Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
If you’ve never tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast, get ready for an insanely delicious breakfast twist that’s about to become a family favorite. This recipe transforms soft, lightly sweet Hawaiian rolls into pillowy slices of golden-fried French toast, complete with a kiss of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a buttery finish that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s a brunch treat that feels fancy but is blissfully easy to pull together, making it perfect for sweet lazy mornings or whenever you’re craving a special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how such simple ingredients can deliver something so magical. Every element adds its own little sparkle—think creamy richness, fragrant spice, and of course, the signature soft sweetness of Hawaiian rolls that makes this dish truly special.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12, cut in half horizontally): The signature base for Hawaiian Roll French Toast, these tender, buttery rolls bring a delicate sweetness and irresistible fluffiness.
- Large eggs (4): Essential for creating the rich, custardy soak that gives the French toast its creamy center.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Adds moisture and softens the rolls beautifully without thinning the batter.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup): Bumps up the decadence with extra richness, making the custard extra silky.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Infuses just the right touch of sweetness to complement the rolls.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings in warmth and complexity; a little goes a long way.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness with a cozy spice note and beautiful aroma.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, for cooking): Delivers golden, caramelized edges and that crave-worthy buttery flavor.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Gives your finished Hawaiian Roll French Toast a sweet snowy look and a light sugar crunch.
- Maple syrup (for serving): The finishing touch for any French toast—don’t skip the real stuff!
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Up the Custard
Grab a medium bowl and crack in your eggs—then add the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and beautifully blended. This mixture is what gives Hawaiian Roll French Toast its trademark melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Set a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop in about a tablespoon of butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the surface. You want it hot but not smoking so the rolls cook evenly and get that lovely golden crust.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Take each Hawaiian roll half and give it a quick dip in the custard—just a few seconds per piece does the trick. Let it soak up some of the richness, but don’t let it get soggy! Let any excess drip off back into the bowl before moving to the pan.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the soaked rolls cut-side down in the skillet, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping when they’re a gorgeous golden brown. Repeat with the rest of the rolls, adding more butter as needed to keep things sizzling.
Step 5: Serve with Style
Arrange your warm Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a platter or plates. Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve with a little pitcher of maple syrup on the side. The contrast of warm, custardy bread and cold, sweet sugar is pure bliss!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Garnishes
Bring even more flair to your Hawaiian Roll French Toast by piling on fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. For something really special, try flavored butters—think cinnamon honey butter or orange zest butter.
Side Dishes
This toast is deliciously rich, so fresh fruit salad, crisp bacon, or a bright citrus salad all make perfect accompaniments. If you’re serving brunch for a crowd, try alongside some scrambled eggs or oven-baked potatoes for a balanced spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Wow your brunch guests by stacking the rolls like little towers, or use cocktail sticks to create Hawaiian Roll French Toast “skewers” with berries in between. You can also serve the toast family-style on a big platter, letting everyone help themselves for a laid-back, festive feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast (a rare but happy event), let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep sugar and syrup off until reheating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, place cooled slices on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to one month. This lets you make a batch ahead, then quickly warm up just what you need—perfect for busy mornings!
Reheating
To revive leftovers, pop them in a toaster oven or a 350°F oven for about 5–8 minutes until heated through and crisp around the edges. If you’re in a rush, a quick stint in the microwave works, but you’ll lose a little of that delectable crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Breakfast
While the signature flavor comes from sweet Hawaiian rolls, you can substitute with brioche or challah if needed. Just keep in mind, they’ll be less sweet and subtly different in texture than classic Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
How can I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Be sure to dip each roll half briefly in the custard—just long enough to coat, not completely soak. Because Hawaiian rolls are so soft, a quick dunk is all you need for perfect, pillowy results.
Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can dip and arrange the rolls on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Just let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking. Alternatively, cook them ahead and reheat in the oven for easy morning prep.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and use plant-based cream or even full-fat coconut milk. Swap the butter for a vegan spread or neutral oil for frying.
How do I get that extra-crispy finish?
After pan-searing, pop the finished Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes. This step firms up the outside and keeps the inside tender, creating the ultimate textural contrast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on a mission to wow yourself—and your loved ones—at breakfast, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a must-try. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and delivers that perfect combination of comfort and a little bit of luxury. Give it a go and watch those plates return clean!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic French toast with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. Sweet and fluffy Hawaiian rolls are soaked in a rich custard mixture, then pan-seared to golden perfection. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat!
Ingredients
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls:
12 rolls (cut in half horizontally)
Eggs Mixture:
4 large eggs, ½ cup whole milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Serving:
Powdered sugar for dusting, maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
- Cook Rolls: Heat a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Dip roll halves in egg mixture, cook on skillet until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup.
Notes
- Enhance with fresh berries or whipped cream.
- For extra crispness, bake at 375°F for 5 minutes after searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 roll halves
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
