Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake

ByYummy Recipes

Soft, sweet, and completely irresistible, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake transforms your favorite dinner rolls into a golden, custardy, cinnamon-scented breakfast casserole. Imagine buttery Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich vanilla egg custard, baked until puffed and golden, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a warm drizzle of maple syrup. It’s cozy, indulgent, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Whether it’s Christmas morning, a weekend brunch with friends, or just a lazy Sunday, this make-ahead dish will save you time without sacrificing flavor. The natural sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls gives the bake a built-in depth of flavor that tastes like you spent hours prepping—when in reality, it’s a 10-minute assembly and a hands-off bake in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Only 10 minutes of prep and then the oven does the rest.
  • Perfect for a Crowd: Feeds a group easily and everyone loves it.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
  • Soft Inside, Crisp Top: The custard bakes into the rolls while the tops stay golden and buttery.
  • Sweet & Versatile: Customize with fruit, cream cheese, or nuts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream
  • Toasted coconut or chopped pecans

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Separate the Hawaiian rolls and cut each one in half horizontally, like making a sandwich. Layer the bottom halves in the baking dish, cut side up.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Pour half the custard mixture over the bottom roll halves. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb. Place the top halves of the rolls back on and pour the remaining custard evenly over the top. Press down gently to help the rolls soak up the liquid.

Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if prepping ahead.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Uncover the dish, drizzle the melted butter over the top, and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the custard is set and the tops are golden brown.

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Flavor Variations

  • Cream Cheese Filling: Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese between the roll halves.
  • Blueberry Banana Bake: Scatter blueberries and banana slices throughout the casserole before baking.
  • Apple Cinnamon: Add diced sautéed apples between layers and increase cinnamon to 1 ½ tsp.
  • Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the custard for a dessert-style twist.
  • Coconut Almond Delight: Add shredded coconut and slivered almonds before baking, then top with a coconut glaze.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake

  • With Maple Syrup: Always a classic, pour warm maple syrup right before serving.
  • Fruit Garnish: Fresh berries or sliced bananas add brightness.
  • Whipped Cream or Yogurt: Add a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness.
  • On a Brunch Buffet: Slice into squares and serve alongside eggs, bacon, or breakfast sausage.
  • As Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle.

Tips for Success

  • Use Day-Old Rolls: Slightly stale rolls soak up more custard and hold their shape better.
  • Press Rolls Down: Gently press after pouring the custard to ensure even absorption.
  • Let It Rest After Baking: This helps the custard finish setting and makes slicing easier.
  • Customize Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with what you sprinkle or drizzle on top.
  • Check for Doneness: The center should be set, not jiggly. Insert a knife—it should come out mostly clean.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze individual portions or the whole bake (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave in 30-second bursts.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 7g
  • Carbs: 29g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 180mg

Recipe Summary

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes to overnight (optional)
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50–90 minutes
  • Servings: 8–10

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?
Yes—brioche, challah, or regular dinner rolls work, but Hawaiian rolls offer the best sweetness and fluff.

Do I have to refrigerate before baking?
No, but chilling lets the custard fully soak in for a richer texture. Skip if you’re short on time.

Can I make this without cream?
Absolutely. Just replace with more whole milk or a plant-based alternative.

What’s the best way to make it ahead?
Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use almond or oat milk and plant-based butter. Skip the cheese if using a variation that includes it.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is your ultimate breakfast comfort food—sweet, custardy, and deeply satisfying. With minimal prep and endless variation potential, it’s perfect for everything from holiday mornings to weekend brunches. Whether served simple with syrup or dressed up with fruit and cream, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your mornings feel special. Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to favorite in your breakfast rotation.

Spread the love

Reader Favorite