Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake

Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Baking
Ingredients: 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls; 6 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup melted butter; Powdered sugar for dusting; Maple syrup for serving; Optional: butter pats for serving

Category:Breakfast & Brunch

Breakfast & Brunch

Oh my goodness, you guys, you’re going to love this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake! This recipe has quickly become a family staple for us, especially on lazy weekend mornings when we want to indulge a little. The softness of Hawaiian rolls soaked in a sweet, cinnamon-infused egg mixture is just heavenly. Plus, it fills the whole house with the most amazing aroma as it bakes!

What I adore about this dish is how easy it is to throw together. You can prepare it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous, golden-brown casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd—whether it’s a brunch with friends or a cozy family breakfast. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds! And if you’re looking for something a bit more fruity to go with your breakfast, why not check out my berry compote recipe? It pairs perfectly! Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake

Soft, fluffy texture from Hawaiian sweet rolls.
Rich, decadent flavor with a creamy custard made from eggs, milk, and heavy cream.
Infused with vanilla and cinnamon for a cozy, comforting taste.
Easy to prepare, perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Can be made the night before – just pop it in the oven in the morning!
Versatile with customization options like chocolate chips or fresh fruit.
Drizzled with melted butter and topped with powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgence.

This bake is a delicious twist on traditional French toast, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or lazy weekends!

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is a delightful way to start your day—it’s sweet, super easy to prepare, and makes enough to feed a crowd! Perfect for brunches, special occasions, or just a cozy family breakfast at home.

What You’ll Need:

Hawaiian sweet rolls – I love the fluffy sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls; they add the perfect touch to this dish.
Large eggs – they’ll help bind everything together for a rich texture.
Milk – I usually opt for whole milk for that extra creaminess.
Heavy cream – using heavy cream makes the custard even dreamier!
Granulated sugar – just the right amount will balance the sweetness of the rolls.
Vanilla extract – pure vanilla extract is my go-to for its lovely flavor.
Ground cinnamon – adds a warm spiciness that’s so comforting.
Salt – enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Melted butter – gives the top a lovely golden crust.
Powdered sugar – for that gorgeous dusting that makes it look fancy!
Maple syrup – nothing beats the rich, sweet flavor of real maple syrup for serving. I recommend grade A for a smoother taste.
Optional: butter pats – for that extra touch of butteriness when serving.

The Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half, so you have two halves for each roll, and layer them cut side up in the prepared baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the rolls in the baking dish, making sure every piece is coated. Use a spatula to gently press down on the rolls to help them soak up the liquid.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the rolls for a deliciously rich flavor.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.
Once baked, allow it to cool slightly—just enough so it’s not scalding hot! Dust with powdered sugar to make it look extra special.
Serve warm with maple syrup on the side and butter pats if desired. Enjoy this sweet treat!

Tip: Feeling adventurous? Mix in some chocolate chips or diced fruits between the rolls before pouring the egg mixture for added flavor and fun! And you can even prepare this the night before; just remember to refrigerate it and add a few extra minutes to the bake time in the morning. Happy cooking!

Can I Use Different Types of Bread?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a delightful sweetness, you can substitute them with brioche, challah, or any soft white bread. Just make sure it’s somewhat stale to absorb the egg mixture better, or leave fresh bread out for a few hours to dry out a bit.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking to lighten the recipe, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Just keep in mind that the texture will be a bit less rich, but it will still turn out delicious!

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes, you can make this Vegan by using plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and a flax egg or a chia egg in place of each egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then mix it into your batter!

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover French toast bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave on medium power until heated through. Enjoy it warm with fresh syrup!

More Delicious Breakfast Recipes!

If you love breakfast, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below: