This Cranberry Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake transforms classic cinnamon rolls into a warm, custardy breakfast casserole bursting with fresh cranberries, hints of orange zest, and sweet icing. It’s easy to assemble, beautifully festive, and perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or cozy winter breakfasts. With its soft center, crisp edges, and tart-sweet cranberry contrast, every bite is comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it turns simple store-bought cinnamon rolls into a full holiday-ready breakfast with almost zero effort. Fresh cranberries brighten the sweetness, the custard mixture adds richness, and the homemade cranberry syrup takes the entire bake to the next level. It’s festive, kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves warm cinnamon breakfast casseroles with a seasonal twist.

Cranberry Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake

Few breakfast dishes capture the coziness of the holiday season like a warm, bubbling Cranberry Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake. This recipe combines all the elements people love about cinnamon rolls—gooey centers, buttery layers, sweet icing—and elevates them into a custardy, oven-baked casserole that feeds a crowd with ease. It’s the kind of breakfast that fills the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and freshly baked pastries.

The addition of cranberries brings a refreshing tartness that perfectly balances the richness of the cinnamon rolls. As they bake, the cranberries soften and burst, releasing a ruby-red juice that blends beautifully with the warm spices. This flavor contrast makes each spoonful bright, satisfying, and wonderfully festive.

What makes this dish especially appealing is its simplicity. Instead of waking up early to prepare an elaborate breakfast, you can assemble the bake in minutes and let the oven do all the work. Whether you’re hosting holiday guests, preparing a Christmas morning spread, or simply craving something indulgent, this casserole offers convenience without sacrificing flavor.

The custard mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon ensures the bake stays soft and tender in the center. As it bakes, the mixture soaks into the cinnamon roll pieces, transforming them into fluffy, bread-pudding-like bites that hold their shape yet melt in your mouth. The pecans add optional crunch, while the orange zest brings a bright citrus aroma that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Then comes the bonus: the homemade cranberry syrup. With just water, sugar, and fresh cranberries, you can create a sweet-tart drizzle that ties the entire dish together. Whether you prefer it runnier like a syrup or thicker like a sauce, it adds a vibrant finishing touch that makes the bake look and taste unforgettable.

This recipe also allows room for creativity. You can add nuts, swap in dried cranberries, drizzle maple syrup, or even incorporate cream cheese icing for added richness. Each variation adds its own charm, making the dish endlessly customizable to your taste and the occasion.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its versatility. While it shines during Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s equally delicious for winter brunches, potlucks, or weekend family breakfasts. The familiar comfort of cinnamon rolls paired with tart cranberries makes it a dish people look forward to year after year.

Part of the magic is how comforting it feels. Cold mornings, warm ovens, and sweet aromas create a nostalgic atmosphere that reminds many of cherished holiday traditions. Serving this bake is more than offering breakfast; it’s sharing warmth, joy, and seasonal flavors that bring people together.

In the end, this Cranberry Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake becomes more than just a recipe—it becomes a holiday ritual. Whether enjoyed with coffee, hot cocoa, or a festive drink, it’s a breakfast that adds sparkle to your celebration and comfort to any winter morning.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the French Toast Bake

• ½ cup fresh cranberries

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cans (12.4 oz) cinnamon rolls (with icing, optional)

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Pinch of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup milk

• zest of 1 orange (optional)

• 3 large eggs

• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Cranberry Syrup/Sauce

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place butter in an 8×8-inch baking dish and melt in the oven; swirl to coat the pan.

3. Cut each cinnamon roll into 8 pieces and set aside.

4. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.

5. Add half the cinnamon roll pieces to the baking dish.

6. Sprinkle with half the fresh cranberries.

7. Pour 1/3 of the egg mixture on top.

8. Add remaining cinnamon roll pieces and remaining cranberries.

9. Pour the rest of the egg mixture evenly over the dish.

10. Sprinkle pecans and orange zest on top (optional).

11. Bake for 30–35 minutes, covering with foil if browning too quickly.

12. Simmer water, sugar, and cranberries in a saucepan for 10 minutes for syrup or 15–20 minutes for sauce.

13. Remove bake from oven and spread icing on top (if using).

14. Slice and serve warm with cranberry syrup or sauce.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

• Replace whole milk with half-and-half for extra richness.

• Swap pecans with walnuts or omit for nut-free.

• Use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable (reduce amount slightly).

• Add cream cheese icing instead of the included cinnamon roll icing for a richer topping.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Assemble the bake the night before and refrigerate; bake fresh in the morning.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20–25 seconds or in the oven for best texture.

• Cranberry syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 week and reheated on the stovetop.

Serving Variations

• Drizzle maple syrup over the baked casserole for extra sweetness.

• Add chopped apples or pears for a fruity twist.

• Serve with whipped cream for an even more decadent breakfast.

• Top with toasted nuts for added crunch and warmth.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Do not overbake—the center should stay soft and custardy.

• Avoid skipping the melted butter layer; it prevents sticking and adds flavor.

• Pour egg mixture evenly to avoid dry pockets.

• Don’t overcrowd with too many cranberries or bake may become watery.