Description
This Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast Bake is a delicious and comforting breakfast casserole featuring soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard mixture of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices. Baked to golden perfection and served with maple syrup, it makes for an easy and delightful brunch or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Roll Base
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (about 12 rolls), cut into cubes
Custard Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional for topping)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cube the Rolls: Cut the Hawaiian sweet rolls into bite-sized cubes and evenly spread them in the prepared baking dish to form the base of your casserole.
- Mix Custard: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Soak the Rolls: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the bread cubes. Gently press down the cubes so that they absorb the liquid thoroughly, ensuring the entire dish is soaked.
- Add Butter and Rest: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaking bread and custard mixture. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes so the bread fully absorbs the custard.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve warm with maple syrup for a perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate overnight to allow deeper flavor absorption and ease of preparation.
- Adding fresh berries or a drizzle of cream cheese makes excellent flavor enhancements.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for the richest custard, but substitutions can be made if desired.
- This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
