Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 12-14 Hawaiian rolls (preferably fresh): These sweet, fluffy rolls are the key to the dish’s delicious flavor. Use slightly stale rolls for a better texture, as they absorb the custard better.; 1 cup whole milk: Provides the liquid base for the custard. You can substitute with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if needed.; ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the custard. This can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.; 4 large eggs: Eggs help bind the custard and create a smooth texture.; ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the custard.; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice to complement the sweetness of the rolls.; ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the dish and enhances the other flavors.; 1 tablespoon melted butter: For greasing the baking dish and adding flavor to the custard.; Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for added texture and crunch.; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: For dusting the baked French toast, giving it an extra touch of sweetness.; ½ cup maple syrup (or honey): To drizzle on top of the bake before serving.; Fresh fruit (optional): Such as berries, banana slices, or kiwi, to add a fresh, fruity element to the dish.; 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melted for a rich, creamy sauce.; 1/4 cup honey: For sweetness.; Pinch of salt: To balance the honey and enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Toast Bake:

12–14 Hawaiian rolls (preferably fresh): These sweet, fluffy rolls are the key to the dish’s delicious flavor. Use slightly stale rolls for a better texture, as they absorb the custard better.
1 cup whole milk: Provides the liquid base for the custard. You can substitute with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if needed.
½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the custard. This can be substituted with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
4 large eggs: Eggs help bind the custard and create a smooth texture.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard mixture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the custard.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice to complement the sweetness of the rolls.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the dish and enhances the other flavors.
1 tablespoon melted butter: For greasing the baking dish and adding flavor to the custard.
Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) for added texture and crunch.

For the Topping:

1 tablespoon powdered sugar: For dusting the baked French toast, giving it an extra touch of sweetness.
½ cup maple syrup (or honey): To drizzle on top of the bake before serving.
Fresh fruit (optional): Such as berries, banana slices, or kiwi, to add a fresh, fruity element to the dish.

For the Honey Butter Sauce (Optional):

1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melted for a rich, creamy sauce.
1/4 cup honey: For sweetness.
Pinch of salt: To balance the honey and enhance the flavors.

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Instructions

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE HAWAIIAN ROLLS

Cut the Rolls: Begin by slicing the Hawaiian rolls into halves or quarters. The smaller pieces will absorb the custard better and bake evenly.
Arrange the Rolls: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter or non-stick spray. Arrange the sliced Hawaiian rolls in the dish, ensuring that the pieces fit snugly together. It’s okay if they are slightly overlapping.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE CUSTARD

Whisk the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Pour the Custard: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged Hawaiian rolls, making sure each piece is thoroughly soaked. You can gently press the rolls down with a spatula to ensure that the custard soaks into all the layers.
Let it Sit: Allow the rolls to sit for about 10-15 minutes so the custard can fully soak into the bread. For an even more indulgent result, you can cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow the custard to fully absorb and give the bake an even richer flavor.

THIRD STEP: ADD OPTIONAL NUTS AND TOP WITH BUTTER

Add Nuts: If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the rolls for a little extra crunch and texture.
Dot with Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole. This will help the French toast bake achieve a golden, crispy top.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE FRENCH TOAST

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The French toast should be golden brown on top and set in the middle. If you want a crispier top, you can broil the bake for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Cool: Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set and makes it easier to slice.

FINAL STEP: TOPPING AND SERVING

Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the bake has cooled slightly, dust it with powdered sugar to give it a beautiful finish.
Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup or honey over the top just before serving for extra sweetness.
Optional Fruit Garnish: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake with fresh fruit, such as berries or banana slices, for added freshness and a pop of color.
Serve: Slice the bake into squares and serve warm. It’s perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Prep Time: 15minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 10
Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 7g