Ultimate Vegan Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake: Your New Favorite Brunch Spectacle
Imagine the tender, warm spirals of a classic cinnamon roll, generously soaked in a rich, custardy French toast batter, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with a luscious vanilla icing, this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake is an extraordinary fusion of two beloved breakfast classics, creating an unforgettable dish that’s utterly irresistible. With its delightful cinnamon-brown sugar filling and soft, pillowy texture, this recipe is designed to impress and satisfy, making any morning feel like a special occasion.
I’ve always had a profound love for both homemade vegan cinnamon rolls and a perfectly executed French toast. Each, in its own right, is a breakfast triumph. But what if we could combine their best qualities into one glorious, cohesive dish? This recipe does just that, elevating your brunch game to an entirely new level by transforming classic cinnamon rolls into an indulgent French toast casserole that is simply out-of-this-world delicious.
While this delightful dish does require a little time and patience, the result is absolutely worth every moment spent. This isn’t just another breakfast—it’s the kind of show-stopping creation that will leave a lasting impression on everyone gathered around your table, perfect for a festive holiday breakfast or a bustling brunch potluck. Its intricate appearance belies a surprisingly straightforward process, making it accessible for home bakers looking to create something truly special.
What sets this cinnamon roll French toast recipe apart is its ingenious preparation method. Instead of baking the cinnamon rolls separately and then soaking them, this recipe streamlines the process by baking the unbaked cinnamon rolls simultaneously with the French toast custard. This means you’ll pour the rich, plant-based custard directly into the pan with your unbaked rolls, allowing them to bake together. This innovative technique saves you a significant step, and more importantly, ensures that the cinnamon rolls are deeply infused with the incredible flavors of the French toast custard as they bake, resulting in an unparalleled depth of taste and an incredibly moist, tender texture.
Why You’ll Adore This Vegan Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole
Here’s what makes this vegan cinnamon roll French toast recipe an absolute winner and a must-try for your next special breakfast or brunch:
- Completely Vegan Indulgence. Traditional French toast is typically made with eggs and dairy milk, making it unsuitable for those following a vegan diet. However, this recipe brilliantly utilizes a carefully selected blend of plant-based ingredients to create a French toast that is just as rich, creamy, and satisfying as its conventional counterpart, if not more so. It opens up a world of delicious possibilities for vegan breakfasts and brunches without compromising on flavor or texture.
- Unbeatable Cozy Flavor Fusion. This dish brings together two of the most comforting breakfast classics—warm, spiced cinnamon rolls and decadent French toast—into one harmonious experience. The blend of sweet brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and creamy vanilla creates a symphony of cozy flavors that perfectly captures the essence of a comforting homemade meal. Every bite offers a delightful journey through soft dough, sticky filling, and sweet custard, making it the ultimate comfort food.
- The Ultimate Brunch Show-Stopper. If you’re searching for a recipe that will truly impress your guests and become the centerpiece of your next gathering, look no further. This cinnamon roll French toast bake is a true show-stopper. Its beautiful presentation, with perfectly swirled rolls soaking in a golden custard, topped with a glistening vanilla glaze, is sure to elicit gasps of delight. Your friends and family will be thoroughly impressed with your baking prowess, thinking you spent hours slaving away, when in reality, the process is quite manageable for such a spectacular result. It’s perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want to make breakfast extra special.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast
To create this incredible breakfast masterpiece, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients. Please scroll down to the full recipe card below for exact quantities and detailed instructions.
Tangzhong Starter:
This Japanese bread-making technique is the secret to exceptionally soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls.
- Bread flour – Essential for creating a strong, elastic dough that results in the perfect chewiness and rise for your cinnamon rolls. Its higher protein content outperforms all-purpose flour in this application.
- Soy milk – Provides the liquid component for the tangzhong, contributing to the dough’s tenderness.
- Water – Works alongside the soy milk to create the thick, starchy paste.
Cinnamon Rolls Dough:
The foundation of our French toast bake – tender, yeasted rolls.
- Bread flour – Again, key for that ideal dough structure.
- Brown sugar – Light brown sugar is recommended here for its delicate, caramel-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon without overpowering it.
- Instant yeast – Ensure you use instant yeast, not active dry, as this recipe was specifically developed for its rapid activation.
- Salt – A crucial ingredient for balancing flavors and controlling yeast activity.
- Ground cinnamon – Infuses the dough with a subtle, warming spice.
- Warm soy milk – The ideal temperature (100°F-115°F) is vital for activating the instant yeast. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
- Vegan butter – Melted for easy incorporation, it adds richness and moisture to the dough.
Sweet Cinnamon Filling:
The irresistible heart of each cinnamon roll.
- Brown sugar – Provides deep, molasses-rich sweetness.
- Vegan butter – Helps bind the filling and creates a wonderfully gooey texture.
- Ground cinnamon – The star spice, delivering classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- Flour – A small amount of flour helps prevent the filling from oozing out during baking, keeping it perfectly contained within the spirals.
Custardy French Toast Batter:
The rich, creamy liquid that transforms the rolls into French toast.
- Vegan butter – Melted to create the base of our indulgent French toast batter, ensuring a rich flavor.
- Vegan eggs equivalent – A high-quality store-bought egg substitute or homemade flax eggs will work perfectly, lending structure and richness to the custard. Don’t worry if flax meal is visible; it bakes beautifully.
- Coconut milk – Full-fat coconut milk is essential for achieving a luxuriously thick and creamy, custard-like texture that deeply soaks into the cinnamon rolls.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and adds a comforting aroma.
- Ground cinnamon – Reinforces the warm spice profile, complementing the cinnamon rolls.
- Maple syrup – Use only pure maple syrup for its natural sweetness and distinct flavor, which is far superior to pancake syrup.
- Pecans – Chopped pecans add a delightful nutty crunch and textural contrast. Purchasing pecan pieces saves you a step!
Sweet Vanilla Glaze:
The final touch of sweetness and beauty.
- Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar, it dissolves smoothly for a silky glaze.
- Soy milk – Used to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency for the glaze.
- Vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla elevates the overall sweetness and aroma of the glaze.
What Is Tangzhong and Why Is It Used in This Recipe?
Tangzhong is an ancient and ingenious method hailing from Asian bread baking traditions. It involves cooking a small portion of flour and liquid (typically water or milk) together until it forms a thick, gelatinous paste, similar to a roux. This paste is then cooled and incorporated into the main dough. The magic of tangzhong lies in its ability to hydrate the flour more thoroughly, allowing it to absorb and retain more liquid during the baking process. This results in bread that is incredibly soft, wonderfully fluffy, and boasts an extended shelf life, staying fresh and tender for much longer. It’s the secret weapon for achieving that coveted light-as-air texture in baked goods, and I also proudly feature it in my Vegan Japanese Milk Bread recipe.
Crafting Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Step-by-Step Guide
While this recipe might seem a bit involved due to the dough preparation, each step is crucial for achieving the perfect soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls bathed in French toast goodness. Remember to factor in the rising and proofing times when planning your breakfast or brunch. The effort is truly rewarded with an unparalleled taste and texture!
- Prepare the Tangzhong. In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, vigorously whisk together the bread flour, soy milk, and water until fully combined. Continue to heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a paste, typically within 1-2 minutes. Remove it from the heat immediately and transfer it to the refrigerator to cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling step is essential for the tangzhong to reach the right consistency.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In the large bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, brown sugar, instant yeast, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well distributed.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Rest the Dough. Create a shallow well in the center of your dry ingredient mixture. Pour in the warm soy milk, melted vegan butter, and the cooled tangzhong. Using the dough hook attachment, mix these ingredients until they are just incorporated. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for approximately 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to hydrate fully before kneading.
- Knead the Dough to Perfection. Using the stand mixer with the dough hook, knead the dough on medium speed for a full 15 minutes. This prolonged kneading develops the gluten, resulting in a beautifully elastic and smooth dough. If the dough feels overly sticky during this process, add 2 tablespoons of bread flour, incorporating it for about 5 more minutes of kneading.
- First Rise (Proofing). Lightly grease a clean bowl with a touch of oil. Transfer the kneaded dough to this bowl, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Cover the bowl tightly with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has roughly doubled in size. Alternatively, for a slower, deeper flavor development, you can refrigerate it for 8-12 hours (perfect for an overnight rise!).
- Roll Out the Dough. Once the dough has completed its first rise, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Using a rolling pin, carefully roll the dough into a precise 12-inch by 12-inch square. This uniform shape is crucial for creating evenly sized cinnamon rolls.
- Prepare the Irresistible Filling. In a separate small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the filling – brown sugar, melted vegan butter, ground cinnamon, and a touch of flour. Mix them together until they form a thick, aromatic paste.
- Form the Cinnamon Rolls. Evenly spread the prepared cinnamon filling over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border at one edge if desired. Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring a firm spiral. Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 8 equally sized pieces.
- Second Rise (Proofing) and Preheat. Pour ¼ cup of melted vegan butter into a 13×9-inch baking dish, ensuring the bottom is evenly coated. Arrange the cut cinnamon rolls in a single layer within the dish. Cover and let them rise for approximately 40 minutes. Towards the end of this proofing time, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Whisk the French Toast Custard. In a medium-sized bowl, vigorously whisk together the vegan egg substitute, full-fat coconut milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is your luscious French toast custard.
- Assemble and Prepare for Baking. Gently pour the prepared French toast custard mixture evenly over the proofed cinnamon rolls in the baking dish. Ensure all rolls are well coated. Drizzle ½ cup of the pure maple syrup over the top. Finally, generously sprinkle the chopped pecans over the entire dish, adding a lovely textural element.
- Bake to Golden Perfection. Carefully place the assembled baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown, and the custard has set. The rolls should be cooked through and tender.
- Finish with Glaze and Extra Syrup. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Immediately pour the remaining ¼ cup of maple syrup over the hot rolls, allowing it to soak into their warm crevices. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, soy milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth, pourable glaze forms. Drizzle this delectable vanilla glaze generously over the warm cinnamon roll French toast before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Achieving bakery-quality cinnamon roll French toast is easier with these valuable insights:
- Adjust Flour as Needed for Optimal Dough Consistency. Dough hydration can vary based on factors like humidity and the specific brand of flour. If, during the kneading process, your dough feels excessively sticky and difficult to handle, don’t hesitate to incorporate an additional 2 tablespoons of bread flour. Add it gradually, kneading for another 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer adheres stubbornly to your hands or the mixer bowl.
- Mastering the Dough Rise: Trust Your Eyes, Not Just the Clock. The first rise (proofing) of your dough is critical for achieving a light and airy texture. While a time range is provided, the most accurate indicator of a successful rise is visual: the dough should visibly double in bulk. If your kitchen is cooler, the rise might take a little longer. Conversely, a warmer environment could speed things up. Always prioritize what the dough looks like over rigidly adhering to the clock, as temperature fluctuations are common.
- Avoid Overworking the Dough for Superior Texture. While kneading is essential for gluten development, there’s a fine line. Overworking the dough can lead to a dense, tough texture, which is the opposite of the soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls we’re aiming for. Stick to the recommended kneading time (15 minutes on medium speed) and only add extra flour if the dough is genuinely too sticky, not just tacky. A slightly tacky dough is perfectly fine and often indicates excellent hydration.
Exciting Variations to Customize Your French Toast Bake
While the classic recipe is divine, feel free to experiment with these delicious twists to suit your taste:
- Apple Cinnamon Roll French Toast: A Fruity Delight. For a delightful autumnal twist, finely chop a crisp apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) and fold it into the cinnamon-sugar filling before spreading it onto the dough. Once baked, skip the vanilla glaze and instead drizzle your warm French toast bake with a luscious vegan caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and sticky goodness.
- Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Roll French Toast: An Indulgent Treat. Elevate the decadence by sprinkling a generous handful of vegan chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate) over the rolls just before they go into the oven. As they bake, the chocolate chips will melt into gooey pockets, adding a rich, chocolatey dimension that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon and sweet custard.
- Pumpkin Spice Roll French Toast: Seasonal Comfort. Embrace the flavors of fall by substituting the ground cinnamon in the dough and filling with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice blend. This simple swap will infuse your French toast with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, creating a comforting and aromatic breakfast perfect for chilly mornings or holiday brunches.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast
This cinnamon roll French toast is truly a star on its own, making it an ideal choice for any special occasion breakfast or indulgent brunch. To create a balanced and memorable spread, consider pairing its sweet, comforting flavors with something fresh and savory. A vibrant side of mixed fresh fruit, like berries, melon, and grapes, offers a refreshing contrast. For a heartier savory option, serve alongside a fluffy, flavorful Tofu Scramble or a rich and satisfying Easy Vegan Quiche. I always find that offering a sweet and savory option makes any brunch gathering feel more complete and satisfying for all guests!
How to Store Leftovers
Should you find yourself with any glorious leftovers of this vegan cinnamon roll French toast casserole, they can be easily stored. Transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop individual servings in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions or to achieve a slightly crispier exterior, you can warm them in a 350ºF (175ºC) oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying later. To freeze cinnamon roll French toast, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Then, transfer individual portions or the entire cooled casserole to a freezer-safe, airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen French toast in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat according to the instructions provided above.
More Delightful Vegan Brunch Ideas
If you loved this recipe and are looking for more plant-based inspiration for your next brunch, explore these fantastic options:
- Fluffy Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes
- Irresistible Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole (Vegan)
- Zesty Lemon Poppyseed Waffles with Vanilla Blueberry Sauce (Gluten-Free)
- Simple & Delicious Vegan Blueberry Pancakes (Gluten-Free)
- Classic Glazed Vegan Donuts
Enjoy, my friends! We hope you cherish every bite of this incredible vegan cinnamon roll French toast. If you create this recipe, please snap a photo and share it with us by tagging #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! Your culinary creations inspire us. We would also be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below and give the recipe a well-deserved rating. Thank you so much for your support and happy baking!
Cinnamon Roll French Toast
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
Tangzhong:
- 2 tablespoons bread flour, 15 grams
- ¼ cup soy milk, 60 grams
- 2 tablespoons water, 30 grams
Cinnamon Rolls:
- 3 cups bread flour, 360 grams + 2 tbsp (15 grams)
- ¼ cup brown sugar, 50 grams
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast, 1 packet
- ½ teaspoon salt, 2.5 grams
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, 0.5 grams
- ¾ cup warm soy milk, 180 grams
- ⅓ cup melted vegan butter, 70 grams
Filling:
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, 130 grams
- 4 tablespoons melted vegan butter, 60 grams
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 6 grams
- 1 ½ tablespoons flour, 10 grams
French Toast Batter:
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted (57 grams)
- 4 vegan eggs substitute, 240 grams, or make 4 flax eggs
- ½ cup coconut milk, 120 grams
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 10 grams
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 4 grams
- ¾ cup maple syrup, 187 grams, divided
- 1 cup chopped pecans, 135 grams
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar, 120 grams
- 1 tablespoon soy milk, 15 grams
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 gram
Instructions
- In a small pan, whisk together the flour, milk and water. Over medium-high heat the mixture and stir until the mixture thickens up, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the fridge.
- Add flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon to the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk everything.
- Create a well in the center, and add warm milk, melted butter and Tangzhong. Mix until incorporated. Cover with a towel and let it sit for about 10 minutes to rest.
- Knead the dough for 15 minutes on medium speed. If the dough is sticky, add 2 tablespoons of flour while kneading for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the bowl with oil and place the dough back. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it sit for 60- 90 minutes in a warm place, or 8-12 hours in the fridge (overnight for these hours is fine too). The dough should rise and double in size.
- Roll out the dough to a 12-inch x 12-inch square on a floured surface using the rolling pin.
- In a bowl mix together ingredients for the filling.
- Spread the filling over the top of the dough. Roll the dough tightly over into a tight log. Cut the dough into 8 pieces.
- Add 1/4 cup melted butter into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Place cinnamon rolls into the dish and let rise for about 40 minutes. At the end of the rising time, begin preheating the oven to 350ºF.
- In a bowl, add vegan eggs replacer, coconut milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture over the rolls. (The unbaked cinnamon rolls are baked with the custard, rather than baking them separately.)
- Pour 1/2 cup maple syrup over the rolls.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Pour the remaining 1/4 cup of maple syrup over the rolls.
- Mix ingredients for the glaze. Sprinkle over the rolls.
Notes
To freeze: 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.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.