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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake

Featured in: Fresh-Baked Happiness from Your Oven

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake transforms ordinary sweet rolls into an extraordinary breakfast treat. The rolls are layered in a baking dish and soaked in a rich custard made with eggs, milk, heavy cream, and warm spices. After baking, the dish emerges golden brown with a perfect balance of crispy tops and custardy centers. The finished bake is dusted with powdered sugar and served warm with real maple syrup, creating a breakfast dish that's both comforting and slightly elevated. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for special morning gatherings.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:33:03 GMT
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Pin it
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake | tastelikemagic.com

Transform ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary morning treat with this heavenly Hawaiian roll French toast bake. Sweet, pillowy rolls soak up a vanilla-scented custard, creating a perfectly balanced breakfast casserole that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of warm cinnamon and fresh-baked goodness.

I first made this for a holiday brunch, and now my family requests it for every special occasion. The way the tops of the rolls get perfectly crispy while staying tender inside makes this dish truly special.

Gathering Your Ingredients

  • Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Choose fresh, soft rolls that will eagerly soak up our custard mixture. Slightly stale rolls work beautifully too.
  • Whole Milk and Heavy Cream: This combination creates the richest, most luxurious custard. The fat content is crucial for the perfect texture.
  • Large Eggs: Bring them to room temperature for the smoothest custard. Farm-fresh eggs add extra richness to the final dish.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Invest in quality vanilla for the best flavor. Its warm notes enhance the natural sweetness of the rolls.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Choose fresh, fragrant cinnamon that infuses the entire dish with warmth.

Creating Your Breakfast Masterpiece

Prepare Your Base:
Slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally, keeping the pieces paired together. Arrange them cut-side up in your buttered baking dish, maintaining their original formation. This method ensures even custard distribution and perfect serving portions.
Create The Custard:
Whisk together your room temperature eggs until completely uniform. Gradually stream in the milk and cream while whisking continuously. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar, whisking until the mixture becomes slightly frothy and the sugar dissolves completely.
Soak The Rolls:
Pour your custard slowly and evenly over the prepared rolls. Use a spatula to gently press down on the rolls, helping them absorb the custard. The rolls should feel like a sponge drinking up the mixture.
Transform To Golden Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil, ensuring it's sealed well but not touching the rolls. Bake until the custard sets, then uncover to achieve that gorgeous golden top. The finished bake should gently spring back when touched.
Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Pin it
Easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake | tastelikemagic.com

My children love helping prepare this dish, especially drizzling the melted butter over the top before baking. It's become our special weekend tradition.

Breakfast Accompaniments

Serve this bake with warmed maple syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra special touch, offer whipped cream and caramelized bananas alongside.

Creative Twists

Add orange zest to the custard for a citrusy note, or layer thin apple slices between the rolls. For a decadent version, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top during the final minutes of baking.

Keeping It Fresh

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds, or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.

Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Pin it
Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake | tastelikemagic.com

After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found that the key to success lies in patience letting the custard fully soak into the rolls creates that magical texture that makes this dish unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this French toast bake the night before?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Just bring to room temperature before baking.
→ What can I substitute for Hawaiian sweet rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls give the best result, you can use brioche, challah, or any soft dinner rolls as alternatives.
→ Can I freeze leftovers of this French toast bake?
Yes, wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
→ Why is my French toast bake soggy in the middle?
Make sure to bake until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. The foil should be removed for the last portion of baking.
→ Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream, though the result will be slightly less rich.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake

Fluffy Hawaiian sweet rolls soaked in a rich custard mixture, baked until golden brown and topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Homemade Bakes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 9x13-inch casserole)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (King's Hawaiian recommended)
02 Large eggs
03 Whole milk
04 Heavy cream
05 Granulated sugar

→ Flavorings

06 Pure vanilla extract
07 Ground cinnamon
08 Salt
09 Melted butter

→ Toppings

10 Powdered sugar for dusting
11 Grade A maple syrup for serving
12 Butter pats for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent any sticking.

Step 02

Slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally, creating top and bottom pieces. Arrange them cut-side up in your prepared baking dish.

Step 03

In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until you have a smooth, well-combined custard mixture.

Step 04

Pour your custard mixture evenly over the arranged rolls, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Gently press down on the rolls with a spatula to help them absorb the custard. Finish by drizzling melted butter over everything.

Step 05

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 more minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and the custard is set.

Step 06

Let it cool just slightly, then dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve while still warm, offering maple syrup and butter pats on the side.

Notes

  1. Can be assembled the night before and baked in the morning
  2. King's Hawaiian rolls provide the best texture and sweetness
  3. Grade A maple syrup offers a smoother taste than other grades

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cream, butter)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat/gluten (rolls)