want it to absorb enough of the custard to give it that rich, custardy interior. Let any excess custard drip off before transferring the bread to the skillet. Repeat this step with the remaining slices of bread.
4. Cook the French Toast:
Place the custard-soaked bread slices in the skillet, making sure they’re not overcrowded. You want the bread to have room to cook evenly on all sides. Cook the French toast for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and crispy. You’ll want to keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning the toast. Adjust the heat as needed to ensure the French toast cooks slowly enough to develop that perfect golden crust without becoming too dark.
5. Prepare the Creamy Glaze:
While the French toast is cooking, you can prepare the creamy glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency. You want the glaze to be just thin enough to drizzle easily over the French toast but thick enough to coat the bread.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the French toast is golden brown and crispy on both sides, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle the creamy glaze generously over each slice, allowing it to soak into the warm French toast. Serve immediately while the French toast is still hot and the glaze is soft and velvety. Enjoy the symphony of warm, spiced flavors and the rich, indulgent texture.
Notes
- Use Day-Old Bread: For the best results, use bread that’s a little on the stale side. Day-old cinnamon swirl bread is perfect for soaking up the custard without becoming overly soggy. If you’re using fresh bread, let the slices sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each slice of French toast plenty of space in the skillet to cook evenly. If the pan is too crowded, the bread will steam instead of crisping up.
- Control the Heat: Keep the skillet over medium heat to ensure the French toast cooks evenly. If the heat is too high, the bread will burn on the outside before it cooks through on the inside. If it’s too low, the French toast will take too long to cook and may not crisp up properly.
- Customize the Glaze: The creamy glaze is a delicious finishing touch, but you can easily make it your own by adding flavors like cinnamon, maple syrup, or even a splash of cream cheese for a tangy twist.