This Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Bake is a sweet treat that makes breakfast special! Soft, fluffy rolls soaked in a yummy egg mixture turn into a deliciously golden delight when baked.
Honestly, who can resist that? The best part is you can prepare it ahead of time and let it chill overnight. Just pop it in the oven in the morning and enjoy! 😊
Whenever I make this, I love serving it with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s simple, fun, and totally makes my mornings brighter!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These rolls give the dish its delightful sweetness. If you can’t find them, try using any soft, sweet bread like brioche or challah. They will add a nice flavor—though Hawaiian rolls are my personal favorite!
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for binding everything together and giving the bake a fluffy texture. If you’re vegan or allergic, consider using chia seeds or flaxseeds mixed with water as a substitute (1 tablespoon of seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg).
Heavy Cream: It adds creaminess and richness. If you want a lighter option, you can replace it with half-and-half or use a dairy-free version like coconut cream. I love how this adds a tropical touch.
Crushed Pineapple: This ingredient is optional but adds a fun fruity flavor. You can also try other fruits like bananas or berries, or simply leave it out if you’re not a fan! I think it gives a refreshing twist to the dish.
How Do I Ensure My French Toast Bake Comes Out Perfectly Fluffy?
Getting the right texture for your French Toast Bake is all about soaking the bread in the egg mixture. Make sure you pour it evenly and give it enough time to soak up the custard. Here’s how to do it right:
- After cutting the rolls into quarters, spread them evenly in the greased dish.
- Whisk the egg mixture until well combined, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture slowly over the rolls, using a spatula to gently press down if needed to cover all pieces.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before baking for the best texture.
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How to Make Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bake:
- 1 package (12 rolls) King’s 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
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (optional)
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then about 45-50 minutes in the oven. So, you can enjoy it hot and fresh from the oven in about 1 hour total. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your French toast bake cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent the rolls from sticking. Next, take your Hawaiian sweet rolls and cut them into quarters. Place the quartered rolls evenly in the greased dish, making sure to spread them out nicely.
3. Make the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and frothy. This will create the creamy, rich mixture that soaks into the rolls.
4. Assemble the Bake:
If you like, sprinkle the crushed pineapple evenly over the rolls for a tropical twist. Then, pour the egg mixture over the rolls, making sure each piece is soaked in the mixture. This step is essential for that delicious custardy texture!
5. Bake the French Toast:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist while it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and the center to feel set when you gently shake the dish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s finished baking, let it cool slightly before serving. Dust the top with powdered sugar if you’re using it, and serve warm with drizzles of maple syrup. Enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Bake with your family and friends!
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead of Hawaiian Rolls?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, you can use any type of bread you prefer, such as brioche or challah. Just cut it into cubes about the same size as you would with the rolls to ensure even soaking.
Can I Prepare This Bake the Night Before?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead! After inverting the egg mixture over the rolls, cover the dish and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply uncover and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
How to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this dish dairy-free, substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter for greasing the dish. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can serve it warm with maple syrup again for that fresh taste!
