Boston Cream Pie Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic dessert with these Boston Cream Pie Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls. Soft, sweet rolls are filled with creamy pastry cream and topped with a rich chocolate glaze, making them perfect for sharing at any gathering.

Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, for a glossy glaze)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream for serving
- Fresh fruit (like strawberries or raspberries)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the pastry cream by heating the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it steams but does not boil.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow.
- Step 3: Temper the egg yolks by slowly pouring about ½ cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling.
- Step 4: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Step 6: Prepare the rolls by cutting a small circle out of the top of each Hawaiian roll to create a lid, then gently hollow out the center without piercing the sides or bottom. Reserve the tops.
- Step 7: Arrange the hollowed rolls on a platter or baking sheet for filling.
- Step 8: Transfer the chilled pastry cream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) and fill each roll until just full. Replace the lids or leave open.
- Step 9: For the chocolate glaze, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming.
- Step 10: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over them and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
- Step 11: Add the butter and optional corn syrup, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Step 12: Spoon or dip the tops of the filled rolls into the chocolate glaze for coating.
- Step 13: Allow the glaze to set at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Step 14: Optionally dust with powdered sugar, add whipped cream, or garnish with fresh fruit before serving. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For a firmer pastry cream, chill it overnight before filling the rolls.
- Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer glaze flavor.
- Add a splash of coffee or rum extract to the pastry cream for a flavor twist.
- If you prefer a brighter glaze, skip the corn syrup or replace it with honey.
- Serve chilled for a cool, refreshing treat or at room temperature for a softer bite.
Storage
Store the filled and glazed rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if preferred. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pastry cream may change.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the pastry cream ahead of time?
Yes, the pastry cream can be made up to two days in advance. Keep it covered with plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface and refrigerated.
How do I prevent the pastry cream from curdling while cooking?
Whisk constantly during cooking and temper the eggs carefully by adding hot milk slowly, which helps avoid scrambling the yolks.
PrintBoston Cream Pie Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls Recipe
These Boston Cream Pie Stuffed Hawaiian Rolls combine the soft, sweet texture of classic Hawaiian rolls with a luscious homemade pastry cream filling, topped with a rich chocolate glaze. This delightful treat offers the nostalgic flavors of Boston cream pie in a fun, handheld form, perfect for parties or a special dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pastry Cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Rolls
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
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)
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream for serving
- Fresh fruit (like strawberries or raspberries)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry Cream: Heat the milk over medium heat in a saucepan until it just starts to steam but doesn’t boil. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow. Slowly temper the egg yolk mixture by gradually whisking in about ½ cup of the hot milk to prevent scrambling.
- Cook the Pastry Cream: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until it thickens and starts to bubble, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Rolls: Using a small knife, carefully cut a small circle from the top of each Hawaiian roll to create a lid. Gently hollow out the centers without piercing the bottom or sides. Arrange the hollowed rolls on a serving tray and set aside the tops.
- Fill the Rolls: 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 small corner cut off). Pipe the cream into the hollowed centers of each roll until full. Replace the reserved tops if desired for a neat finish.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it begins to steam. Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and pour hot cream over them. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt, then add butter and corn syrup and whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Rolls: Spoon or dip the tops of the filled rolls into the chocolate glaze for coverage. Allow the rolls to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to let the glaze set slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally dust with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, and garnish with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries. Serve immediately or store refrigerated and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Be sure to temper the egg yolks carefully to avoid scrambling when mixing with hot milk.
- Press the plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pastry cream to prevent a skin forming during chilling.
- You can prepare the pastry cream and hollow the rolls a day ahead to save time on serving day.
- For a sharper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Store assembled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Boston cream pie, Hawaiian rolls, pastry cream, chocolate glaze, stuffed rolls, dessert recipe, homemade cream filling

