Wake up to the irresistible aroma of warm cinnamon and vanilla with this Heavenly Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake. Perfect for a special brunch or a weekend breakfast, this dish combines the soft, tropical sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with a rich, creamy custard and a golden, caramelized topping. Whether serving family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, this French toast bake turns an ordinary morning into a celebration.
Advertisements
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Powdered sugar, for garnish
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the baking dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Advertisements
Step 2: Cube the rolls
Cut Hawaiian rolls into 1-inch cubes and spread evenly in the prepared dish.
Step 3: Make the custard
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
Advertisements
Step 4: Soak the bread
Pour the custard over the cubed rolls, pressing gently to soak evenly. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Step 5: Add the buttery topping
Mix melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the custard-soaked rolls.
Advertisements
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Step 7: Serve
Cool 5 minutes, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with maple syrup.

Pro Tips
- Soaking Time Matters: Allow full absorption for a rich, tender texture.
- Fresh or Day-Old Rolls: Both work; day-old rolls create a custard-like consistency.
- Add Fruit or Nuts: Blueberries, bananas, or chopped nuts enhance flavor and texture.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy prep with impressive results.
- Sweet, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfect for holiday brunches or casual weekends.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Use maple or brown sugar syrup instead of powdered sugar for a natural sweetness.
- Add chocolate chips between layers for a dessert-style twist.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
- Assemble the night before and refrigerate; bake fresh in the morning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds per serving or in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with fresh berries, banana slices, or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice for a complete brunch spread.
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 19g
- Sodium: 220mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this French Toast Bake ahead?
Yes! Cover and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh in the morning.
Can I add fruit or nuts?
Absolutely! Blueberries, bananas, or chopped nuts work beautifully.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat before serving.
The Heavenly Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake is more than breakfast—it’s a cozy tradition that turns ordinary mornings into memorable moments. With its sweet tropical flavor, creamy custard, and caramelized topping, every bite feels like a hug from the inside. Perfect for holidays, weekend brunch, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Heavenly Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- powdered sugar, for garnish
- maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cut the Hawaiian rolls into 1-inch cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Pour the custard evenly over the rolls, pressing gently so all pieces absorb the liquid. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, then drizzle evenly over the soaked rolls.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool for 5 minutes, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm with maple syrup.
Notes
Advertisements

