If you’re craving a brunch treat that’s both delightfully sweet and comfortingly fluffy, you need to try this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. Picture the soft, pillowy sweetness of Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard, spiced just right with cinnamon and vanilla, then golden-fried to perfection. This recipe takes French toast to a whole new level by using those iconic, slightly sweet rolls that bring a tropical vibe to your breakfast table. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekend family meal or impressing friends with a unique brunch, this dish never fails to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is easy because the ingredients are simple yet essential—they work together to create a custard that tenderizes the rolls while adding sweetness, spice, and richness. Each element plays a part in balancing flavor, texture, and color for an unforgettable breakfast experience.
- Hawaiian rolls (12): These sweet, soft rolls form the perfect base for a tropical twist on traditional French toast.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs are crucial for the custard that gives the French toast its rich and tender texture.
- Whole milk (1 cup): The milk adds creaminess and helps thin out the egg mixture for even soaking.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Adding extra richness, the cream makes the custard luxuriously smooth.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the rolls without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A classic flavor boost that deepens the aroma and taste of the custard.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): This warm spice brings a cozy kick to every bite.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the custard.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Used for cooking to achieve that perfectly golden and slightly crisp exterior.
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit: Optional garnishes that add color, sweetness, and a fresh finish to your dish.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This custard is where the magic begins—the combination of rich dairy, warm spice, and sweet vanilla will ensure each Hawaiian roll soaks up enough flavor without becoming soggy.
Step 2: Soak the Hawaiian Rolls
Next, dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture. You can decide whether to keep them whole or slice slabs of rolls in half horizontally for a larger piece of French toast. The key here is to coat them evenly but not let them soak too long to avoid losing that tender yet slightly firm texture after cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Place the coated rolls onto the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautifully golden, slightly crisp crust and are cooked through. Repeat the process with the remaining rolls, adding butter as needed to keep that wonderful sear.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a few finishing touches! Dust your French toast with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness and a pretty visual pop. Drizzle warm maple syrup generously to add a rich, sticky contrast to the soft rolls. Fresh seasonal fruit such as berries, sliced bananas, or tropical pineapple chunks add color, a sweet tartness, and bright freshness that complements the custard-soaked rolls perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a playful balance of sweet and salty. If you want to keep it lighter, a simple yogurt parfait or a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to this rich dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your brunch extra special by stacking the French toast rolls like little towers, layering with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting in between for a decadent touch. For a tropical vibe, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts on top. You might even turn it into a French toast casserole by baking the dipped rolls in a buttered dish until golden and bubbly—perfect for feeding a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days without losing too much of its tender texture.
Freezing
To enjoy this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe later, freeze individual cooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull out a serving whenever you want a quick breakfast treat, and they’ll last for up to a month.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature to maintain crispiness outside while warming through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch but may sacrifice some of that golden crust.
FAQs
Can I make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe vegan?
You can easily swap the eggs and dairy for plant-based alternatives like flax eggs or a chickpea flour batter, and use coconut milk or almond milk alongside vegan butter. However, the classic custard flavor comes from eggs and cream, so expect a slight difference in taste and texture.
Is it better to use whole or sliced Hawaiian rolls?
Both work wonderfully depending on your preference. Whole rolls give you a fun individual portion that’s soft and fluffy inside, while slices offer a more traditional French toast feel and allow for stacking or layering if you bake them.
What can I do to add more tropical flavor?
Try topping your cooked French toast with diced pineapple, mango, or toasted coconut flakes. You can also add a splash of coconut extract to the custard for an extra island-inspired aroma that pairs beautifully with the sweet rolls.
Can I bake the French toast instead of cooking on the stove?
Absolutely! After dipping the rolls in custard, place them in a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. This method is especially convenient for serving a crowd and creates a soft, pudding-like texture with a lightly crisp top.
How far ahead can I prep the custard mixture?
You can whisk together the custard ingredients up to a day before, storing it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before soaking the rolls to ensure everything is well combined.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that instantly brightens your morning table. The sweet, soft rolls soaking up a vanilla-cinnamon custard, fried to golden perfection, and finished with syrup and fruit make a truly special breakfast or brunch that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a new favorite for your family gatherings or cozy weekend treat!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is a sweet and fluffy breakfast treat featuring soft Hawaiian rolls dipped in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop. Perfect for an indulgent weekend brunch, it is served with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh fruit for a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls (left whole or separated)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Dip the Hawaiian rolls: Dip each Hawaiian roll or the whole slab of rolls cut horizontally in half into the custard mixture, coating them evenly but avoid soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
- Heat the cooking surface: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter until sizzling.
- Cook the rolls: Place the coated rolls onto the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter to the pan as needed when cooking remaining rolls.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup, and topped with fresh fruit for extra flavor and a tropical touch if desired.
Notes
- For a baked variation, arrange the dipped rolls in a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden.
- For a tropical flair, sprinkle coconut flakes and pineapple chunks on top before serving.
