Aloha Sweetness: Irresistible Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding Recipes

Bread pudding, a comforting classic, gets a tropical twist when made with soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. This delightful dessert is surprisingly easy to prepare and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The inherent sweetness and airy texture of Hawaiian rolls elevate the bread pudding to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, Hawaiian roll bread pudding is the perfect choice. This article will guide you through various Hawaiian roll bread pudding recipes, from classic variations to unique flavor combinations, ensuring you find the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings.

## Why Hawaiian Rolls are Perfect for Bread Pudding

Hawaiian rolls are known for their soft, slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture. These characteristics make them an ideal base for bread pudding. Unlike denser breads that can result in a heavy pudding, Hawaiian rolls create a light, airy, and incredibly moist dessert. The subtle sweetness of the rolls also reduces the need for excessive sugar in the recipe, allowing the other flavors to shine through. Furthermore, their smaller size makes them easy to work with, eliminating the need for extensive cutting and cubing.

## The Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding Recipe

This recipe serves as a foundation for all other variations. Mastering this basic recipe will allow you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (12 ounces) Hawaiian sweet rolls, slightly stale
* 4 large eggs
* 2 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Pinch of salt
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted

**Equipment:**

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Serrated knife

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Rolls:** Cut the Hawaiian rolls into 1-inch cubes. You can leave them out overnight to dry slightly, but it’s not essential. Slightly stale rolls absorb the custard better.
2. **Whisk the Custard:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. **Combine Rolls and Custard:** Gently fold the cubed Hawaiian rolls into the custard mixture, making sure all the rolls are evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the rolls to absorb the custard. This step is crucial for a moist and flavorful bread pudding. Occasionally press down gently on the rolls to help them soak up the liquid.
4. **Prepare the Baking Dish:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Alternatively, use parchment paper to line the dish, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
5. **Pour and Bake:** Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the bread pudding. This will help create a golden brown and slightly crispy crust.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the bread pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil.
7. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the pudding to set properly. Serve warm, plain, or with your favorite toppings.

**Tips for Success:**

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry bread pudding. Check for doneness frequently towards the end of the baking time.
* **Use Fresh Spices:** Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg will enhance the flavor of the bread pudding.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet bread pudding, reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two.
* **Soaking Time is Key:** Allowing the rolls to soak in the custard for an adequate amount of time is crucial for a moist and flavorful bread pudding.

## Variations and Flavor Combinations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delicious variations and flavor combinations to try:

### 1. Chocolate Chip Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

For chocolate lovers, this variation is a must-try. Simply add chocolate chips to the basic recipe for a decadent treat.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. Add the chocolate chips to the bread pudding mixture along with the Hawaiian rolls. Stir gently to combine.
3. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

### 2. Caramel Apple Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

This variation is perfect for fall, featuring the warm flavors of caramel and apple.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
* ½ cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
* ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with the brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
3. Add the apples and chopped nuts (if using) to the bread pudding mixture along with the Hawaiian rolls. Stir gently to combine.
4. Pour the bread pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the bread pudding.
6. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

### 3. Coconut Macadamia Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

This tropical-inspired variation features the flavors of coconut and macadamia nuts, creating a truly decadent dessert.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* ½ cup shredded coconut
* ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts
* ¼ cup coconut milk (in place of some of the regular milk)

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. Substitute ¼ cup of the regular milk with coconut milk in the custard mixture.
3. Add the shredded coconut and chopped macadamia nuts to the bread pudding mixture along with the Hawaiian rolls. Stir gently to combine.
4. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a scoop of coconut ice cream or a drizzle of coconut syrup.

### 4. Pineapple Upside-Down Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

This twist on the classic pineapple upside-down cake is a fun and delicious variation.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple slices, drained
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ¼ cup butter, melted
* Maraschino cherries (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish in the oven. Remove from oven and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the melted butter.
3. Arrange pineapple slices over the brown sugar mixture. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice (optional).
4. Prepare the Hawaiian roll bread pudding mixture as directed in the basic recipe.
5. Carefully pour the bread pudding mixture over the pineapple slices.
6. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.
7. Let cool slightly before inverting onto a serving platter.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

### 5. Banana Foster Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

Inspired by the classic New Orleans dessert, this variation features bananas, rum, and a rich caramel sauce.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* 2 ripe bananas, sliced
* ¼ cup butter
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ¼ cup dark rum (optional, can substitute with banana extract)
* ½ teaspoon cinnamon

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add the sliced bananas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly softened.
4. If using rum, carefully pour it into the skillet and ignite it using a long match or lighter. Let the flames subside.
5. Pour the banana mixture over the Hawaiian rolls in the mixing bowl and stir gently to combine.
6. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

### 6. Lemon Blueberry Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

This bright and refreshing variation features the zesty flavors of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* 1 cup fresh blueberries
* Zest of 1 lemon
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. Add the blueberries, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bread pudding mixture along with the Hawaiian rolls. Stir gently to combine.
3. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of lemon sorbet.

### 7. Pecan Praline Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

This rich and nutty variation features the classic flavors of pecan praline.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* 1 cup pecan halves
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ¼ cup butter
* ¼ cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and pecan halves.
4. Pour the pecan praline mixture over the Hawaiian rolls in the mixing bowl and stir gently to combine.
5. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

### 8. White Chocolate Raspberry Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

This elegant variation combines the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of raspberries.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
* ½ cup white chocolate chips

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. Add the raspberries and white chocolate chips to the bread pudding mixture along with the Hawaiian rolls. Stir gently to combine.
3. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of raspberry sorbet.

### 9. Peanut Butter Cup Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

For peanut butter lovers, this variation is a dream come true.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* ½ cup peanut butter chips
* ½ cup chopped peanut butter cups

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. Add the peanut butter chips and chopped peanut butter cups to the bread pudding mixture along with the Hawaiian rolls. Stir gently to combine.
3. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

### 10. Spiced Cranberry Orange Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding

Perfect for the holidays, this variation features the festive flavors of cranberry and orange.

**Ingredients:**

* Basic Hawaiian Roll Bread Pudding ingredients
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
* Zest of 1 orange
* ¼ cup orange juice
* ½ teaspoon ground cloves

**Instructions:**

1. Follow the basic recipe steps.
2. Add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and ground cloves to the bread pudding mixture along with the Hawaiian rolls. Stir gently to combine.
3. Bake as directed in the basic recipe.

**Serving Suggestion:** Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

## Tips for Customizing Your Bread Pudding

* **Experiment with Different Breads:** While Hawaiian rolls are the star of this show, you can also try other types of bread, such as brioche or challah, for a different texture and flavor.
* **Add Extracts and Flavors:** Enhance the flavor of your bread pudding by adding extracts like almond, rum, or maple. You can also use flavored syrups or liqueurs.
* **Incorporate Spices:** Experiment with different spices to create unique flavor profiles. Try cardamom, ginger, or allspice.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Top your bread pudding with whipped cream, ice cream, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, fruit compote, or nuts.
* **Make it a Brunch Dish:** Add savory ingredients like bacon, sausage, or cheese for a delicious brunch option.

## Storing and Reheating Bread Pudding

* **Storing:** Leftover bread pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, bake the bread pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

## Conclusion

Hawaiian roll bread pudding is a versatile and delicious dessert that is sure to impress. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with different variations, you’ll be rewarded with a warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful treat. The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls elevate this classic dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the Aloha sweetness of Hawaiian roll bread pudding!