This Hawaiian French Toast Bake is the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the table fast. Made with buttery Hawaiian sweet bread, a rich vanilla-cinnamon custard, and a caramelized brown sugar base, it bakes into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center with crisp golden edges. Perfect for weekends, holidays, brunch, or make-ahead mornings when you want something truly special with very little effort.
Introduction
Hawaiian sweet bread is famous for its light texture and gentle sweetness, making it the perfect base for a luxurious baked French toast. Instead of standing at the stove flipping slices, everything is layered into one dish and baked to perfection. The result is creamy inside, slightly crunchy on top, and full of warm, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 loaf Hawaiian sweet bread, cut into cubes
Custard Mixture
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Caramel Butter Layer
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit or berries
Preparation (Formation)
- Cut the Hawaiian bread into large cubes.
- Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly in the dish.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes, pressing gently so all pieces absorb the liquid.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter and brown sugar until glossy and smooth.
- Drizzle the butter-brown sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until puffed, golden, and set in the center.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Method
- Baked French Toast – soaking the bread creates a custard-like interior while baking forms a caramelized crust on top.
- Overnight Method – resting time allows the bread to fully absorb flavor, giving bakery-style results.
History
French toast dates back to ancient Rome, where bread was soaked in milk and eggs to avoid waste. Hawaiian sweet bread, inspired by Portuguese influences, later became a beloved base for modern baked versions thanks to its softness and subtle sweetness.
Benefits
- Feeds a crowd easily
- No standing at the stove
- Perfect make-ahead dish
- Rich in protein from eggs and milk
- Comforting and satisfying
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: Moderate-high
- Protein: Good
- Carbohydrates: High (energy-boosting)
- Fats: Rich and satisfying
Why Everyone Loves It
- Soft, creamy center
- Crispy caramelized top
- Sweet but not overpowering
- Feels like dessert for breakfast
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup
- Add strawberries, bananas, or pineapple
- Serve with coffee or fresh juice
Conclusion
This Hawaiian French Toast Bake is comfort food at its finest—simple, indulgent, and unforgettable. Whether for brunch, holidays, or a cozy family morning, it’s the kind of recipe people ask for again and again. One bite, and it becomes a tradition.