The Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is a sweet and cozy breakfast treat that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and French toast into one easy dish. Soft bread soaked in a rich custard, swirled with warm cinnamon sugar, and topped with a drizzle of creamy icing makes every bite feel like a little bit of breakfast magic.
I love making this the night before because it’s so simple to throw together and then wake up to the smell of cinnamon and sweetness filling the kitchen. Plus, letting it soak overnight makes the bread perfectly tender and the flavors really come together. It’s one of those recipes that feels special without any fancy effort.
This bake is perfect for lazy weekend mornings or when you have guests over and want to impress with minimal work. I usually serve it with fresh fruit or a little extra maple syrup on the side, but honestly, it’s delicious just on its own. It’s become a favorite in my house for holidays or just because, and I’m pretty sure it will be in yours too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: These are the star of the dish! Store-bought rolls work great to save time, but homemade gives the best flavor. You could also try using brioche or challah bread with cinnamon sugar if you want a twist.
Eggs & Dairy: Eggs help make the custard rich and hold the bake together. Using whole milk and heavy cream creates a creamy texture. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with extra milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk.
Vanilla and Cinnamon: Vanilla extract adds warmth, and cinnamon gives that classic flavor. Don’t skip the cinnamon — it’s what makes this dish feel cozy and special. You can add a pinch of nutmeg for extra spice if you like.
Icing/Glaze: The sweet glaze is optional but highly recommended! Use the one that comes with your cinnamon rolls or whisk powdered sugar with a little milk and vanilla. For a dairy-free glaze, use plant-based milk.
How Can I Make Sure the Bake Soaks Up the Custard Well?
Soaking overnight is key! This allows the cinnamon roll pieces to absorb the egg custard fully so every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Cut rolls into even chunks for consistent soaking.
- Press down gently when pouring the egg mixture to help the bread absorb better.
- Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out while in the fridge.
- A minimum of 6 hours works, but overnight is best for soft, custardy results.
If you’re short on time, you can soak for a few hours, but the texture won’t be as soft and rich.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like this size because it’s perfect for a family or guest gathering and bakes evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking together the custard ingredients; a large one helps get everything combined easily.
- Whisk – keeps your custard smooth without lumps, making the mixture easier to pour evenly over the rolls.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts to make sure the custard is just right.
- Plastic wrap or foil – to cover and trap in the moisture while the dish chills overnight.
- Knife or kitchen scissors – for cutting up the cinnamon rolls into chunks easily and evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cinnamon rolls for buttery croissants or brioche bread to change up the texture and flavor.
- Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy bite on top or in the middle.
- Add cream cheese to your glaze for extra richness and tangy flavor.
- Sprinkle some dried fruit—like cranberries or raisins—between the roll chunks for a sweet surprise.
Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 large cinnamon rolls (store-bought or homemade), cut into chunks
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Icing/Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time the night before, then it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight. Baking the next morning will take around 45-55 minutes. So, plan ahead for a total of about 7 hours including chilling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cut the cinnamon rolls into roughly 1-inch chunks, and spread them evenly in the prepared dish.
2. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and light brown sugar (if using) until everything is well combined.
3. Combine and Soak Overnight:
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll pieces in the baking dish. Press down gently so the pieces soak up the custard. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
4. Bake the French Toast:
The next morning, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the cover and bake the dish uncovered for 45-55 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
5. Prepare and Add the Icing:
While the bake is still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract for the icing until smooth. Drizzle generously over the French toast bake.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the cinnamon roll French toast warm, on its own or with fresh fruit and maple syrup if desired. Enjoy your tasty, comforting breakfast treat!
Can I Use Frozen Cinnamon Rolls for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw frozen cinnamon rolls completely before cutting and assembling the bake. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature.
Can I Make This Dish Without Refrigerating Overnight?
While overnight soaking gives the best texture, you can soak the cinnamon rolls for at least 6 hours or even 2-3 hours if you’re in a hurry. The longer the soak, the softer and more custardy the bake will be.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bake?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts, dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries, or even a little cream cheese in the glaze for extra flavor and texture.