Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Tender cinnamon rolls get the French toast treatment in this cinnamon roll French toast recipe! You’ll love the spirals of cinnamon-brown sugar filling, custard-like French toast batter, and sticky, sweet vanilla icing.

I love making vegan cinnamon rolls and I love French toast. But combining the two into one epic breakfast dish? Well, that’s even better!

This cinnamon roll French toast takes the classic cinnamon roll and transforms it into a French toast casserole that is out-of-this-world delicious. While it does take some time, it’s absolutely worth it—this is the kind of dish that will impress everyone for a holiday breakfast or brunch potluck!

Rather than baking the cinnamon rolls and then making them into French toast, this recipe bakes the cinnamon rolls at the same time as the French toast—you’ll add the custard to the pan with the unbaked rolls. This saves you a step and infuses the cinnamon rolls with flavour as they bake.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Recipe

Here’s what makes this cinnamon roll French toast recipe a winner:

• Vegan. French toast is usually made with eggs and milk, making it a no-go for vegans. But this recipe uses plant-based ingredients to make it vegan-friendly.
• Cozy flavour. Two comfort food classics in one dish! Warm cinnamon rolls and French toast combine to create the coziest breakfast treat. 
• Perfect for a brunch get-together. If you want to serve up a true show-stopper, this cinnamon roll French toast is the way to go. Your friends and family will be impressed with your baking skills!

Notes on Ingredients

Scroll down to the recipe card to find the ingredient quantities and recipe instructions.

Tangzhong:

• Bread flour – Bread flour is ideal for making cinnamon rolls, as it has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour. This helps create a strong and elastic dough.
• Soy milk 
• Water 

Cinnamon Rolls:

• Bread flour
• Brown sugar – I recommend light brown sugar, which has a milder flavour than dark.
• Instant yeast – Not active dry yeast! I developed this recipe using instant yeast.
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Warm soy milk – If you have an instant-read thermometer, the temperature should be between 100°F and 115°F.
• Vegan butter – Melt it so it incorporates easily into the dough.

Filling:

• Brown sugar 
• Vegan butter 
• Ground cinnamon 
• Flour 

French Toast Batter:

• Vegan butter
• Vegan eggs equivalent – You can use a store-bought egg substitute or use flax eggs ! It will have some flax meal on it, but still works.
• Coconut milk – Full-fat coconut milk creates a rich, creamy custard.
• Vanilla extract 
• Ground cinnamon 
• Maple syrup – Use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup.
• Pecans – You’ll be chopping them, so buy pecan pieces rather than whole pecans.

Glaze:

• Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar.
• Soy milk 
• Vanilla extract 

What Is Tangzhong?

Tangzhong is a method used in Asian bread baking that involves cooking flour and liquid (usually water or milk) together until it forms a thick paste, which is then added to the dough. This technique helps to create soft and fluffy bread, and it also extends its storage life. I use it in Vegan Japanese Milk Bread too.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast

This recipe does take some time because you’ll need to wait for the dough to rise and the rolls to proof. Keep that in mind when planning your breakfast!

• Make the tangzhong. In a small pan set over medium-high heat, whisk together the flour, milk and water. Heat the mixture and stir until it thickens. Remove from heat and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
• Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon in the bowl of a stand mixer. 
• Add the wet ingredients. Create a well in the center and add the warm milk, melted butter, and tangzhong. Mix until incorporated, then cover with a towel and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

• Knead. Knead the dough for 15 minutes on medium speed. 
• Rise. Set the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Let the dough rise for 60 to 90 minutes in a warm place, until it’s about doubled in size.
• Roll out the dough. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and roll it into a 12-inch x 12-inch square.

• Make the filling. In a small bowl, mix together all of the filling ingredients.
• Form the rolls. Spread the filling over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log. Cut the dough into 8 pieces.

• Proof the rolls. Add 1/4 cup of melted butter into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Set the cinnamon rolls into the dish and let rise for about 40 minutes. At the end of this time, start preheating the oven to 350ºF.
• Make the custard. In a bowl, whisk together the vegan eggs, coconut milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.

• Assemble. Pour the custard mixture over the rolls, followed by the maple syrup. Sprinkle pecans over the top.
• Bake. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.

• Finish. Pour extra maple syrup over the rolls, them mix the ingredients for the glaze and drizzle over the rolls.

Tips for Success

Follow these additional pointers for a perfect cinnamon roll French toast bake:

• Add more flour if needed. If the dough feels sticky while you’re kneading it, add 2 tablespoons of flour. In a humid environment, it’s not unusual to have to add a little more flour.
• Know when the dough is done rising. During the first rise, the dough should double in bulk. If it’s cold in your house, it may need a little extra time; in a warm environment, it could need less. Go by sight, not by the time on the clock.
• Don’t overwork the dough. Doing so will result in tough, dense cinnamon rolls, not the light, fluffy texture you want.

Variations

If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations to try:

• Apple cinnamon roll French toast. Add chopped apples to the filling and top with a drizzle of caramel sauce instead of the vanilla glaze.
• Chocolate chip cinnamon roll French toast. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the rolls before baking.
• Pumpkin spice roll French toast. Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for a simple twist on the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon roll French toast is perfect for a special occasion breakfast or brunch. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit and a savoury breakfast dish like Fluffy Tofu Scramble or Easy Vegan Quiche. (I always like pairing a sweet breakfast with a savoury option when I’m hosting a brunch!)

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this cinnamon roll French toast casserole, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave and heat until warmed through. You can warm larger portions in a 350ºF oven.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

To freeze cinnamon roll French toast, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat according to the instructions above.

More Vegan Brunch Ideas

• Pumpkin Pancakes
• Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole
• Lemon Poppyseed Waffles with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce
• Easy Vegan Blueberry Pancakes
• Classic Vegan Donuts

Enjoy friends! If you make this cinnamon roll French toast, please snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! We’d also love it if you would leave a comment below, and give the recipe a rating! Thanks so much!