Cinnamon rolls and French toast, two breakfast titans, united in one dish. It’s a beautiful thing, truly.

I’ve always been a fan of taking classic recipes and giving them a little something extra, a subtle nudge in a new direction.

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast is exactly that. We’re taking that familiar, comforting flavor of cinnamon rolls and turning it into a decadent French toast experience.

Now, you might be thinking, “Julie, how can you improve upon such perfection?” Well, let me tell y’all about my little secret ingredient: cardamom.

Just a pinch of ground cardamom added to the custard infuses the French toast with a warm, aromatic spice that complements the cinnamon beautifully. It’s not overpowering, but rather adds a sophisticated depth of flavor that will have everyone wondering what makes this French toast so special.

Cardamom, with its slightly citrusy and floral notes, elevates this breakfast treat from simply delicious to truly unforgettable.

I reckon you’ll find this recipe is a delightful way to start any morning, or a special treat for a weekend brunch.

This Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe, y’all, it’s more than just a sweet breakfast treat. It’s about transforming something familiar into something truly special. And trust me, the little addition of cardamom takes it over the top.

Store-bought cinnamon rolls are the genius shortcut here. No need to spend hours making dough from scratch; let the bakery do the hard work!

The custard is key. I use a simple mixture of eggs, milk, a touch of vanilla, and of course, that hint of cardamom that elevates the whole dish. It adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the cinnamon beautifully.

Soaking the cinnamon rolls in the custard ensures they’re soft and pillowy on the inside, with a slightly crisp exterior once cooked. The right amount of soak time is important to avoid the rolls becoming soggy.

Cooking them in a skillet with butter creates that golden-brown crust we all crave. Just keep an eye on the heat, and don’t rush the process.

The glaze? Well, that’s just pure indulgence. I like to thin it out slightly with a little milk so it drizzles perfectly over each slice. Cardamom can also be incorporated into the glaze, for an extra burst of that wonderful spice.

Ultimately, this recipe works because it’s easy, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a comforting, flavorful breakfast that’s perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion. The cardamom is my little secret to making it unforgettable.

Now, let’s gather everything we need to make this dreamy breakfast a reality. This isn’t just any french toast recipe, y’all. We’re elevating the classic cinnamon roll flavor with a touch of cardamom, adding warmth and a hint of sophisticated spice.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cinnamon Rolls: 1 (12.4 oz) can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
• Eggs: 2 large
• Milk: 1/4 cup whole milk, for richness
• Heavy Cream: 2 tablespoons, for extra creaminess
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, pure vanilla extract
• Ground Cardamom: 1/2 teaspoon, this is our secret weapon!
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, for greasing the skillet

Don’t skip out on the cardamom. It truly makes this cinnamon roll french toast special. It adds a certain je ne sais quoi that will have everyone asking for seconds.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a breakfast that is both comforting and unforgettable. I just know you are going to love it.

Now, let’s get to the heart of things. I’m going to walk you through turning store-bought cinnamon rolls into a breakfast that’s part French toast, part cinnamon roll, and entirely delicious. We’re adding a touch of cardamom to elevate the flavors. It’s a simple addition that makes a world of difference.

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Slices

First, gently separate your cinnamon rolls. Slice each roll into about 5 or 6 even pieces. Think of it as creating little cinnamon roll medallions. This helps them soak up the custard beautifully.

2. Whisk Together the Custard

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk (or half-and-half for extra richness), vanilla extract, and a generous pinch of ground cardamom. The cardamom adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

3. Soak the Cinnamon Roll Slices

Now, dip each cinnamon roll slice into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side. You want them nicely saturated, but not falling apart.

4. Cook the French Toast

Melt a pat of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the soaked cinnamon roll slices in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Prepare the Cardamom Cream Cheese Glaze

While the French toast is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and another pinch of ground cardamom. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency.

6. Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the cardamom cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon roll French toast. Serve immediately and enjoy every single bite. Maybe add a sprinkle of extra cardamom if you’re feeling fancy. It’s a lovely touch!

This is a breakfast that feels like a special occasion, even on a regular weekday. I hope y’all enjoy it as much as my family does.

Leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast, especially when it has a touch of warm Cardamom, is a rare and beautiful thing.

But sometimes, even the best of us can’t finish it all in one sitting. So, let’s talk about how to keep it tasting its best.

Storing: Allow your French toast to cool completely. Then, layer the slices in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The parchment paper trick is key!

Reheating: The best way to revive your Cardamom Cinnamon Roll French Toast is in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a pat of butter and cook for a few minutes per side until warmed through. This helps maintain that lovely texture.

You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Thirty seconds to a minute should do the trick. The skillet method is always my preference though.

Creative Reuses: Don’t let those leftovers languish! Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a sweet, crunchy topping. The hint of Cardamom adds a special something to a simple dessert.

Or, dice them up and add them to bread pudding. They’ll soak up all the custard beautifully, adding both flavor and texture.

Another idea is to simply enjoy them cold, straight from the fridge. Sometimes the simplest things are the best, y’all.

Now, I know we all love a good, dependable recipe, but sometimes you just want to put your own spin on things. Or maybe you’re missing an ingredient. Don’t you worry, I’ve got you covered. These substitutions and variations for my Cardamom Cinnamon Roll French Toast will help you create a breakfast that’s perfect for you.

Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust these suggestions to your own taste. Let’s get started, shall we?

• Bread: While I adore using brioche for its richness, challah or even thick-cut Texas toast will work beautifully. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free bread, but be gentle when soaking it in the custard.
• Milk: I use whole milk for the creamiest results, but feel free to substitute with 2% milk, almond milk, or even oat milk. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Cardamom: If you’re not a fan of cardamom (though I encourage you to try it!), you can substitute it with an equal amount of ground cinnamon. Or, for a different warm spice note, try a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.
• Cinnamon Rolls: Homemade cinnamon rolls are a special treat but store-bought are just fine, especially if you are in a pinch. Keep in mind that smaller rolls will be easier to work with.
• Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a lovely depth of flavor, but honey or agave nectar can be used in its place. You can also use powdered sugar for a more delicate sweetness.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Fresh berries, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting would all be wonderful additions.

There you have it, y’all! Plenty of ways to make this Cardamom Cinnamon Roll French Toast your own. I hope these suggestions inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. Happy cooking!

I get a lot of questions about my cinnamon roll french toast recipe, so I thought I’d answer a few of the most common ones here.

Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this cinnamon roll french toast recipe?

Absolutely! That’s what makes this recipe so quick and easy. I prefer the refrigerated kind that comes in a tube, but feel free to use your favorite. You can even use the jumbo ones if you like, just be aware you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit. My personal addition of cardamom elevates even the simplest store-bought roll.

What’s the best way to keep my cinnamon roll french toast from getting soggy?

Soggy french toast is a tragedy, isn’t it? The key is to not soak the cinnamon rolls for too long in the egg mixture. Just a quick dip on each side is all you need. Also, make sure your griddle or skillet is hot enough before you start cooking, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Keep them warm in a low oven while you finish cooking the rest.

Can I add other spices to the egg mixture for my cinnamon roll french toast?

Of course, you can! I especially like to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Since I lean into cardamom, I sometimes add a tiny bit more here, too. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what you like best. A little bit of vanilla extract is always a good idea, too.

How do I make sure the inside of my cinnamon roll french toast is cooked through?

The key is to cook the cinnamon rolls over medium-low heat. This will allow the inside to cook through without burning the outside. If you find that the outside is browning too quickly, you can turn the heat down even lower. A little patience goes a long way here.

What are some good toppings for cinnamon roll french toast?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Of course, the classic cream cheese frosting that comes with the cinnamon rolls is always a winner. But I also love to add fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For a little extra crunch, you could even add some chopped pecans or walnuts. The warm spice of cardamom plays well with so many flavors, y’all.