Cinnabon French Toast Recipe – The Best Cinnabon French Toast Recipe
Few things are as comforting as a warm, cinnamon-infused breakfast, and this Cinnabon French Toast recipe takes that indulgence to the next level. Combining the signature gooey sweetness of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls with the classic richness of French toast, this dish is perfect for special occasions, weekend brunches, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Instead of using traditional bread, this recipe calls for Cinnabon rolls, sliced and soaked in a creamy batter of eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon. A quick sear in butter followed by a short bake in the oven ensures a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside irresistibly soft and flavorful. Whether served with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or an extra drizzle of icing, this Cinnabon bread French toast recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnabon French Toast Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The warm, buttery layers of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls absorb the rich batter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast, birthday brunch, or just a weekend indulgence, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy Yet Impressive: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this Cinnabon bread French toast easy to prepare while delivering gourmet-level results.
- Customizable: You can add toppings like caramel sauce, whipped cream, or chopped nuts to make it even more decadent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cinnabon French toast recipe, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:
- Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls: The star of the dish, these bring a rich, cinnamon-infused flavor.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the batter and creating that classic French toast texture.
- Half-and-Half: Adds creaminess and enhances the custard-like consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Enhances the cinnamon roll flavor and adds warmth.
- Butter or Margarine: Used for searing the French toast, creating a crispy golden crust.
- Maple Syrup (Optional): The perfect finishing touch for serving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnabon French Toast
Step 1: Slice and Dry the Cinnabon Rolls
Start by slicing two Cinnabon cinnamon rolls in half horizontally. Place them cut-side up on a plate and allow them to dry for 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps the rolls absorb the batter better, preventing them from becoming too soggy during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the French Toast Batter
In a bowl, whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
Once well combined, refrigerate the mixture until ready to use.
Step 3: Soak the Cinnabon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the Cinnabon halves in a shallow baking dish and pour the prepared batter over them. Let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring the mixture penetrates the layers for maximum flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: Cover the rolls with wax paper and place a heavy skillet on top to help press the batter into the dough.
Step 4: Sear the French Toast
Heat a heavy skillet over medium heat and melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, place the Cinnabon halves cut-side down and sear until golden brown. This creates a slightly caramelized crust while locking in the moisture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Flip the rolls over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Cinnabon bread French toast warm, drizzled with maple syrup, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with extra icing for the ultimate treat.
Jump to RecipeTips for the Best Cinnabon Bread French Toast
- Let the Cinnabon rolls dry out before soaking. This helps them absorb the batter better without becoming mushy.
- Don’t skip the oven step. Baking after searing ensures the inside is warm and soft while the exterior remains crispy.
- Use a heavy skillet. A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet works best for even browning.
- Try different toppings. Add chopped nuts, fresh berries, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Common Questions About Cinnabon French Toast
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare the French toast batter the night before and refrigerate it. The rolls can also be sliced and dried in advance to save time in the morning.
Q: What can I use instead of half-and-half?
A: You can substitute it with an equal mix of milk and heavy cream, or use whole milk for a lighter version.
Q: Can I use a different type of cinnamon roll?
A: While Cinnabon cinnamon rolls work best for this Cinnabon bread French toast recipe, you can use store-bought or homemade cinnamon rolls if needed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven for the best texture.
Cinnabon French Toast
Equipment
- Knife For slicing the Cinnabon rolls
- Plate For drying the rolls
- whisk To blend the egg mixture
- Shallow Baking Dish To soak the rolls in the batter
- Heavy Skillet For searing the rolls.
- Oven To bake the French toast
- Wax Paper (optional) To cover rolls while soaking.
- spatula For flipping the rolls
Ingredients
- 2 Cinnabon cinnamon rolls
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup half-and-half
- ¾ tsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- 1−2 tbsps butter or margarine
Instructions
- Slice the Cinnabon rolls in half horizontally.
- Place them, cut-side up, on a plate, and allow to dry for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Combine the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Whisk them together until all the ingredients are well-blended.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
- At serving time, preheat the oven to 400°F, and place the Cinnabon halves in a shallow baking dish.
- Pour the French toast batter over halves and allow to soak for 5 to 10 minutes until moist. You may weigh the rolls down (cover them with waxed paper and place a heavy skillet on the paper) during this time to make sure batter is absorbed into the dough layers.
- Heat a heavy skillet and melt the butter or margarine in it.
- When the butter is hot, place the Cinnabon halves into the pan, gooey-side down.
- Sear until golden brown.
- Turn the halves over, and place the skillet in the oven.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until rolls are puffed up and golden.
- Serve with maple syrup.
Notes
- Drying Time: Letting the Cinnabon halves dry helps them absorb more of the French toast batter.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the egg mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use.
- Weighing Down the Rolls: Weighing the rolls down ensures the batter is fully absorbed, making the French toast extra moist and flavorful.
- Serving Tip: Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Customizations: Add a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate the flavor.
Nutrition
Chef B Final Thoughts
This Cinnabon French toast recipe transforms an already delicious treat into an over-the-top breakfast experience. With the perfect blend of rich, cinnamon-laced rolls, a creamy vanilla custard, and a golden, crispy finish, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just to indulge in something extraordinary, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and texture.
Looking for More Decadent Breakfast Recipes?
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Hi, I’m Chef B! Passionate about all things culinary, I’ve spent years perfecting my recipes to bring bold flavors to your kitchen. Let’s cook up something delicious together!
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