Give your basic French toast a cinnamon roll makeover. Thick slices of bread soak up a rich custard and are sandwiched around a warm, buttery cinnamon-brown sugar filling, so every bite delivers that classic cinnamon roll flavor. A drizzle of sweet cream cheese glaze on top takes it from breakfast staple to indulgent treat. Easy to make and even easier to love. Try this easy cinnamon roll French toast next time you want to spruce up your weekend brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Tastes like a cinnamon roll: The cinnamon-brown sugar butter filling gives every bite that classic cinnamon roll flavor
Creamy cream cheese topping: A simple cream cheese drizzle adds the perfect tangy sweetness
Soft and buttery inside: Thick-cut bread soaks up the vanilla-cinnamon custard while staying soft and rich in the center.
Golden and crispy edges: Cooking the French toast in butter gives the outside a beautiful golden-brown finish.

French Toast Origin

Recipes that involve dipping bread in milk and eggs and frying it date back to ancient Rome. Eventually, this method spread throughout Europe, where France developed its own variation known as pain perdu. French toast grew in popularity as people found a way to turn day-old bread into a delicious breakfast. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast puts a sweet twist on this classic breakfast favorite.

Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut brioche or Texas toast
- Thick bread works best because it absorbs the custard without falling apart
2 large eggs
- Main base to create a custard
½ cup whole milk
- Adds creaminess to the French toast
1 tsp vanilla extract
- Adds a subtle warmth
1 tsp cinnamon
- Enhances the classic French toast flavor
1 tbsp butter, for cooking
- Used to cook the French toast

Cinnamon Sugar Filling

2 tbsp softened unsalted butter
- Base of the cinnamon sugar filling
1 tbsp brown sugar
- Adds the caramel sweetness
½ tsp cinnamon
- Adds subtle warmth

Cream Cheese Topping

2 oz cream cheese, softened
- Tangy topping to balance the sweetness
½ cup powdered sugar
- Sweetens the cream cheese topping
1 tbsp milk
- Helps loosen the cream cheese spread to make it more drizzable

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Spread the cinnamon butter evenly over one side of two slices of bread. Place the remaining slices on top to create two sandwiches.

In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Dip one sandwich into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Don’t let the bread sit in the custard too long, or it can become soggy.

Place the soaked bread in the skillet and cook over medium-low heat until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden and the center is warmed through.

While the French toast cooks, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until smooth. If the mixture is too thick to pipe, add a small splash of milk.

Transfer the cream cheese mixture to a small piping bag or Ziploc bag. Snip off a small corner.

Remove the French toast from the pan and drizzle or pipe the cream cheese topping over the top. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Tips

Use thick-cut slices of bread for best results. Thick slices absorb the custard without breaking apart.

Do not over-soak. Too long and the bread will get soggy and hard to flip.

Use medium-low heat. This is to give the filling time to heat without the bread burning.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Let the slices cool down before storing them in an airtight container. Trapped steam will make them soggy. Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. When storing, it is best to store the cream cheese drizzle separately from the French toast.

Freezer: Transfer to a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper in between. Store up to 2-3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular sandwich bread?

Yes, but thick-cut brioche or Texas toast works best because it holds up well when dipped in the custard and gives you a soft, rich center.

Why is my French toast soggy?

The bread may have absorbed too much custard. Dip each side briefly rather than soaking the bread for too long. Cooking over medium-low heat also helps the center cook without burning the outside.

How do I reheat cinnamon roll French toast?

Reheat it in a skillet over low heat, in a toaster oven, or in an air fryer until warmed through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Whole Milk → Half-and-Half or 2% Milk
Half-and-half makes the custard richer, while 2% milk works well for a lighter option.

Brown Sugar → Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar can replace brown sugar in the cinnamon butter, although you will lose some of the caramel-like flavor.

Cream Cheese → Mascarpone
Mascarpone makes a smooth, creamy alternative with a milder flavor.

Milk → Heavy Cream
Heavy cream can be used in the cream cheese topping for a richer, thicker drizzle. Add it a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Vanilla Extract → Vanilla Paste
Vanilla paste can be substituted for vanilla extract at a 1:1 ratio and gives the topping and custard a more pronounced vanilla flavor.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add a bright, fresh contrast to the sweet French toast.

Crispy Bacon: The salty, savory flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet French toast.

Breakfast Sausage: Serve with sausage links or patties for a heartier breakfast.

Scrambled Eggs: Light and savory scrambled eggs help balance out the richness of the French toast.

Common Mistakes

Using thin bread: Thin slices can become soggy or fall apart when dipped in the custard. Use thick-cut brioche or Texas toast for the best texture.

Over-soaking the bread: You only need to coat each side with the egg mixture. Leaving the bread submerged for too long can make the center overly wet.

Cooking over high heat: High heat can burn the outside before the center is warmed through. Cook over medium-low heat for an evenly golden exterior.

Flipping too often: Let the French toast develop a golden crust before flipping. Constantly moving it around can prevent even browning.

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