Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the French Toast:
- 8 slices of cinnamon swirl bread – The base of this recipe, cinnamon swirl bread infuses each bite with that sweet, spiced flavor that cinnamon rolls are known for. If you can’t find cinnamon swirl bread, don’t worry—you can easily substitute with another soft, thick bread such as brioche, challah, or even Texas toast. Just be sure to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to mimic the cinnamon swirl.
- 3 large eggs – Eggs are the foundation of the custard mixture that coats the bread, adding richness and a velvety texture to the final dish.
- 1 cup milk – Milk helps to thin the custard, making it easier to coat the bread and giving it a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the natural sweetness of the cinnamon and gives the dish a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The cinnamon brings out the flavor of the cinnamon swirl bread, tying the dish together and creating a perfectly spiced flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg is a warm spice that complements cinnamon and adds a touch of complexity to the custard.
- Butter or oil for cooking – A generous amount of butter or oil is essential for achieving that golden, crispy crust on each slice of French toast. You can use either, but butter tends to add a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the overall taste.
For the Creamy Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – The powdered sugar gives the glaze its sweetness and smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons milk – Milk helps achieve the ideal consistency for the glaze, making it pourable without being too runny.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Like in the custard, vanilla extract adds a lovely fragrance and flavor to the glaze, complementing the sweetness of the sugar.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Decadent Twist on Breakfast Classics:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Set up your cooking station by placing a large shallow dish for the custard mixture near your stovetop. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Having everything organized will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Step 2: Create the Custard Base In the shallow dish, whisk together the eggs until well beaten. Gradually add the milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, whisking continuously until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. The custard should have a light golden color and be free of any streaks.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread If your cinnamon swirl bread slices are particularly thick, you may want to slice them to about 3/4-inch thickness for optimal cooking. Arrange the bread slices on a clean surface, ready for dipping.
Step 4: Soak the Bread Working with one slice at a time, dip each piece of cinnamon swirl bread into the custard mixture. Allow each slice to soak for about 10-15 seconds per side, ensuring the bread absorbs the custard without becoming overly saturated and falling apart. The bread should be thoroughly moistened but still hold its shape.
Step 5: Heat the Cooking Fat Add a generous amount of butter to your preheated skillet, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan. The butter should sizzle gently but not brown or smoke, indicating the perfect temperature for cooking.
Step 6: Cook the French Toast Carefully place the soaked bread slices in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy. Flip each slice carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the second side is equally golden and the center is cooked through but still slightly custardy.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze While the French toast is cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drizzle easily. Adjust consistency with additional milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 8: Serve Immediately Transfer the hot French toast to serving plates and immediately drizzle with the creamy glaze while both are still warm. The contrast between the warm, crispy French toast and the cool, sweet glaze creates the perfect flavor and temperature combination that makes this Ultimate Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Decadent Twist on Breakfast Classics truly special.
Helpful Tips:
Choose the Right Bread: Day-old cinnamon swirl bread works better than fresh bread as it absorbs the custard without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh bread, let the slices sit out for 30 minutes before using.
Temperature Control is Key: Keep your skillet at medium heat throughout cooking. Too high heat will burn the outside before the inside cooks through, while too low heat won’t achieve that desirable crispy crust.
Don’t Oversoak: While you want the bread to absorb the custard, oversaturated bread will fall apart and create a mushy texture. Aim for thorough coating rather than complete saturation.
Make Glaze Ahead: The glaze can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply whisk before serving to restore smooth consistency.
Keep Warm: If cooking multiple batches, keep finished French toast warm in a 200°F oven while preparing the remaining slices.
Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (2 slices each)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Category: Breakfast/Brunch
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Calories: Approximately 385 per serving
