Hawaiian French Toast Bake

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the French Toast Base

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the oven is ready once the dish is assembled.
2. Prepare the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using a pre-packaged set of rolls, simply cut them into cubes while they are still together, making it easy to distribute evenly in the baking dish.
3. Add the rolls to the baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the cubed Hawaiian Sweet Rolls evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4. Distribute the pineapple and coconut: Evenly spoon the crushed pineapple (with its juices) over the rolls, followed by the shredded coconut. The pineapple juice will soak into the rolls, adding flavor and moisture.

Step 2: Make the Custard

1. Mix the custard ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, white sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and the sugar is dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and well-blended.
2. Pour the custard over the rolls: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the rolls in the baking dish, ensuring that all the bread is soaked with the custard. Use a spatula to gently press down the rolls, helping them absorb the liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

1. Combine the topping ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and shredded coconut. Mix these ingredients together.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your hands to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The topping should be crumbly and slightly sticky.
3. Sprinkle the topping over the bake: Evenly distribute the crumbly topping over the prepared French toast bake in the baking dish. This will create a sweet, crunchy layer on top once baked.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

1. Bake in the preheated oven: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
2. Cool slightly before serving: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to cut and serve.

Step 5: Add Optional Toppings and Serve

1. Add your desired toppings: Before serving, you can add extra pineapple, shredded coconut, whipped cream, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flavor and presentation.
2. Serve and enjoy: Cut the Hawaiian French Toast Bake into squares and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a side of crispy bacon.

Tips for Success:

• Prepare the night before: For an even easier morning, assemble the French toast bake the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply add the topping and bake.
• Make it your own: Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite fruits, such as mango or berries, or by using flavored extracts like coconut or almond.
• Serving size: This recipe serves about 8 people, making it perfect for a family breakfast or brunch gathering.

Hawaiian French Toast Bake is a delightful, tropical twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls, tangy pineapple, creamy coconut, and a crunchy crumb topping creates a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. It’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to treat yourself to something a little different. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this bake is sure to become a go-to recipe in your breakfast rotation. Enjoy this delicious start to your day!