🍍 Hawaiian Roll Bundt Cake: The Easiest Sweet Pull-Apart Dessert You’ll Ever Make

If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that transforms everyday Hawaiian sweet rolls into something magical, this Hawaiian Roll Bundt Cake is it! This recipe combines the soft, pillowy sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls (or any similar Hawaiian sweet rolls) with a cinnamon-brown sugar custard, baked into a gorgeous bundt shape. Think of it as a mash-up between cinnamon monkey bread and creamy bread pudding — but way simpler since there’s no yeast, no rising time, and minimal prep.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, potlucks, or when you have leftover dinner rolls, this treat comes together in under 10 minutes of active time and bakes in about 30–35 minutes. The result? Golden, caramelized edges with a gooey, cinnamon-infused center that’s impossible to resist. Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze, and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Calories per serving: ~320 (approximate)

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples and one star ingredient: Hawaiian rolls!

For the Cake:

• 1 (12 oz) package Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian or store brand — about 12 rolls)
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark both work great)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup milk (whole milk for richness, but 2% works too)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Easy Icing:

• 1 tablespoon milk
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar)

Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (stir into the custard mixture)
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (sprinkle on top before baking)
• Shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips (mix into the rolls for extra flavor)

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat & Prep the Pan 🔥

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10–12 cup bundt pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray (make sure to get into all the nooks!). This prevents sticking and gives those beautiful golden edges.

2. Cube the Hawaiian Rolls 🍞

Open the package of Hawaiian rolls and cut each roll into 4–6 bite-sized pieces (about 1–1.5 inches). No need to be perfect — rustic chunks work best! Place all the pieces into a large mixing bowl. The sweet, buttery texture of Hawaiian rolls soaks up the custard beautifully.

3. Make the Cinnamon Custard Mixture 🥚

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 3 eggs
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• Melted butter (½ cup)
• Milk (⅓ cup)
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)

Whisk vigorously until smooth and the brown sugar is mostly dissolved. This mixture is what turns plain rolls into a decadent, pull-apart cake.

Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract here — it enhances the tropical sweetness of the rolls.

4. Soak & Toss the Rolls 🌀

Pour the custard mixture over the cubed Hawaiian rolls in the large bowl. Gently toss with a spatula or your clean hands until every piece is evenly coated. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the bread absorbs the liquid — this is key for that moist, pudding-like texture inside.

5. Assemble in the Bundt Pan 🥄

Spoon or pour the soaked roll mixture into the prepared bundt pan. Press down lightly to pack it in evenly, but don’t smash it too hard — you want some air pockets for that classic pull-apart effect.

If adding nuts or extras, sprinkle them now for a crunchy topping.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection ⏲️

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is deep golden brown and the center feels set (not jiggly). A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Important: If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 20 minutes.

7. Cool & Invert 🍰

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. This helps it set and makes unmolding easier. Place a large plate or cake stand over the pan, then carefully flip it over to release the bundt cake. It should come out in one beautiful piece!

8. Drizzle with Simple Icing 🍯

Whisk together ⅓ cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Add a tiny splash more milk if it’s too thick — you want a pourable but not runny consistency.

Drizzle generously over the warm cake. The icing will melt slightly into the crevices for extra yum!

💡 Tips for the Best Hawaiian Roll Bundt Cake

• Use day-old rolls if possible — slightly stale bread absorbs the custard even better without turning mushy.
• Don’t over-soak — toss just until coated; too long and it can get soggy.
• Grease generously — bundt pans love to stick, especially with sugary mixtures.
• Make it ahead — Assemble the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning for breakfast or brunch.
• Storage — Leftovers keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.

🍴 Delicious Variations to Try

This base recipe is super versatile — here are crowd-favorite twists:

• Coconut Hawaiian Version 🥥: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the rolls and ¼ teaspoon coconut extract to the custard.
• Pecan Praline Style 🌰: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans and top with a caramel drizzle instead of icing.
• Chocolate Chip Delight 🍫: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips before baking.
• Apple Cinnamon Twist 🍎: Add 1 cup diced apples tossed in extra cinnamon.
• Holiday Spice 🎄: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice and add a dash of nutmeg.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade or other sweet rolls?
Yes! Any soft, sweet dinner rolls work, but King’s Hawaiian-style gives the best classic flavor.

Is this the same as monkey bread?
Close! Traditional monkey bread uses biscuit dough rolled in cinnamon-sugar. This version uses pre-made Hawaiian rolls for speed and a custardy texture.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Try gluten-free Hawaiian-style rolls if available, and ensure all ingredients are GF.

Why did my cake sink?
Over-soaking or under-baking can cause sinking. Bake until set and let cool properly before flipping.

🌟 Why This Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

This Hawaiian Roll Bundt Cake checks all the boxes: fast prep, minimal ingredients, stunning presentation, and incredible flavor. The sweet rolls create caramelized, pull-apart bites drenched in cinnamon goodness, finished with a crackly glaze. It’s become a viral favorite on social media (and sites like 12 Tomatoes) for good reason — it’s foolproof and always disappears fast!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating your family, give this recipe a try. One bite and you’ll see why it’s worth the hype.

Enjoy every sweet, sticky piece! Tag your creations with #HawaiianRollBundtCake — I’d love to see them!