Make Ahead Hawaiian French Toast Bake

A Sweet Morning Secret

I have a little secret for busy mornings. You can make this french toast bake the night before. Just cover it and put it in the fridge. In the morning, pop it in the oven. The whole house will smell like a tropical vacation. Doesn’t that sound nice?

This matters because mornings can be so rushed. A good breakfast should bring joy, not stress. This recipe lets you enjoy a special meal with no fuss. I still smile when I pull a warm bake from the oven. It feels like a small victory.

The Tropical Twist

This is not your ordinary french toast. We use soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. They are like little fluffy clouds. Then we add crushed pineapple and sweet coconut. The coconut extract makes it smell like a beach far away.

Fun fact: The nutmeg and cinnamon are like old friends. They always make everything taste warmer and cozier. Have you ever cooked with coconut extract before? It’s one of my favorite smells in the whole world.

A Story About My Grandson

My grandson used to turn his nose up at nuts. Then he tried this bake with the macadamia nut topping. He was surprised by the yummy crunch. Now he asks for “the one with the crunchy bits.” I still laugh at that.

This little story matters. It reminds me to be patient with picky eaters. Sometimes, they just need to discover a new texture. What’s a food you learned to love after trying it a new way?

Making the Crunchy Top

The topping is my favorite part. You mix flour and brown sugar. Then you use a fork to cut in cold butter. Keep going until it looks like little pebbles. Stir in the chopped nuts last.

Sprinkle it all over the top of your casserole. This topping bakes into a sweet, crunchy crust. It’s the perfect contrast to the soft, eggy bread underneath. Do you prefer your breakfasts soft and fluffy, or with a crunchy top?

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This recipe is more than just food. It’s about sharing something special. It turns a regular morning into a small celebration. That is a wonderful feeling to give your family.

It also teaches us a good lesson. A little planning makes life sweeter. Making this ahead gives you more time for hugs and stories at the table. And that is what truly fills us up.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Eggs	3 large
Whole milk	3/4 cup
Granulated sugar	1/4 cup
Vanilla extract	1 1/2 teaspoons
Coconut extract	1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	1/2 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
Salt	Pinch
Crushed pineapple	1/4 cup	drained
Shredded sweetened coconut	1/4 cup
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls	12	cut into cubes
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup	for topping
Light brown sugar	1/4 cup	for topping
Ground cinnamon	1/4 teaspoon	for topping
Unsalted butter	2 Tablespoons	cold, cubed, for topping
Macadamia nuts or almonds	2 Tablespoons	chopped, for topping
Maple syrup		for serving

Make-Ahead Hawaiian French Toast Bake

Oh, this recipe brings back such happy memories. My grandson calls it our “vacation breakfast.” It tastes like a sunny morning on a faraway island. The best part is you put it together the night before. That means more time for stories in the morning.

Let’s get our bowl ready. The secret is in the Hawaiian sweet rolls. They make everything so soft and fluffy. I always sneak a little piece of pineapple while I work. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

Step 1: First, turn your oven on to 350 degrees. Let it get warm and cozy. Grab a big bowl and crack your eggs into it. Pour in the milk, sugar, and those lovely extracts. The coconut smell always makes me smile. Give it all a good whisk until it’s friendly and combined.

Step 2: Now, sprinkle in your cinnamon, nutmeg, and that tiny pinch of salt. This is what makes it taste like a hug. Stir in the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. Then, add your cubed Hawaiian rolls. Gently mix until every piece is wet and happy. (A hard-learned tip: really squeeze that pineapple juice out first. Too much liquid makes everything soggy.)

Step 3: Pour your mixture into a greased baking dish. I use my old blue dish for this. Let it sit on the counter for a bit. This is a good time to make the crunchy topping. It’s my favorite part to put together.

Step 4: For the topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Drop in the cold, cubed butter. Use a fork to mash it all together. You want it to look like little pebbles. Then, stir in your chopped nuts. I use macadamias when I can find them.

Step 5: Sprinkle your crumbly topping all over the casserole. Try to cover every spot! Now, pop it in the oven. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden. Your whole house will smell wonderful. Do you prefer maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar? Share below!

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Breakfast, Brunch

Three Tasty Twists to Try

I love recipes you can make your own. It’s fun to play with your food sometimes. Here are a few ideas if you’re feeling creative. They are all quite delicious.

Tropical Sunrise: Add some chopped mango or banana to the mix. It will feel even more like an island getaway.

Chocolate Island: Stir in a handful of chocolate chips. My grandkids beg for this version. It turns breakfast into a treat.

Nutty Crunch: Use pecans or walnuts instead of macadamias. It gives a different kind of crunch that I really enjoy.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Sunshine Bake

This casserole is a star all on its own. But I think every star needs a good supporting cast. A little fruit on the side is always a good idea. It makes the plate look so pretty and colorful.

I like to serve it with fresh orange slices or juicy berries. The tartness is a nice balance to the sweet toast. A dollop of whipped cream on top never hurt anybody either. I still laugh at how fast it disappears.

For a drink, a cold glass of milk or orange juice is perfect. For the grown-ups, a cup of Kona coffee tastes just right. It reminds me of the islands. Which would you choose tonight?

Make It Now, Enjoy It Later

This casserole is a lifesaver for busy mornings. You can prepare it the night before. Just cover the dish tightly and put it in the fridge. In the morning, pop it in the oven. It bakes up perfectly.

You can also freeze it for later. Wrap the whole baked dish well. Or cut it into single portions. This makes for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. I love having a slice ready for my grandson.

I once forgot to add the topping before freezing. The nuts got a little soft. Now I always add the topping right before baking. This little step makes a big difference. It keeps that lovely crunch we all love.

Doing this work ahead brings peace to your morning. You can sit and enjoy a warm meal with your family. That time together is so precious. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

Is your casserole too soggy in the middle? Make sure you drain the pineapple very well. I press it with a paper towel. This removes extra juice that can make things wet.

Is the topping burning before the inside is cooked? Just loosely cover the dish with foil. This will shield the top. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp it up.

I remember when my topping was once too dry. It would not form nice crumbs. The butter was not cold enough. Using cold butter straight from the fridge is the secret. It creates that perfect, sandy texture.

Getting the texture right makes you feel like a pro cook. It builds your confidence in the kitchen. A balanced flavor makes every bite a joy. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread. Make sure your flour for the topping is gluten-free too.

Q: How far ahead can I make it? A: You can assemble it the night before. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it in the morning.

Q: What if I don’t have macadamia nuts? A: Almonds work great. Or you can leave the nuts out completely. It will still be delicious.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely. Use a 9×13 inch baking dish. You might need to bake it a few minutes longer.

Q: Any other fun add-ins? A: A handful of chocolate chips never hurt anyone. It is a special treat for the kids. Which tip will you try first?

A Sweet Note From My Kitchen

I hope this recipe brings a taste of sunshine to your table. It always reminds me of a happy vacation. *Fun fact: Hawaiian sweet rolls get their flavor from a touch of honey.*

I love seeing your kitchen creations. It makes my day to see your family enjoying this meal. Please share your photos with our little community. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.