Have you ever wondered what would happen if the pillowy softness of Hawaiian rolls met the custardy richness of traditional French toast? This breakfast revelation might just change your morning routine forever. The combination creates a texture so divine, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it before.
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast bake transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary experience. The sweet, buttery Hawaiian rolls absorb the cinnamon-vanilla custard perfectly, creating golden pockets of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Unlike traditional French toast that requires standing over a hot stove, this Hawaiian roll breakfast recipe bakes entirely in the oven, allowing you to enjoy your morning coffee while breakfast practically makes itself.
Ingredients List
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls – These provide the perfect balance of sweetness and structure. King’s Hawaiian brand works wonderfully, but any sweet roll will do in a pinch.
- 6 large eggs – The foundation of our custard mixture. For a richer result, you could use 4 whole eggs plus 2 additional yolks.
- 1 cup whole milk – Creates the perfect custard consistency. Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and heavy cream works as a luxurious alternative.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Balances the egg mixture. Brown sugar can be substituted for a deeper molasses flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor, but vanilla bean paste offers beautiful specks throughout the custard.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The classic French toast spice. Add a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted – Creates that irresistible buttery finish. European-style butter has a higher fat content for extra richness.
- Optional toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream
Timing
- Preparation time: 15 minutes for assembly, plus 30 minutes to 8 hours of soaking time (overnight works perfectly).
- Cooking time: 35-40 minutes, which is about 30% less hands-on time than traditional French toast that requires constant attention.
- Total time: Approximately 50-55 minutes active time (plus soaking), making this an efficient choice for busy mornings or holiday breakfasts when you want to minimize kitchen stress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of buttery goodness to the exterior of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast. For easy cleanup, consider lining the dish with parchment paper with some overhang on the sides.
Step 2: Arrange the Hawaiian Rolls
Keep the Hawaiian rolls connected and slice the entire package horizontally through the middle, creating a top and bottom half. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish. Pro tip: slightly squeezing the rolls together ensures they’ll absorb the custard evenly while maintaining their shape.
Step 3: Create the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth with no visible egg streaks. For extra flavor dimension, add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of orange zest.
Step 4: Begin the Soaking Process
Pour half of the custard mixture over the bottom layer of rolls, allowing it to soak in for a few minutes. This ensures the bottom layer gets properly saturated before adding the top layer of rolls.
Step 5: Complete the Assembly
Place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls over the soaked bottom layer. Pour the remaining custard mixture evenly over the top, making sure to get some in between the seams of the rolls. The rolls will initially float a bit in the custard – this is normal.
Step 6: Add the Butter Finishing Touch
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the rolls. This creates that irresistible golden-brown crust during baking. For a more decadent version, mix 2 tablespoons of maple syrup with the melted butter before drizzling.
Step 7: Soak Time
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This resting period is crucial as it allows the rolls to fully absorb the custard. Overnight soaking produces the most flavorful and evenly saturated results.
Step 8: Preheat and Prepare for Baking
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. This helps ensure even baking.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time. The internal temperature should reach 160°F when fully cooked.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Allow the Hawaiian Roll French Toast bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the custard to set fully and makes serving neater. Slice between the rolls and serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (assuming 6 servings per bake) contains approximately:
Calories: 380 per serving, which is about 20% less than traditional French toast recipes made with thick-cut bread. The Hawaiian rolls provide built-in sweetness, reducing the need for excessive syrup.
Carbohydrates: 45g (15% of daily value), with the majority coming from the Hawaiian rolls themselves. The natural sweetness of the rolls means you’ll likely use less additional sweetener.
Protein: 12g (24% of daily value), primarily from the eggs, providing sustained energy throughout the morning. This is 30% more protein than many standard breakfast pastries.
Fat: 18g (23% of daily value), with 9g being saturated fat from the butter and eggs. This moderate fat content helps create the satisfying mouthfeel that makes this dish so craveable.
Sodium: 420mg (18% of daily value), which can be reduced by using unsalted butter if sodium intake is a concern.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, reducing calories by approximately 30% while maintaining a creamy texture. The nutty undertones of almond milk particularly complement the cinnamon flavors.
Reduce sugar content by using only 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of granulated sugar in the custard mixture. The natural sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls provides enough foundation flavor that you can scale back added sweeteners.
Boost nutritional value by adding 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) between the layers. This adds heart-healthy fats, protein, and a delightful textural contrast to the soft bread.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk alternatives. The subtle coconut flavor pairs wonderfully with the tropical notes already present in Hawaiian rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Create a stunning breakfast board by serving this Hawaiian Roll French Toast alongside fresh fruit skewers, yogurt parfaits, and small pitchers of warm maple syrup and berry compote. This interactive approach is perfect for brunches.
For a decadent dessert transformation, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of hot and cold creates an irresistible texture play that elevates this breakfast dish to dessert status.
Balance the sweetness with savory sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. The salt and fat from these proteins create a perfect counterpoint to the sweet, custardy bake.
For special occasions, create a toppings bar with whipped cream, various fruit compotes, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and different syrups, allowing guests to customize their serving to their preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the soaking time: This crucial step allows the custard to fully penetrate the rolls. Rushing this process results in dry centers and soggy exteriors rather than the uniform custard texture you’re aiming for.
- Overcrowding the baking dish: If using more than one package of rolls, use a larger baking dish. Proper spacing ensures even cooking and the perfect ratio of crispy top to custardy center.
- Baking at too high a temperature: This can cause the top to burn while the center remains undercooked. Stick to 350°F and use the foil tent method if needed.
- Cutting into it immediately after baking: The resting period allows the custard to set properly. Cutting too soon results in a runny center that hasn’t had time to stabilize.
- Using cold eggs: Cold eggs don’t incorporate as smoothly into the custard mixture. Let them come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before whisking for the smoothest result.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the spices continue to meld, making this perfect for meal prep. Just portion individual servings for quick weekday breakfasts.
For reheating, avoid the microwave which can make the texture rubbery. Instead, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This maintains the contrasting textures that make this dish special.
This bake freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Cut into individual portions, wrap in plastic wrap and then foil, and store in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
The unbaked, assembled dish can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings or when hosting overnight guests—simply pop it in the oven when you wake up.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary breakfast experience that balances convenience with indulgence. The buttery, pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls provides the perfect canvas for the rich cinnamon-vanilla custard, creating a breakfast that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for weekend family breakfasts.
Have you tried this delicious twist on traditional French toast? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your breakfast creations on social media. And if you’re looking for more breakfast inspiration, check out our collection of make-ahead breakfast casseroles that make mornings a breeze!
