Tropical Indulgence: Hawaiian French Toast Bake
Experience a taste of paradise with our mouthwatering Hawaiian French Toast Bake recipe. This delightful dish takes the classic comfort of French toast and infuses it with the exotic flavors of the Hawaiian islands. With its pillowy soft Hawaiian sweet rolls, luscious coconut milk, and bursts of tropical fruit, this bake is a true indulgence for breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering or simply treating yourself to a special morning meal, this Hawaiian French Toast Bake is sure to transport you to sun-kissed shores with every bite. So, let’s dive into the recipe and embark on a culinary journey to paradise!
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
- 1/2 cup diced mango (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- For 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
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Cut the Hawaiian sweet rolls into bite-sized cubes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, coconut milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Add Pineapple and Mango: Gently fold in the crushed pineapple and diced mango, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
- Pour Over Bread Cubes: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread cubes in the baking dish, ensuring that all the bread is soaked in the mixture.
- Optional Topping: If using the topping, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cold cubed butter, cinnamon, and chopped macadamia nuts or almonds in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the bread mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Serve: Remove the Hawaiian French Toast Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and serve warm, garnished with shredded coconut if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the Hawaiian French Toast Bake the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and bake it in the morning as directed.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other tropical fruits such as bananas, papaya, or passion fruit. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top for extra texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter for the topping.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian sweet rolls? A: While Hawaiian sweet rolls add a unique flavor and texture to this recipe, you can certainly use any type of bread you prefer. Brioche or challah bread would be good substitutes.
Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly? A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version of this recipe by using low-carb bread or almond flour bread, and replacing the granulated sugar with a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
Q: Can I omit the topping? A: Yes, the topping is optional. If you prefer a simpler version of this dish, you can skip the topping altogether and still enjoy a delicious Hawaiian French Toast Bake.
In conclusion, our Hawaiian French Toast Bake is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and classic comfort. With its soft Hawaiian sweet rolls, creamy coconut milk, and bursts of pineapple and mango, this bake is a true celebration of island indulgence. Whether you’re dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway or simply looking to elevate your breakfast routine, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and transport you to sun-drenched shores. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of paradise with this irresistible dish!
