Strawberry and Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups

There’s something magical about warm, gooey French toast in the morning, especially when it’s hugging sweet strawberries and cozy cinnamon cream. These Strawberry and Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups are little pockets of comfort, perfectly crisp on the outside and filled with creamy, fruity goodness inside. Whether you’re prepping for a lazy Sunday brunch or a special surprise breakfast, this recipe is the kind of treat that makes memories.

Behind the Recipe

This one came straight from a craving and a bunch of leftover sandwich bread sitting on the counter. I wanted something fast, warm, and indulgent without baking an entire dessert. After a few rolls and dips in cinnamon sugar, I realized we’d struck gold. The crispy exterior combined with the melty cream cheese and fresh strawberries? Game-changer.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

French toast itself dates back to Roman times, believe it or not, and has taken on dozens of forms around the globe. In France, it’s known as “pain perdu,” or “lost bread,” because it was a way to revive stale slices. These roll-ups are a modern, playful spin popularized by brunch enthusiasts and home cooks looking to reinvent the classic. They feel like a mash-up between French toast and a sweet grilled wrap, rolled into the perfect hand-held delight.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry and Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups

Once you make these once, they’ll be a regular weekend favorite.

Versatile: Use other fruits or spreads if strawberries aren’t in season.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry basics and a handful of fresh produce.

Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes, start to finish.

Customizable: Add chocolate chips, swap in Nutella, or go dairy-free.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves them—kids, teens, and brunch guests alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Roll them the night before and cook fresh in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven and they’re just as good.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

The best results come from a few small tricks that make a big difference.

• Trim the bread edges: This helps the bread roll without tearing and makes the texture more uniform.
• Soften the cream cheese: Let it come to room temperature for easier spreading.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling will cause them to burst or leak during cooking.
• Use medium-low heat: This allows the roll-ups to cook through and get golden without burning.
• Roll while warm: The rolls hold their shape better when handled gently and warm.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy gadgets required, just your everyday kitchen heroes.

Rolling pin: Essential for flattening the bread slices evenly.
Small bowls: For mixing cinnamon sugar and whisking the egg-milk wash.
Nonstick skillet or griddle: To get that perfect golden sear.
Spatula: For easy flipping without squishing the roll-ups.
Sharp knife: To trim bread edges and slice strawberries cleanly.

Ingredients in Strawberry and Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups

Let’s talk about the dreamy combo that makes these roll-ups so crave-worthy.

1. White Sandwich Bread: 8 slices. Acts as the soft yet crispy base once toasted.
2. Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. Adds a rich, creamy element inside each roll.
3. Fresh Strawberries: 1 cup, finely diced. Brings fruity brightness and juiciness.
4. Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons. Mixed with cinnamon for coating.
5. Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Warms up the flavor and makes them extra cozy.
6. Eggs: 2 large. For the custard dip that creates the French toast exterior.
7. Milk: 1/4 cup. Loosens the egg mixture just enough.
8. Butter: 2 tablespoons. For frying and that golden crust.
9. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Adds an aromatic sweetness to the egg wash.

Ingredient Substitutions

Short on ingredients? Here’s how to pivot without losing flavor.

White Sandwich Bread: Whole wheat or brioche slices.
Cream Cheese: Mascarpone or a dairy-free spread.
Strawberries: Blueberries, raspberries, or even thinly sliced bananas.
Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar.
Milk: Any plant-based milk like almond or oat.
Butter: Margarine or coconut oil.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the center rich, creamy, and slightly tangy which balances out the sweet coating.

Strawberries: When diced small, they melt slightly inside the roll, turning juicy and jam-like while still keeping a bright, fresh note.

Instructions for Making Strawberry and Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups

This recipe feels like playing with your food in the best way. Here’s how to make it:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat so it’s hot and ready once you’ve assembled the roll-ups.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In one small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. In another, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the preheated skillet and let it melt gently without browning.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Trim crusts from the bread. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice. Spread cream cheese on one side, add a spoonful of chopped strawberries, then roll tightly. Seal gently with your fingers.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Dip each roll into the egg mixture, coating all sides. Place into the skillet seam-side down. Cook and turn frequently until all sides are golden brown.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While still warm, roll each toast in the cinnamon sugar mix for that sweet and sparkly coating.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve immediately with maple syrup or extra strawberries on the side.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Every bite of these roll-ups is a joyful contrast. The outside has that slight crisp and sugary crunch, while the inside stays soft, creamy, and warm with melting strawberries. The cinnamon sugar brings coziness, while the vanilla-kissed custard dip gives a subtle richness that pulls it all together.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips that’ll help these turn out flawless every time:

• Use day-old bread for better structure and less sogginess.
• Let the roll-ups rest for a minute after cooking so the cream cheese firms slightly.
• Lightly spray or butter the pan between batches to keep things golden.

What to Avoid

These are easy, but here are a few pitfalls you’ll want to dodge:

• Overfilling: Makes rolling hard and causes leaks during cooking.
• Too much heat: Can burn the outside before the center is warm.
• Skipping the cinnamon sugar roll: That last step adds essential flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can assemble these the night before and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. When ready to cook, just dip and fry. Leftovers? Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for 5 minutes at 350°F to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want them crispy again.

How to Serve Strawberry and Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups

These are amazing on their own, but even better with a few extras:

• Drizzle with warm maple syrup
• Serve alongside a handful of fresh berries
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar for presentation

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extras? Give them a second life:

• French Toast Bites: Cut them into bite-sized pieces, re-toast, and skewer with fruit.
• Dessert Parfait: Layer sliced roll-ups with whipped cream and strawberries.
• Brunch Board: Serve as finger food alongside muffins, fruits, and cheeses.

Additional Tips

• Keep a damp paper towel over rolled bread while assembling to prevent drying.
• Want it sweeter? Add a touch of powdered sugar to the cream cheese.
• For extra crunch, toast the rolls in a little sugar butter.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation goes a long way. Stack the rolls neatly and dust with powdered sugar. Add a few vibrant strawberry slices and a tiny bowl of syrup on the side. Use a light-colored plate for that Instagram-worthy contrast.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Banana Roll-Ups: Swap cream cheese for Nutella and strawberries for banana slices.
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Roll-Ups: Go nostalgic with a PB&J twist.
• Savory Version: Use cream cheese and chives with scrambled eggs. Skip the cinnamon sugar.
• Apple Cinnamon: Use finely chopped apples and a dash of nutmeg.
• Berry Cream Dream: Mix berries into sweetened ricotta for a tangy filling.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before using to avoid sogginess.

Q2: What’s the best bread for this recipe?

Plain white sandwich bread works best because it’s soft and easy to roll.

Q3: Can I make these in advance?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight. Cook just before serving.

Q4: How do I keep the roll-ups from unrolling?

Place them seam-side down first in the pan and press gently with a spatula.

Q5: Can I air fry these?

Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q6: Are they good cold?

They’re best warm, but you can enjoy them at room temp as a snack.

Q7: What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Try mascarpone, ricotta, or a sweetened Greek yogurt spread.

Q8: Can kids help make this?

Yes, it’s a great hands-on recipe for little helpers.

Q9: Can I freeze them?

Yes, freeze after cooking. Reheat in oven or toaster for best results.

Q10: Do I have to roll them in cinnamon sugar?

Not at all, but it really adds that sweet crunchy finish.

Conclusion

Strawberry and Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups are the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but takes almost no time to whip up. They’re warm, sweet, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday morning, a weekend brunch, or just because, trust me, you’re going to love this. One bite and you’ll know—it’s worth every single roll.

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