Description
Start your day cozy and comforting with this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole featuring tender cinnamon rolls soaked in a rich plant-based custard, baked to golden perfection with a lightly crisp top. Perfect for gatherings or a leisurely morning, it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and offers a creamy, naturally sweet breakfast everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cinnamon Roll Base
- 6 store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls
Custard Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups plant-based dairy cream or milk alternative
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Base: Slice your cinnamon rolls into bite-size pieces and layer them evenly into a greased baking dish. This will form the soft, cinnamon-infused foundation of the casserole.
- Whisk Together the Custard Mixture: In a bowl, whisk eggs, plant-based dairy, maple syrup (natural), cinnamon, vanilla extract (natural), and natural gelling agent until combined. The gelling agent will help set the custard to a perfect texture without overpowering flavors.
- Pour the Custard over the Cinnamon Rolls: Evenly pour the custard mixture over the layered cinnamon rolls. Press the pieces gently to ensure they soak up the custard and absorb all those beautiful flavors.
- Let It Soak: Cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time is the secret to achieving a deeply flavorful, custardy inside.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the foil, and bake uncovered for around 45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, so it holds its shape and you can enjoy every gooey, cinnamon-scented bite.
Notes
- Use day-old cinnamon rolls for better custard absorption without sogginess.
- Do not skip soaking time; the longer it soaks, the richer the flavor and creamier the texture.
- Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking for easier serving.
- Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
- Try different plant-based dairy options; full-fat varieties provide creamier results, but lighter ones work too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + 4 hours soaking
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll, french toast casserole, plant-based, breakfast, brunch, comfort food, dairy-free, make ahead