Cinnamon Roll French Toast from Black Bear Diner features thick slices of cinnamon-swirl bread soaked in a rich custard, griddled to golden perfection, and topped with cream cheese glaze and powdered sugar, delivering a sweet, fluffy, and indulgent breakfast experience.
Equipments
- Bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish
- Griddle or nonstick skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sifter (for powdered sugar)
- Spoon (for glaze)
Ingredients
- 1 loaf cinnamon-swirl bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Using thick slices of cinnamon-swirl bread is essential for achieving the signature fluffy texture in Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Ensure the eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream mixture is well whisked for a rich custard soak that enhances flavor and moisture. Softened cream cheese and butter are critical for creating a smooth cream cheese glaze that perfectly complements the toast. Measuring ingredients accurately, especially sugar and vanilla extract, helps balance sweetness and aroma. Your efforts will bring you closer to the indulgent taste of the Cinnamon Roll French Toast from Black Bear Diner copycat menu.
Instructions
- Slice cinnamon-swirl bread into thick slices using bread knife.
- In mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour custard mixture into shallow dish.
- Preheat griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Dip bread slices into custard mixture, coating both sides.
- Cook soaked bread slices on griddle until golden brown on both sides, using spatula to flip.
- In separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to cream cheese mixture; stir until glaze is smooth.
- Plate French toast slices.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze using spoon.
- Sift powdered sugar over French toast using sifter.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Cinnamon Roll French Toast from Black Bear Diner copycat menu uses a rich custard made of eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream to soak thick cinnamon-swirl bread slices before cooking. If you don't have cinnamon-swirl bread, you can substitute with brioche or challah bread and sprinkle additional cinnamon and sugar to mimic the flavor. When mixing the custard, whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth blend, which helps achieve the fluffy texture you want. If cream cheese is unavailable for the glaze, try using mascarpone or a mix of softened butter and powdered sugar to create a similar richness. Use a nonstick skillet or griddle preheated to medium heat for even cooking without burning, flipping carefully with a spatula.
Tips
Make sure to slice the cinnamon-swirl bread thickly to prevent it from becoming too soggy when soaked in the custard. Whisk the custard thoroughly to fully blend the eggs, milk, and spices, ensuring a consistent flavor and texture. When cooking on the griddle, maintain medium heat to achieve a golden brown crust without burning the French toast. Your cream cheese glaze should be smooth and creamy for easy drizzling, so soften the cream cheese and butter well before mixing.
Nutritions
Cinnamon Roll French Toast combines rich protein from four large eggs with calcium and fat from whole milk and heavy cream, providing a creamy custard base that's both satisfying and energy-dense. The cinnamon-swirl bread contributes carbohydrates and fiber, while the cream cheese glaze adds creaminess with fats and additional calories. Sweetened with granulated and powdered sugar, this dish has a high sugar content, making it a decadent option best enjoyed occasionally. Your indulgence offers a balanced blend of macronutrients but should be paired with nutrient-dense foods to support overall dietary needs.
Storage
Store leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or toaster oven until warm, preserving the custard-soaked texture and cream cheese glaze. You can also freeze the portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
Consider substituting brioche or challah bread for cinnamon-swirl bread to create a similar rich and tender texture with a subtle sweetness. You can replace whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free custard while maintaining creaminess. Swap the cream cheese glaze for a maple cream drizzle by mixing mascarpone cheese with pure maple syrup to introduce a new layer of flavor. Your choice of fresh berries or toasted pecans as toppings can add texture and a touch of freshness to this indulgent breakfast.
Allergies
Cinnamon Roll French Toast contains common allergens such as eggs, milk, and butter, which may trigger reactions in individuals with dairy or egg allergies. The cinnamon-swirl bread may also contain gluten, posing a risk for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Your awareness of these ingredients is essential to avoid potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Cinnamon Roll French Toast at Black Bear Diner is beloved for its rich, buttery flavor combined with a perfect balance of cinnamon sweetness and a creamy glaze that melts in your mouth. This indulgent dish features thick, fluffy slices of French toast layered with cinnamon swirls, making each bite a decadent experience. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this delicious treat at home, ensuring you control the quality and freshness of ingredients while enjoying the comfort of a restaurant favorite. Your breakfast will be elevated with this easy-to-make recipe, capturing the essence of Black Bear Diner's signature charm.