Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake – Buttery, Custardy, and Perfectly Golden
This Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast or brunch dish — soft, buttery rolls soaked in a rich custard, baked until golden, and topped with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. Every bite melts in your mouth with that irresistible combination of fluffy bread and sweet, creamy flavor. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weekend mornings, holidays, or when you just want something extra cozy.
Made with simple pantry ingredients and the signature sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, this French toast bake delivers both comfort and convenience. No standing over the stove flipping slices — just assemble, bake, and enjoy a warm, gooey breakfast that feels special every time.
Why You’ll Love This French Toast Bake
- Effortless and elegant. Simple to make but looks and tastes like a bakery brunch dish.
- Sweet, soft, and custardy. Hawaiian rolls create a tender texture that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Feeds a crowd. Perfect for family breakfasts, holidays, or potlucks.
- Make-ahead friendly. Assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- Customizable. Add fruits, nuts, or cream cheese for your own twist.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 (12-count) package of Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 5 large eggs
- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup blueberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas
- Cream cheese chunks for a rich twist
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries or whipped cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Cut the Hawaiian rolls into halves or quarters and arrange them evenly in the baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugars, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the rolls, pressing them down gently with a spatula to ensure each piece soaks up the mixture.
Step 3: Chill (Optional, for Best Texture)
For an extra custardy and rich texture, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
If baking immediately, let the rolls soak for about 20–30 minutes at room temperature before baking.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Drizzle or brush this mixture evenly over the top of the soaked rolls for a sweet, caramelized crust.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still soft in the center.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Let the bake cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving.
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Tips for Perfect French Toast Bake
- Use slightly stale rolls. Day-old Hawaiian rolls absorb the custard better and prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overbake. The center should be set but still moist — overbaking can dry it out.
- Chill overnight for richer flavor. It allows the custard to fully soak into every layer.
- Add texture. Sprinkle chopped nuts or streusel on top for crunch.
- For extra sweetness. Mix a bit of maple syrup or caramel sauce into the custard before baking.
Flavor Variations
Berry Delight: Add blueberries and raspberries before baking, then top with powdered sugar.
Caramel Pecan: Add chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel sauce after baking.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop small spoonfuls of softened cream cheese throughout the rolls before pouring the custard.
Banana Foster Style: Add sliced bananas and a drizzle of caramel rum sauce for a dessert-style version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with:
- Maple syrup and butter
- Fresh fruit and whipped cream
- A side of bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast
Pair it with hot coffee, spiced tea, or a cold glass of milk for a cozy morning meal.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30–40 seconds per serving or bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
Troubleshooting
- Too soggy? Bake a few minutes longer or use day-old rolls next time.
- Too dry? Reduce baking time slightly or increase the custard mixture by ¼ cup milk.
- Lacking flavor? Use pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Want more crisp top? Add a crumble topping made with butter, brown sugar, and oats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this the night before?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better that way. Prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and bake fresh in the morning.
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes. Brioche, challah, or French bread work beautifully, but Hawaiian rolls give that unique sweet, buttery flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use almond milk or oat milk and swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.
Can I use syrup in the custard?
Yes — replace some of the sugar with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
This Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is pure comfort in a dish — soft, rich, and perfectly sweet. It’s everything you want from a cozy breakfast: easy, indulgent, and made for sharing. Whether for a weekend brunch or a lazy morning treat, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
