Description
A make-ahead breakfast casserole that combines stale bread, canned cinnamon rolls, and a rich custard, topped with a cinnamon-sugar crust and cream cheese glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 loaf stale thick-cut bread (challah or brioche), sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (8-10 rolls) refrigerated cinnamon roll dough
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (plus extra for topping)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. If using fresh bread, toast slices on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until slightly dry, then cool.
- Arrange the stale bread slices in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place the cinnamon rolls on top of the bread, leaving some gaps between them.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, heavy cream, milk, vanilla, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and frothy.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread and cinnamon rolls. Press down gently to ensure everything is soaked. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set (not jiggly). Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the custard to set.
- While the bake cools, whisk softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth and drizzle-able.
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm bake before serving.
Notes
Stale bread is crucial for texture; if using fresh bread, toast it lightly first. Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth glaze. Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the custard to set properly. Can be assembled the night before and refrigerated overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
Keywords: cinnamon roll french toast bake, make ahead breakfast, brunch recipe, cream cheese glaze, holiday breakfast, easy casserole