These Boston Cream Hawaiian Roll Donuts are an easy shortcut dessert made with soft Hawaiian rolls filled with creamy vanilla pudding and topped with rich chocolate ganache.

They give you the classic Boston cream flavor combination—soft pastry, vanilla cream, and chocolate—without making yeast dough from scratch.

Easy Boston Cream Hawaiian Roll Donuts

Traditional Boston cream donuts are delicious, but homemade yeast donuts take time.

This version uses soft Hawaiian rolls as a shortcut. The rolls are lightly toasted or warmed, filled with thick vanilla pastry-style cream, and finished with a smooth chocolate topping.

The result is soft, creamy, chocolatey, and surprisingly close to the flavors people expect from Boston cream donuts.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No yeast dough required
• Easy shortcut dessert
• Soft Hawaiian rolls
• Creamy vanilla filling
• Rich chocolate topping
• Great for parties
• Kid-friendly
• Easy to make ahead
• Simple ingredients
• Much faster than homemade donuts

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

Hawaiian rolls – Soft sweet rolls work perfectly as the donut base.

Vanilla pudding mix – An easy shortcut for the cream filling.

Whole milk – Gives the pudding a richer texture.

Heavy cream – Helps make the filling thicker and creamier.

Vanilla extract – Adds extra flavor.

Semi-sweet chocolate – Used for the ganache topping.

Butter – Optional, but helps make the chocolate topping softer and shinier.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Boston Cream Hawaiian Roll Donuts

1. Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk.

Let it thicken according to the package directions.

For an extra-creamy texture, fold in a small amount of whipped heavy cream.

2. Chill the Filling

Refrigerate the vanilla filling for approximately 15–20 minutes.

A cold, thick filling is easier to pipe into the rolls.

3. Prepare the Rolls

Separate the Hawaiian rolls carefully.

Using a small paring knife, cut a small opening into the side of each roll.

Do not slice all the way through.

4. Optional: Lightly Toast

For a slightly more donut-like texture, place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm them in a 325°F (165°C) oven for approximately 5 minutes.

Let them cool before filling.

5. Fill the Rolls

Transfer the vanilla cream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

Insert the tip gently into the side of each roll.

Pipe in enough filling to make the roll feel full without bursting.

6. Make the Chocolate Ganache

Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl.

Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling.

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate.

Let it sit for approximately 2 minutes.

Stir gently until smooth.

Add the butter if using.

7. Dip the Tops

Dip the top of each filled Hawaiian roll into the chocolate ganache.

Lift carefully and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.

8. Set

Place the finished donuts on a tray.

Allow the ganache to set for approximately 15–20 minutes.

For a firmer topping, refrigerate briefly.

9. Serve

Serve chilled or slightly cool.

✨ Variations

Chocolate Cream Hawaiian Roll Donuts

Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.

Strawberry Cream Version

Fill with vanilla cream and a small amount of strawberry preserves.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Version

Add peanut butter to the filling and keep the chocolate ganache topping.

Mini Boston Cream Sliders

Slice the rolls horizontally and use the cream as a visible sandwich-style filling.

Extra Chocolate Version

Use dark chocolate ganache for a richer flavor.

🔥 Tips for the Best Hawaiian Roll Donuts

Chill the filling first. Thick cold pudding is much easier to pipe.

Don’t overfill. Too much cream can tear the soft roll.

Use a piping bag. It gives you much better control than spooning the filling.

Let the ganache cool slightly. If it’s extremely hot, it may soak into the rolls.

Use chopped chocolate. It melts more evenly than large chocolate chips.

Keep refrigerated. These contain dairy-based cream filling.

🥡 Storage

Refrigerator

Store the filled donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the cream filling several hours ahead.

For the freshest texture, fill and glaze the rolls closer to serving.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended because the pudding filling and soft rolls can change texture after thawing.

❓ FAQs

Are Hawaiian Roll Donuts really donuts?

They’re a shortcut dessert inspired by donuts rather than traditional fried yeast donuts.

Can I use instant vanilla pudding?

Yes. Instant pudding is the easiest option for this recipe.

Can I make the filling from scratch?

Absolutely. Homemade pastry cream works very well.

Do I have to bake the Hawaiian rolls?

No. You can use them directly from the package, but warming them briefly gives a slightly better texture.

Can I use milk chocolate?

Yes, although the topping will be sweeter.

Can I make these the day before?

Yes, but they’re best within about 24 hours of filling.