Who can resist the allure of warm, comforting French toast? But what if you could take that familiar breakfast favorite and infuse it with the irresistible flavors of a cinnamon roll? This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe does just that! The best part? It’s designed to prevent that pesky filling from oozing out during cooking, ensuring every single bite is packed with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast
This isn’t your average French toast. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
- Cinnamon Roll Flavor: All the warmth and spice of a cinnamon roll, without the effort of making a full batch.
- No Leaky Filling: Our secret technique keeps the cream cheese filling right where it belongs – inside!
- Perfectly Golden Brown: Achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust every time with our easy-to-follow instructions.
- Impressive and Easy: This recipe is surprisingly simple to make, yet it looks and tastes incredibly impressive.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the filling and toppings to suit your tastes.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Let’s gather the essentials for creating this delectable Cinnamon Roll French Toast. We’re building layers of flavor and texture, so each ingredient plays a crucial role. The combination of creamy filling, soft bread, and golden-brown crust creates a breakfast (or dessert!) experience that’s truly special.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread: 6 slices of challah or brioche bread are recommended. These richer breads offer a beautiful structure and flavor that holds up well during cooking and complements the cinnamon roll filling. Their slight sweetness enhances the overall experience.
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: The base of our irresistible filling. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The signature spice that makes this French toast taste like a true cinnamon roll.
- French Toast Batter:
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help the French toast achieve its signature custardy texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
- For Cooking: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Butter is essential for creating that golden-brown, crispy exterior we all crave.
- For Finishing: Powdered sugar for dusting. A delicate dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Crafting Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Step-by-Step
Ready to transform ordinary French toast into a cinnamon roll masterpiece? Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is designed to be straightforward and fun. The key to success lies in preparing each component properly and paying attention to the cooking process. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This ensures an even distribution of flavor and prevents any lumps in the filling. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened; otherwise, you’ll struggle to get a smooth consistency.
- Assemble the Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice of bread, covering as much surface area as possible without going all the way to the edges. Then, carefully roll each slice of bread tightly, starting from one end and rolling towards the other. This creates the “cinnamon roll” effect. Secure each roll with a toothpick to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking – this is our secret weapon!
- Prepare the French Toast Batter: In a separate shallow dish (a pie plate works perfectly), whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Whisking thoroughly ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth and even batter. This step is crucial for achieving that classic, custardy French toast texture.
- Heat the Skillet: Melt the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and coat the surface of the skillet evenly. The butter should be shimmering but not smoking. This provides the perfect cooking surface for achieving that golden-brown crust.
- Soak the Bread Rolls: Dip each rolled slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring that all sides are thoroughly coated. Allow the bread to soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the batter. This is what gives the French toast its signature custardy interior. Be careful not to over-soak the bread, or it will become soggy.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the bread rolls into the hot skillet and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Rotate the rolls frequently to ensure even browning on all sides. The toothpicks will help maintain the rolls’ shape during cooking. Keep a close eye on the heat; you may need to adjust it to prevent burning.
- Serve: Carefully remove the toothpicks from the cooked French toast rolls before serving. Dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Every Time
Want to take your Cinnamon Roll French Toast to the next level? Here are a few extra tips to guarantee success:
- Bread Selection Matters: While challah and brioche are our top recommendations, you can also use other types of bread, such as Texas toast or even thick-cut white bread. The key is to choose a bread that is sturdy enough to hold its shape and absorb the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the French toast in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and result in steamed, rather than browned, French toast.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar. You can also experiment with using brown sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavor.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: While powdered sugar is a classic topping, you can also drizzle the French toast with maple syrup, honey, or even a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, also make a delicious addition. For a truly decadent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream.
- Storage: Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat.
What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll French Toast
While this Cinnamon Roll French Toast is delicious on its own, it also pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Consider serving it alongside a side of fresh fruit salad for a balanced and refreshing meal. For a heartier breakfast, add some bacon or a breakfast sausage. Or, for a special occasion, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling and assemble the French toast rolls ahead of time. Store the assembled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. However, it’s best to cook the French toast fresh for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
While cream cheese is the traditional choice, you could experiment with using mascarpone cheese or even a soft goat cheese for a slightly tangier flavor. Just be sure that the cheese is softened before mixing it with the sugar and cinnamon.
What if my filling is leaking despite using toothpicks?
Make sure you’re rolling the bread tightly and securing it well with the toothpicks. If the filling is still leaking, try chilling the assembled rolls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This will help the filling firm up and prevent it from oozing out.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. Look for a sturdy gluten-free bread that can hold its shape and absorb the egg mixture without falling apart. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as gluten-free bread can sometimes cook faster than regular bread.
Is it possible to prepare it without toothpicks?
While toothpicks are highly recommended to prevent filling leakage, you can attempt the recipe without them. Ensure the bread slices are rolled very tightly and seam-side down while cooking. Watch closely and flip carefully to minimize filling loss. Chilling the rolled slices before cooking might also improve results. Consider checking out our delicious cottage cheese fritters recipe for another quick breakfast idea.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cinnamon Roll French Toast!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Cinnamon Roll French Toast that’s guaranteed to impress! The combination of cinnamon-spiced cream cheese filling, perfectly cooked French toast, and a dusting of powdered sugar is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, follow our easy-to-follow instructions, and get ready to enjoy a breakfast (or dessert!) that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your Cinnamon Roll French Toast turns out!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast (Stops Filling Leaking!)
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bread (challah or brioche recommended)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice of bread. Roll each slice tightly and secure it with a toothpick.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Dip each rolled slice of bread into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Place the bread rolls into the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Rotate frequently for even browning. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.