Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite that combines the soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls with a rich custard mixture to create an irresistible morning treat. This easy-to-make dish transforms ordinary breakfast into something special, perfect for weekend brunches or holiday gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll French Toast
There’s something magical that happens when those pillowy Hawaiian sweet rolls soak up the cinnamon-vanilla custard and transform into a golden, caramelized breakfast delight. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! This recipe takes an ordinary breakfast staple and elevates it to something truly special.
The beauty of Hawaiian Roll French Toast lies in its simplicity combined with extraordinary flavor. The natural sweetness of the rolls creates the perfect foundation, eliminating the need for excessive sugar in the custard mixture. When cooked, the exterior develops a beautiful golden crust while the interior remains soft and custard-like – the perfect texture contrast that makes French toast so beloved.
The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!! Your family will come running to the kitchen before you even call them for breakfast. Additionally, this recipe can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, making it ideal for busy households or when entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Kitchen Tools Required
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife for cutting bread
- Plastic wrap or aluminum foil (for refrigeration)
Possible Substitutions and Additions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Bread options: While Hawaiian rolls give this dish its signature flavor, you can substitute brioche, challah, or even day-old croissants.
- Milk alternatives: Feel free to use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sweetener swaps: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar if preferred.
- Flavor boosters: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract or 1 tablespoon of orange zest for unique flavor variations.
- Mix-ins: Fold in 1 cup of fresh berries, 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, or 1/2 cup of chopped nuts before baking.
If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, you might also love our Lobster Garlic Cream Sauce for a luxurious dinner option!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Baking Dish
Start by greasing your 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. This is crucial for easy serving later! Cut the Hawaiian sweet rolls into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the dish. The uniform size ensures even soaking and cooking.
Creating the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely combined. Make sure there are no streaks of egg white visible – you want a smooth, uniform mixture that will coat the bread evenly.
The ratio of eggs to milk creates the perfect custard consistency – not too eggy, not too soggy. Pour this mixture slowly over the bread cubes, making sure to cover all pieces. Gently press the bread down with a spatula to help it absorb the liquid.
Soaking and Baking
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. This soaking time is essential – it allows the bread to fully absorb the custard mixture, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive final dish.
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F and remove the dish from the refrigerator. Uncover it and drizzle with the melted butter, which will help create a beautiful golden top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety. Allow the bake to cool for 10 minutes before serving – this resting period helps the custard set up for cleaner slices.
If you enjoy making breakfast foods with international flair, try our Coconut Basil Chicken Curry for dinner and then make this French toast the next morning!
Serving Suggestions
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is versatile enough to be served in multiple ways:
- Drizzle with additional warm maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar
- Top with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized peaches
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Pair with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a sweet and savory combination
- Add a side of fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast
For a complete brunch spread, consider adding our delicate Strawberry Crepes Recipe as another sweet option!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use slightly stale rolls: Day-old Hawaiian rolls work best as they absorb more of the custard mixture without falling apart.
- Even cutting: Try to cut the rolls into uniform pieces for consistent soaking and baking.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk creates a smoother custard that coats more evenly.
- Don’t rush the soak: The minimum 4-hour soak is crucial – overnight is even better for flavor development.
- Tent with foil: If the top is browning too quickly during baking, loosely cover with foil.
- Texture check: The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle when done – it will continue to firm up as it cools.
Storage Instructions
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or place the entire dish (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked French toast for up to 2 months. Cut into individual portions, wrap well, and place in freezer bags.
- Make ahead: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, refrigerate overnight, and bake in the morning for fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
General Information
Hawaiian sweet rolls originated in Hawaii in the 1950s, created by Robert Taira, a Hawaiian-born son of Japanese immigrants. The slight sweetness and soft texture of these rolls make them perfect not just for this French toast recipe but for many culinary applications.
The concept of French toast itself dates back to ancient Roman times, where it was a practical way to use stale bread. By combining the sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with the classic French toast technique, this recipe offers a unique cultural fusion that celebrates food history while creating something new and delicious.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 320
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.
Share Your Creations
I’d love to see how your Hawaiian Roll French Toast turns out! Take a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag us on social media. Your creations inspire our community and might give others great ideas for variations!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, though the flavor profile will be different. Hawaiian rolls add a distinct sweetness that complements the custard beautifully.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
While the minimum soaking time is 4 hours, overnight soaking yields the best flavor and texture. The extended time allows the bread to fully absorb the custard.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk and use a plant-based butter alternative.
Why is my French toast soggy in the middle?
This could be due to underbaking or too much liquid in the custard. Ensure you’re baking until the center is set but still slightly jiggly, and follow the egg-to-milk ratio in the recipe.
Can I add fruit directly to the bake?
Yes! Berries or diced apples work well mixed in before baking. If using frozen fruit, add it frozen (do not thaw) to prevent excess moisture.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake proves that breakfast can be both simple and extraordinary. With just a few minutes of preparation and minimal hands-on time, you can create a breakfast that feels special enough for holidays yet easy enough for weekend family breakfasts.
The combination of pillowy Hawaiian sweet rolls, warm spices, and maple syrup creates a breakfast experience that’s comforting yet elevated. Whether you’re serving it to overnight guests, preparing a special family breakfast, or just treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation.