If you’re ready to fall in love with dessert all over again, Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding is about to sweep you off your feet. Imagine golden, squishy Hawaiian rolls soaking up sweet custard, then baked until gorgeously caramelized at the edges. It’s the kind of comforting, gently tropical dessert that’s a hit at potlucks, holidays, or any night you want a cozy treat that’s both nostalgic and just a little bit fancy. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe transforms humble rolls into a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing pudding you’ll crave over and over again.

Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding is that every ingredient plays a starring role—nothing fancy, just pure, delicious simplicity. Each item brings something special, whether it’s sweetness, richness, or that unmistakable bread pudding texture we all adore.

Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These ultra-soft, slightly sweet rolls give the pudding its signature flavor and pillowy base.
Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create that creamy custard texture you crave in every bite.
Heavy Cream: Brings extra decadence and makes the pudding luxuriously silky.
Large Eggs: The binding magic—eggs set the custard and hold the whole pudding together.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard to the perfect level, without overpowering the delicate flavor of the rolls.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Rounds everything out with lovely warmth and aroma.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring all the flavors to life.
Butter: For greasing the baking dish and adding a luscious, golden finish to the top.
Optional Mix-ins (chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped pineapple): Add a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous—totally optional, but so delicious!

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Start by preheating your oven and generously buttering your favorite baking dish. Tear or cut the Hawaiian rolls into bite-sized pieces—the more rustic, the better! Spread them evenly in the dish, making sure they’re a nice, fluffy layer waiting to soak up the custard.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until it’s smooth and beautifully blended. Don’t skimp on the whisking here—a well-mixed custard is the secret to pudding that’s custardy instead of soggy.

Step 3: Pour and Soak

Slowly pour the luscious custard all over the torn rolls. Use a spatula to gently press the bread down, making sure every last piece gets a good soak. Let the mixture rest for at least 15 minutes so those rolls can drink in every drop of flavor.

Step 4: Mix in Your Favorites (Optional)

If you’re taking your Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding on a tropical adventure, now’s the time to sprinkle in chocolate chips, sweetened coconut, or bits of pineapple. Fold them in gently so every scoop gets a surprise.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Dot the top with a little more butter for good measure, then pop the dish in the oven. Bake until the pudding is set but still soft and the top is golden brown, beautifully puffed, and almost caramelized. The smell filling your kitchen will be utterly irresistible!

How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding

Garnishes

To really make your pudding shine, serve it warm and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle on toasted coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re going for extra flair.

Side Dishes

Balance the comforting sweetness of your pudding by pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced mango or berries. If you’re serving at brunch, a platter of crispy bacon or salty breakfast sausage on the side makes for an unforgettable spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding is a winner straight from the oven dish, but you can also portion it into individual ramekins or vintage mugs for a charming, personal touch. Or, serve it up parfait-style, layering pudding with fruit and whipped cream in pretty glasses for a fun twist on dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers (lucky you!), cover the pudding tightly and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors deepen as it rests, making each bite even creamier and more decadent.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual portions of Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll hold up in the freezer for up to 2 months, making them perfect for future dessert emergencies!

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat portions gently in a 325°F oven until warmed through, or microwave single servings for 30 to 60 seconds. A splash of milk or cream poured over the top just before heating helps soften the pudding and revives its luxurious texture.

FAQs

Can I use leftover or stale Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! In fact, slightly stale rolls absorb the custard even better, resulting in a pudding with a perfectly creamy texture—so don’t toss yesterday’s rolls, use them for this dreamy dessert.

Can I make Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the milk and cream for your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut milk or almond milk. Just be sure to use full-fat versions for the creamiest results, and consider non-dairy butter substitutes as well.

Can I prepare this pudding in advance?

You bet! Assemble the whole dish up to a day ahead, cover, and store in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly and develops that gorgeous golden crust.

What other flavors can I add?

The base recipe is a perfect canvas for your creativity. Try adding orange or lemon zest, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chopped nuts, or even a rum or coconut extract to give it your own signature spin!

Is Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding best served warm or cold?

While delicious at any temperature, it truly shines served warm, straight from the oven with something cool and creamy on top. The contrast of flavors and temperatures is simply irresistible!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about transforming everyday rolls into a decadent Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding. Whether you serve it at a big celebration or for a laid-back family treat, this recipe promises big smiles and plenty of requests for seconds. Give it a try, and don’t forget to make it your own—you’ll be hooked from the first sweet, custardy bite!

Sweet Hawaiian Roll Pudding Recipe