Boston Cream Pie Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls

If you’re a fan of Boston Cream Pie but want a fun, handheld twist on the classic dessert, this recipe for Boston Cream Pie Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls is just what you need. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are hollowed out and stuffed with creamy vanilla pastry cream, then topped with a rich chocolate glaze for a decadent dessert that’s as portable as it is delicious. Think of it as a mash-up of a cream-filled doughnut and the iconic Boston Cream Pie, all packed into one bite-sized treat.

These stuffed rolls are perfect for entertaining, as they’re easy to prepare, mess-free, and visually stunning on any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, potluck, or holiday party, these sweet rolls will quickly become the star of the show. Even better, the recipe is easy to customize—add flavor twists, garnish them to match the occasion, or serve them with a side of whipped cream or fresh fruit. This dessert is fun, approachable, and guaranteed to please everyone.

Let’s dive into this ultimate guide to making Boston Cream Pie Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls, complete with tips, techniques, and plenty of variations to ensure your success!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy Assembly: Using pre-made Hawaiian rolls eliminates the need for lengthy dough preparation, letting you focus on the delicious fillings and toppings.
2. Classic Flavors: The combination of creamy vanilla filling and chocolate glaze is reminiscent of the beloved Boston Cream Pie, but with a modern, handheld twist.
3. Perfect for Sharing: These rolls are portioned perfectly for individual servings, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or even lunchbox desserts.
4. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with flavored fillings, unique toppings, or other creative spins.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: The soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls paired with creamy filling and chocolate are guaranteed to delight kids and adults alike.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour (for the pastry cream to set)
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 stuffed rolls
• Serving Size: 1 stuffed roll

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 270
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

For the Rolls:

• 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls

For the Pastry Cream (Vanilla Filling):

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, for a glossy glaze)

Optional Garnishes:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Whipped cream for serving
• Fresh fruit (like strawberries or raspberries)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pastry Cream

1. Heat the milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam but doesn’t boil.
2. Mix the egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow.
3. Temper the egg yolks: Slowly pour about ½ cup of the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
4. Cook the pastry cream: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add butter and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Chill the pastry cream: Transfer the pastry cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (press the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Rolls

1. Hollow out the rolls: Using a small knife, carefully cut a small circle out of the top of each Hawaiian roll, creating a “lid.” Gently scoop out a bit of the bread from the center of each roll, being careful not to tear through the bottom or sides. Reserve the tops for later.
2. Set up the rolls: Arrange the hollowed-out rolls on a serving platter or baking sheet, ready for filling.

Step 3: Fill the Rolls with Pastry Cream

1. Transfer the cream: Once the pastry cream is chilled, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a round tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off).
2. Fill the rolls: Pipe the pastry cream into the hollowed-out center of each roll until it’s just full. Place the reserved “lid” back on top for a neat presentation, or leave them open if desired.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Glaze

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-low heat until it just begins to steam.
2. Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
3. Add butter and corn syrup: Add the butter and corn syrup to the bowl, then whisk until the glaze is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Glaze the Rolls

1. Drizzle or dip: Spoon the chocolate glaze over the tops of the filled rolls, or dip the tops directly into the glaze for a thicker coating.
2. Let the glaze set: Allow the rolls to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to let the glaze set slightly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: If desired, dust the rolls with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, or garnish with fresh fruit.
2. Serve: Serve the rolls immediately, or store them in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredient Background

Each component of this recipe works together to create the ultimate Boston Cream Pie experience:

• Hawaiian Rolls: Their natural sweetness and pillowy texture make them an excellent base for the creamy filling and rich glaze.
• Pastry Cream: A silky, vanilla-infused custard that mimics the classic cream layer of Boston Cream Pie.
• Chocolate Glaze: Semi-sweet chocolate and cream combine to create a rich, smooth topping that adds a decadent finishing touch.

Technique Tips

1. Use Cold Ingredients for Pastry Cream: When whisking the pastry cream on the stove, make sure your milk isn’t too hot before adding the egg yolks—this helps avoid curdling.
2. Cut Neatly: Use a small, sharp knife to cut cleanly into the rolls and create a uniform hollow for filling.
3. Control the Glaze: If you want a more controlled drizzle, use a spoon or piping bag to apply the chocolate glaze.
4. Cool Completely: Ensure the pastry cream is fully chilled before filling the rolls to prevent the filling from melting or seeping out.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Boston Cream Sliders: Cut the rolls completely in half and sandwich the filling between the two halves for a slider-style dessert.
• Open-Faced Rolls: Leave the rolls open and top the pastry cream with a dollop of glaze for a more rustic look.
• Layered Tray Bake: Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, cut side up, and layer the pastry cream and chocolate glaze over the top to serve as a shared dessert.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Make Ahead: Prepare the pastry cream and chocolate glaze a day ahead for easier assembly.
2. Refrigeration: Keep the stuffed rolls refrigerated if not serving immediately, as the filling contains perishable dairy.
3. Piping Alternative: If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small spoon to fill the rolls.

Recipe Variations

• Berry Boston Cream Rolls: Add a layer of berry jam or fresh berries to the pastry cream filling for a fruity twist.
• Coffee-Infused Rolls: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the chocolate glaze for a mocha-inspired flavor.
• Peanut Butter Boston Cream Rolls: Swirl a small amount of peanut butter into the pastry cream before filling the rolls.
• Salted Caramel Glaze: Swap the chocolate glaze for a salted caramel topping for a sweet and salty variation.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store the stuffed rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the rolls before glazing. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then glaze just before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use low-fat milk and reduced-sugar chocolate for a lighter version of this recipe.
2. Swap Hawaiian rolls for whole-wheat dinner rolls to add fiber.
3. Reduce the sugar in the pastry cream to suit your dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Brunch Buffets: Serve these rolls alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee for a decadent addition to your brunch spread.
• Holiday Desserts: Dress them up with festive garnishes like sprinkles, edible glitter, or gold leaf for a holiday dessert table.
• Kids’ Parties: These rolls are perfectly portioned for small hands and can be customized with fun toppings like rainbow sprinkles or chocolate chips.

Special Equipment

• Piping bag (or zip-top bag) for filling the rolls
• Fine-mesh sieve for sifting powdered sugar
• Small saucepan for making the chocolate glaze
• Sharp paring knife for hollowing out the rolls

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes! If you prefer, you can use homemade dinner rolls or any soft, sweet bread as the base.

2. Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free milk and butter for the pastry cream, and choose dairy-free chocolate for the glaze.

3. What if I don’t have time to make pastry cream?
You can substitute store-bought vanilla pudding or custard for the pastry cream in a pinch.

4. Can I reheat these rolls?
It’s best to serve them cold or at room temperature, as reheating may cause the pastry cream to melt.

5. Can I add nuts or sprinkles to the glaze?
Yes! Chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or colorful sprinkles make great decorative toppings for the glaze.

6. How do I prevent the glaze from dripping everywhere?
Let the glaze cool slightly before applying, and work over a baking sheet to catch any drips.

7. Can I add more flavor to the pastry cream?
You can infuse the milk with additional flavors like cinnamon sticks, coffee, or even a splash of liqueur for a more complex taste.

8. How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?
You can assemble the rolls up to one day in advance, but glaze them just before serving for the best presentation.

Conclusion

Boston Cream Pie Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls are the ultimate combination of convenience, elegance, and indulgence. With their soft, sweet bread, luscious vanilla filling, and rich chocolate topping, they capture all the flavors of the classic dessert in a handheld format that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something special, this recipe delivers. From the creamy pastry cream to the glossy chocolate glaze, every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. So, grab a pack of Hawaiian rolls and get ready to turn your kitchen into a bakery these stuffed rolls are guaranteed to become a new favorite!

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