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Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake Recipe Easy Brown Butter Maple Glaze

cinnamon roll french toast bake - featured image

A cozy and indulgent French toast bake made with store-bought cinnamon rolls soaked in a cinnamon-scented custard and topped with a rich brown butter maple glaze. Perfect for a fuss-free weekend brunch that feels special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large store-bought cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury recommended)
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter for the brown butter maple glaze
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg
  • Optional: chopped pecans for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cut the cinnamon rolls into halves or quarters and arrange evenly in the baking dish without overcrowding.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy (about 1-2 minutes).
  4. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cinnamon rolls. Press down gently to ensure they soak up the custard well.
  5. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  6. Remove the dish from the fridge and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and custard is set but slightly jiggly.
  7. While baking, prepare the brown butter maple glaze: melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
  8. Stir maple syrup into the brown butter until combined.
  9. Drizzle the glaze generously over the hot French toast bake before serving.
  10. Serve warm with extra maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Watch the brown butter closely to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden and smells nutty. Soaking the cinnamon rolls in custard for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) is key for a custardy texture. Use fresh, soft cinnamon rolls for best results. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll, French toast bake, brown butter maple glaze, brunch recipe, easy breakfast, cinnamon, custard bake