Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Decadent Twist on Breakfast Classics

Table of Contents

There’s breakfast… and then there’s Cinnamon Roll French Toast—the kind of indulgence that makes mornings feel like a holiday. Imagine thick, fluffy cinnamon rolls transformed into golden French toast, drenched in maple syrup, topped with toasted pecans, and finished with a luscious glaze. The aroma alone warm cinnamon, sweet maple, and toasty pecans will transport you straight to cozy, sun-drenched mornings.

This recipe isn’t just about indulgence. It’s about creating a show-stopping breakfast, perfect for brunches, special occasions, or simply a weekend treat that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With Cinnamon Roll French Toast

1. Decadently Fluffy: Tangzhong technique and homemade cinnamon rolls give it a soft, pillowy texture that French toast lovers dream about.
2. Sweet & Nutty Harmony: Brown sugar, cinnamon, maple syrup, and toasted pecans create layers of flavor and texture.
3. Vegan-Friendly Options: With vegan butter, flax eggs, and soy/coconut milk, this recipe is accessible for plant-based diets.
4. Show-Stopping Presentation: Perfect for brunch tables, breakfast boards, or Instagram-worthy posts.
5. Versatile: Make ahead, freeze, or transform leftovers into a decadent bread pudding.

Tip Box: The best thing about this recipe? You get the ooey-gooey, sweet, nutty satisfaction of cinnamon rolls, plus the crisp exterior and custardy interior of French toast—all in one bite!

For More Recipes:
Healthy Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Breakfast Blondies
Instant Pot Berry Cheesecake
Instant Pot New York Cheesecake
Rice Krispies Treats Ice Cream Sandwich
Instant Pot Desserts
Easy Instant Pot Chicken

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need, grouped for clarity:

Tangzhong (Water-Roux for Extra Soft Rolls)

• 2 tablespoons bread flour (15 g)
• ¼ cup soy milk (60 g)
• 2 tablespoons water (30 g)

Cinnamon Rolls

• 3 cups bread flour (360 g) + 2 tbsp (15 g)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (50 g)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
• ½ teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (0.5 g)
• ¾ cup warm soy milk (180 g)
• ⅓ cup melted vegan butter (70 g)

Cinnamon Roll Filling

• ⅔ cup brown sugar (130 g)
• 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter (60 g)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (6 g)
• 1 ½ tablespoons flour (10 g)

French Toast Batter

• ¼ cup vegan butter, melted (57 g)
• 4 vegan eggs substitute (240 g) or 4 flax eggs
• ½ cup coconut milk (120 g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 g)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4 g)
• ¾ cup maple syrup (187 g), divided
• 1 cup chopped pecans (135 g)

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar (120 g)
• 1 tablespoon soy milk (15 g)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (1 g)

Ingredient Fun Fact: Tangzhong is a Japanese technique that creates a water-roux, keeping bread soft and fluffy longer. Combining it with French toast elevates your breakfast to bakery-quality indulgence.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk and wooden spoon or spatula
• Rolling pin
• Loaf pan or baking sheet
• Skillet or griddle for French toast
• Saucepan for glaze
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Pro Tip: A cast-iron skillet or non-stick griddle ensures golden-brown, crispy edges while keeping the inside custardy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong

1. Combine 2 tbsp bread flour, ¼ cup soy milk, and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-low, whisking constantly until it thickens into a smooth paste.
3. Let cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Roll Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine bread flour, brown sugar, instant yeast, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Add warm soy milk, melted vegan butter, and cooled tangzhong. Mix to form a sticky dough.
3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise until doubled (~1–2 hours).

Sensory Cue: The dough should feel soft, slightly tacky, and fragrant with yeast and cinnamon.

Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

1. Mix brown sugar, melted vegan butter, ground cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl.
2. Set aside.

Fun Fact: The added flour prevents the filling from running too much while baking.

Step 4: Roll and Shape Cinnamon Rolls

1. Roll dough into a rectangle, roughly 12×8 inches.
2. Spread filling evenly over dough.
3. Roll tightly into a log, pinch seams, and cut into 1.5–2-inch slices.
4. Place rolls in a greased loaf pan or baking sheet. Cover and allow to rise for 30–40 minutes.

Step 5: Bake Cinnamon Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake rolls 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
3. Remove and cool slightly before cutting for French toast.

Step 6: Prepare French Toast Batter

1. Whisk melted vegan butter, vegan eggs or flax eggs, coconut milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ½ cup maple syrup.
2. Chop baked cinnamon rolls into thick slices (or halves) and soak in batter 1–2 minutes per side.

Sensory Cue: The batter should cling to the rolls without becoming soggy.

Step 7: Cook Cinnamon Roll French Toast

1. Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Cook soaked rolls 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Sprinkle with pecans while cooking for added crunch.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze

1. Whisk powdered sugar, soy milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle over cooked French toast.
3. Serve immediately with remaining maple syrup.

Tips, Variations & Tricks

• Make-Ahead: Bake cinnamon rolls the night before. Chill overnight, then soak in batter in the morning.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip pecans or substitute with seeds.
• Extra Sweet: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the top before baking for crunchy topping.
• Savory Twist: Add a pinch of salt or lightly browned butter for a richer flavor.

Interactive Tip: Do you prefer gooey centers or slightly firmer French toast? Comment your favorite texture!

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Sweet, spiced, nutty, and buttery with a subtle tang from yeast dough.
• Texture: Crispy edges, soft interior, gooey filling, crunchy pecans.
• Drink Pairings:
  • Coffee or latte
  • Chai tea for extra cinnamon flavor
  • Fresh orange juice for balance
• Sides: Fresh berries, vegan whipped cream, or fruit compote.

Flavor Note: Maple syrup amplifies the cinnamon-sugar flavor while pecans add a satisfying crunch.

Nutritional Overview (Approx. Per Serving, 1 Slice)

Component	Amount
Calories	380–450 kcal
Protein	6–8 g
Carbs	60–65 g
Fat	14–18 g
Fiber	2–3 g

Dietary Note: Plant-based and refined-sugar free options can be used to adapt nutrition.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Bake rolls the day before and refrigerate overnight.
• Prepare French toast batter in advance.
• Freeze baked rolls individually; thaw and cook in batter when ready.

FAQs & Troubleshooting

1. Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
   A: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum for structure.
2. Q: How to prevent soggy French toast?
   A: Don’t soak too long; 1–2 minutes per side is enough.
3. Q: Can I use dairy milk instead of soy/coconut?
   A: Yes, any plant-based or cow’s milk works.

Mini Tip Box: Golden, crispy edges are achieved with medium heat and non-stick skillet.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Tangzhong prep	5 mins
Dough mixing & kneading	10 mins
Dough rise	1–2 hrs
Roll, fill, slice	15 mins
Second rise	30–40 mins
Bake cinnamon rolls	25–30 mins
French toast batter prep	5 mins
Cook French toast	10 mins
Glaze prep & serving	5 mins
Total	~3–4 hrs (active: ~1 hr)

Serving Suggestions & Plating Ideas

• Stack slices and drizzle glaze artistically.
• Garnish with toasted pecans and powdered sugar.
• Serve with fresh berries for color contrast.

Recipe Variations & Creative Twists

1. Chocolate Hazelnut: Add vegan chocolate spread inside rolls before baking.
2. Pumpkin Spice: Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into batter.
3. Fruit-Filled: Add apple or blueberry compote inside cinnamon rolls.
4. Mini Bites: Make smaller rolls for individual French toast bites.

Engagement Prompt: Which variation would you try first? Share in comments!

Ingredient Spotlight

• Tangzhong: Keeps dough soft and fluffy; bakery-level texture.
• Vegan Butter & Milk: Provides rich flavor while keeping recipe plant-based.
• Pecans: Add crunch and nutty depth to sweet French toast.

Pro Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use room-temperature ingredients for better dough rise.
• Don’t over-soak rolls—maintain structure.
• Medium heat prevents burning while achieving crisp edges.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Baked Rolls: Store up to 2 days at room temperature, or freeze individually for up to 1 month.
• French Toast: Cook fresh, but soaked rolls can be stored briefly in fridge.
• Glaze: Make fresh each morning; store up to 3 days in fridge.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400 kcal
Protein	6–8 g
Carbs	62 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	2–3 g
Vegan Option	Yes

Related Recipes:

• Vegan Sticky Bun Casserole
• Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll Bake
• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll French Toast

For more recipes follow  me in pinterest And medium

Expanded Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll French Toast is indulgent, show-stopping, and perfect for brunch or special occasions. With a soft interior, crispy edges, sweet cinnamon flavor, and nutty crunch, it’s the ultimate breakfast treat.

Chef’s Tip: Serve immediately for warm, melty goodness. Leftovers reheat well in oven or toaster for a weekend brunch treat.

Interactive Note: Pin, share, and comment your favorite variation!

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