Hawaiian French Toast Bake

Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of sweet rolls, tropical fruits, and warm spices wafting through your kitchen. That’s the magic of the Hawaiian French Toast Bake. This dish combines the classic comfort of French toast with the exotic flavors of Hawaii, creating a breakfast that’s both indulgent and refreshing. It’s perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or any morning when you want to treat yourself to something special.

I first encountered a variation of this dish during a vacation in Hawaii. The blend of rich coconut milk, sweet pineapple, and the unique texture of Hawaiian rolls made it unforgettable. When I returned home, I was determined to recreate that experience. After several attempts, I crafted this recipe, which has now become a favorite in my household. The combination of familiar and tropical flavors makes every bite a delightful adventure.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pack (12-16 count) Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, cubed

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch of salt

1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained

Optional: 1/2 cup diced mango

Optional: 1/2 cup shredded coconut

For the Topping (Optional):

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts or almonds

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Base

Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of coconut milk, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add the Fruits: Stir in 1/2 cup of drained crushed pineapple. If you’re using them, also add 1/2 cup of diced mango and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. These additions bring extra tropical flavors to the dish.

Soak the Bread: Add the cubed Hawaiian sweet rolls to the egg mixture. Gently stir to ensure all the bread cubes are soaked in the mixture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour the Mixture: Pour the soaked bread mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure even cooking …