Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake – Easy & Delicious Breakfast Recipe

There’s something irresistible about Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake, and the very name makes me smile. Imagine soft, pillowy rolls soaked in a rich custard mixture, baked until golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The sweetness of the bread pairs beautifully with warm spices, creating a dish that feels comforting and festive at the same time. It’s the kind of breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into something extra special.

I love making this when I want breakfast to feel like a treat but still be simple enough to prepare without stress. The rolls hold up perfectly in the custard, giving you a soft texture inside with slightly crisp edges after baking. It’s great for weekends, holidays, or just days when you want something warm and cozy to start your morning. Plus, it’s easy to dress up with toppings that make it unique every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake hits all the right notes for both flavor and convenience.

Sweet and soft: Hawaiian rolls add a natural sweetness and cloud-like texture.

Warm and spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bring cozy flavors to every bite.

Hands-off baking: Unlike stovetop French toast, you just prep, bake, and enjoy.

Perfect for gatherings: Serve it family-style, straight from the baking dish.

Customizable: Add fruit, nuts, or flavored syrups to make it your own.

Great for make-ahead: Prepare it the night before for stress-free mornings.

Here’s something I always enjoy doing: sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the top before baking for extra crunch. Another fun touch is swapping regular milk with coconut milk to give the bake a tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the rolls. These little tweaks keep it exciting each time you make it.

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Ingredients

For the Bake:

• 1 package (12-count) Sweet Hawaiian rolls
  
• 6 large eggs
  
• 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
  
• ½ cup heavy cream
  
• ½ cup granulated sugar
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  
• Pinch of salt
  

For the Topping:

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  
• ½ cup fresh berries
  
• Powdered sugar for dusting
  
• Maple syrup for serving
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Rolls

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Tear the Sweet Hawaiian rolls into halves or quarters, then arrange them evenly in the dish. I like to keep them slightly uneven for a more rustic, bakery-style look once baked.

2. Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour it evenly over the rolls, making sure every piece gets coated. Gently press the rolls down so they soak up the custard.

3. Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon. Drizzle this mixture over the soaked rolls. This step creates a caramelized, slightly crunchy topping once baked.

4. Let it Rest (Optional)

For the best texture, cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour or overnight. This allows the rolls to fully absorb the custard. If you’re short on time, you can bake it right away, but the longer soak makes it richer.

5. Bake the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and slightly crisp, and the custard is set in the center. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

6. Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or top with berries. Serve straight from the pan for that cozy family-style feel.

Tips & Variations

• Healthier option: Use almond milk or oat milk with less sugar for a lighter version.
  
• Fruit boost: Layer sliced bananas, apples, or berries between the rolls before baking.
  
• Extra indulgent: Drizzle cream cheese glaze over the top for a bakery-inspired finish.
  
• Nutty crunch: Add a sprinkle of pecans, almonds, or walnuts for texture.
  
• Make-ahead magic: Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake in the morning for a no-stress breakfast.
  

My personal favorite trick is adding a handful of mini chocolate chips between the rolls before pouring in the custard. They melt into gooey little pockets of sweetness that make the bake taste like dessert for breakfast.

Serving Suggestions

This French toast bake shines on its own, but pairing it with sides makes it feel complete. Serve with a bowl of fresh fruit salad for balance, or alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet-and-savory combo. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai goes perfectly with the warm flavors.

When I serve this for holidays, I garnish the top with powdered sugar and fresh berries for a festive touch. For brunch gatherings, I like to set out small bowls of toppings like whipped cream, maple syrup, and nut butter so everyone can build their own plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, but Hawaiian rolls add sweetness and a soft, fluffy texture. Brioche or challah are good substitutes.

Do I need to soak the rolls overnight?

Not required, but soaking overnight makes the bake richer and ensures even texture.

How do I know it’s baked through?

The center should feel set and not jiggly. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Cut cooled portions into slices, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.

What toppings work best?

Powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even caramel sauce.

Can I make this less sweet?

Yes. Reduce the sugar in the custard or skip the topping drizzle if you want a lighter version.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake turns a humble pack of rolls into a dish that feels celebratory. Each bite brings soft, custardy bread with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, balanced by the golden topping. It’s simple enough for a weekend breakfast but also special enough to share at holidays or brunch gatherings.

What I enjoy most is how versatile it is. You can make it fruity, nutty, or extra indulgent with different toppings, and it always feels fresh. It’s the kind of recipe that leaves the kitchen smelling amazing and makes everyone gather around the table with smiles.