Wake up to something wonderfully indulgent with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake — a breakfast that feels like a warm embrace on a lazy morning. Soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls soak up a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard and are baked to golden perfection, creating a dish that’s equal parts cozy and luxurious. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this easy-to-make bake transforms humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
Irresistibly Soft and Sweet: Hawaiian rolls bring a naturally sweet flavor and pillowy texture that elevate traditional French toast.
Perfect for Sharing: Designed for baking in one dish, it’s ideal for feeding a family or group without the need to stand at the stove.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven the next morning—no stress, just flavor.
Customizable Toppings: Serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a personal touch.
Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy custard and golden-baked top offer a delicious balance of sweetness and warmth.
This bake is more than just breakfast—it’s a reason to gather around the table.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this Sweet breakfast casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hawaiian sweet rolls: These soft, sweet rolls are the star of the show, providing a fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Large eggs: Essential for binding everything together, eggs add richness and help create that custardy texture.
Whole milk: This adds creaminess to the egg mixture, making each bite smooth and satisfying.
Heavy cream: For an extra indulgent touch, heavy cream enhances the richness of the bake.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the flavors and complements the rolls perfectly.
Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice, making it feel like a cozy breakfast.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
Chopped pecans (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, pecans add texture and a nutty flavor.
Maple syrup: A must for serving, it drizzles beautifully over the bake, adding sweetness and depth.
Powdered sugar (optional): A light dusting of powdered sugar makes for a lovely presentation and adds a touch of sweetness.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding sliced bananas or berries for a fruity twist. If you prefer a dairy-free option, almond milk and a plant-based cream work wonderfully. You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
Creating this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is a breeze. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bake cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well. A little butter or cooking spray works wonders here!
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Next, take those delightful Hawaiian rolls and cut them into quarters. Place them evenly in the greased baking dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some chopped pecans over the rolls for added crunch and flavor. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 3: Mix the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is what makes the rolls so deliciously custardy!
Step 4: Soak the Rolls
Now, pour the egg mixture evenly over the rolls. Make sure every piece is soaked. Gently press down on the rolls with a spatula to help them absorb all that goodness. You want them to soak up every drop!
Step 5: Let it Rest
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This resting period allows the rolls to soak up the mixture even more, ensuring a moist and flavorful bake.
Overnight Option: For even richer flavor and texture, refrigerate the prepared dish overnight and bake in the morning.
Step 6: Bake
Once the time is up, pop the dish in the preheated oven. Bake it covered for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown top and a set center. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 7: Serve
Finally, remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This is the hardest part—waiting! Once it’s slightly cooled, drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if you like. Serve warm and enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
Use day-old Hawaiian rolls for better absorption of the egg mixture.
Don’t skip the resting time; it’s crucial for a moist bake.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor.
For a richer taste, let the bake sit overnight in the fridge before baking.
Serve immediately for the best texture; it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Equipment Needed
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal, but any similar-sized dish will work.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl for whisking the egg mixture; a smaller bowl can work in a pinch.
Whisk: Essential for mixing; a fork can also do the job.
Spatula: Great for pressing down the rolls and serving.
Variations
Fruity Delight: Add sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries to the roll mixture for a burst of freshness.
Nutty Flavor: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist.
Chocolate Chip Indulgence: Toss in some chocolate chips for a decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and a plant-based cream to make this dish suitable for dairy-free diets.
Spiced Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of mixed berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Tea: Pair with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea to complement the sweetness.
Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar and add a sprig of mint for a beautiful touch.
Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the sweetness.
FAQs about Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish the night before and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Just cover it tightly with foil. In the morning, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?
If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, any soft, sweet bread will work. Challah or brioche are excellent alternatives that will still give you that delightful texture and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. It’s still delicious, even the next day!
Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What toppings go well with this dish?
Besides maple syrup, consider fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of nuts for added texture. A drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate it for a special treat!
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a warm, comforting start to your day that brings people together. With its soft, custard-soaked rolls and golden-baked top, every bite feels like a hug from the kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just making a slow morning sweeter, this dish is sure to become a brunch favorite in your home. Enjoy the smiles it brings, one slice at a time.
A delicious and sweet breakfast dish made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, perfect for brunch or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
8 Hawaiian sweet rolls, cut into quarters
6 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 cup maple syrup (for serving)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the quartered Hawaiian rolls evenly in the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the rolls.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the rolls, ensuring all pieces are soaked. Gently press down on the rolls to help them absorb the liquid.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to allow the rolls to soak up the mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
For a fruity twist, add sliced bananas or berries to the roll mixture before baking.
Substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option, and use a plant-based cream for a lighter version.
