Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

Every holiday season, there’s this irresistible dish that fills our home with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and warmth. The Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole has become a beloved tradition at our family brunches, transforming ordinary mornings into something extraordinary. I fondly remember the first time I prepared this dish; it was for a cozy Christmas gathering. As the casserole baked, the rich scent wafted through the house, luring everyone into the kitchen. The anticipation of diving into a warm, gooey slice topped with a creamy glaze kept us all bustling around, sharing laughter and stories. With each bite, the layers of flavor danced on our taste buds, reminding us of the love that goes into cooking for family and friends. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of togetherness and joy, perfect for any occasion.

What Goes Into Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

The ingredients for the Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole are thoughtfully selected to create a delightful blend of taste and texture. The key players are gluten-free bread, which forms the base, and coconut sugar, adding natural sweetness. Other ingredients like eggs and milk create a custardy layer that binds everything together, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.

• 27 ounces gluten-free bread (cubed – about 11 cups, see note): This serves as the foundation of the casserole, soaking up the custard mixture beautifully.
• ¾ cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that enhances the flavors of the casserole while offering a unique taste compared to regular sugar.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (divided): The star spice that infuses warmth and a cozy aroma throughout the dish.
• 4 tablespoons softened butter (ghee or coconut oil): This adds richness and helps create a crispy, golden top layer.
• 2½ cups milk of choice (we used almond milk): Provides moisture and acts as the custard base for the bread.
• 8 eggs: These are essential for binding the ingredients together and adding richness.
• For Cashew Cream Glaze: (see note for alternative): This creamy topping adds a delightful finish to the casserole.
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup: This sweet drizzle complements the flavors and gives a lovely shine to the glaze.

Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole Instructions

Making the Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a simple process that allows you to build layers of flavor. From preparing the bread to baking it to perfection, each step is rewarding. The key is to allow the casserole to sit overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and develop fully.

1. Begin by deciding whether you want to leave the gluten-free bread out overnight to dry or toast it in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes until it’s slightly crispy. This step is crucial as it helps the bread absorb the custard better.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the coconut sugar, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and the softened butter until crumbly. This mixture will add a delightful crunch and flavor to the casserole.
3. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with a bit of butter or oil. Start layering by placing half of the cubed bread in the bottom of the greased pan. Evenly sprinkle a portion of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
4. Add the remaining cubed bread on top of the first layer, ensuring it’s well distributed. You want to create a beautiful layering effect that will enhance the presentation.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered bread cubes. Make sure every piece of bread is soaked in the custard mixture.
6. Use your hands to gently press down on the bread cubes, helping them absorb the milk mixture thoroughly. This is key to ensuring a moist casserole.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the bread cubes. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
8. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the cover from the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until set and golden brown on top.
9. While the casserole is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing together the cashew cream and maple syrup. This glaze will add a sweet, creamy finish to your dish.
10. Once baked, let the Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole sit for about 10 minutes before drizzling the glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table!

Recipe Notes about Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some tips to enhance your experience with the Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap servings tightly and store them in the freezer for up to a month.
• Pairing: This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch.
• Customization: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like fresh berries or chocolate chips to the custard mixture.
• Serving Size: This recipe yields a generous portion, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
• Glaze Variations: Experiment with different glazes such as a classic powdered sugar glaze instead of the cashew cream glaze.

Best Served With

The Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is a versatile dish that shines in various settings. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• Brunch Gatherings: This casserole is perfect for holiday brunches or gatherings, bringing a festive touch to your table.
• Pair with Fresh Fruit: Serving alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness and warmth of the casserole, making for a cozy breakfast experience.
• Dessert Option: Consider serving slices as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Festive Occasions: Perfect for holidays such as Christmas or Thanksgiving, where it can be a centerpiece on your breakfast table.
• Casual Family Dinners: Don’t limit this dish to breakfast; it can be a delightful addition to a family dinner or potluck.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a heartfelt creation that brings loved ones together. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for any gathering. I encourage you to give it a try and see how it can transform your next brunch into a memorable culinary experience. Gather your family and friends, whip up this delightful casserole, and savor the moments shared around the table.

Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, this Overnight Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole is sweet, warm, and absolutely decadent. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, it's a delicious crowd-pleaser that will make your mornings special. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 27 ounces gluten-free bread cubed (about 11 cups of bread, see note)
• ¾ cup coconut sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon divided
• 4 tablespoons softened butter ghee or coconut oil
• 2½ cups milk of choice we used almond milk
• 8 eggs eggs
• ? cup thick cashew cream for Cashew Cream Glaze, see note for alternative
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

 

• Either leave out the gluten-free bread overnight, or toast in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes until toasted.
• Mix together coconut sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, and softened butter together in a small bowl until crumbly.
• Grease a 9x13 baking dish. Place half of the bread cubes in the greased pan. Sprinkle a portion of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Top with remaining bread cubes.
• Whisk together milk, eggs, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a large bowl. Pour evenly over the top of the bread cubes. Using your hands, push down on the bread cubes to make sure they come into contact evenly with the milk.
• Sprinkle the remaining sugar mixture over the top of the bread cubes. Cover and let sit, refrigerated, overnight.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350ºF. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until set.
• Meanwhile, make glaze: Mix together cashew cream and maple syrup (see notes for alternative).
• Let the baked French toast casserole sit for 10 minutes before drizzling with glaze and serving.

Notes

• To make a classic powdered sugar glaze instead of the cashew cream glaze: Mix together ? cup powdered sugar with 2 teaspoons milk-of-choice.

Keyword breakfast casserole, cinnamon roll casserole, easy brunch recipes, make ahead breakfast

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.