If you are looking for a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then the Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful twist on classic French toast uses soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls to create a custardy, golden brown masterpiece that’s fluffy on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. The perfect blend of vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar elevates the simple ingredients into something irresistibly cozy and delicious—making it a crowd favorite for weekend brunches or a special morning surprise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but play a vital role in building the beautiful flavors and texture of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. Each one brings something special, from the richness of the half-and-half to the fragrant warmth of cinnamon, making this dish sing with every bite.
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls (12 rolls): The star ingredient, providing a soft and sweet base that soaks up the custard perfectly.
- Large eggs (3): They bind the mixture and create the luscious custard that gives French toast its signature texture.
- Half-and-half (3/4 cup): Adds creaminess and depth; whole milk can be swapped in for a lighter touch.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the custard with a lovely aromatic sweetness that complements the rolls.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a hint of spice to balance the sweetness.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the custard with a subtle molasses flavor that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the richness for balance.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): For cooking, giving the French toast a golden, buttery crust that’s pure perfection.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the custard mixture
Start by whisking the eggs and half-and-half in a large bowl until they’re fully combined and slightly frothy. Then add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until the custard is smooth and fragrant. This mixture is what transforms the Hawaiian rolls into a rich, tender French toast.
Step 2: Poke holes in the rolls
Using a toothpick or skewer, gently poke holes in the bottom of each King’s Hawaiian roll. This simple step allows the custard to seep inside the rolls, making them deliciously custardy throughout instead of just coating the surface.
Step 3: Soak the rolls in custard
Dip each roll into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds on each side. Be careful not to soak them too long, or they might get soggy and difficult to cook evenly. The goal is to get just enough custard absorbed for a perfect soft inside.
Step 4: Cook the soaked rolls
Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the custard-soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for 30 to 60 seconds on each side. You’re aiming for a golden brown exterior that’s crisp enough to hold up but still tender when you bite in.
Step 5: Serve it up warm
Once cooked, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. A dusting of powdered sugar feels just right, along with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the flavor and presentation by adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a scattering of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas. A light drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds sweetness while a handful of chopped nuts can add a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
Pair this French toast with simple sides like crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt bowl can provide a refreshing contrast, making your breakfast plate colorful and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the soaked rolls for an impressive French toast tower, or slice them in half and serve open-faced with a scoop of ice cream or fruit compote on top. For a fun twist, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a splash of passionfruit syrup to bring out the Hawaiian vibes even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be quickly reheated for an easy breakfast the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked rolls by first freezing them individually on a tray and then transferring them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen French toast stays good for up to 2 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that inviting crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely, but Hawaiian rolls bring their signature sweetness and soft texture that really elevate this recipe. Regular bread will work but won’t have quite the same rich and fluffy texture.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use whole milk or a mixture of milk and cream. Almond or oat milk can be used as dairy-free alternatives but the custard may be less rich.
How long can I soak the rolls in the custard?
About 30 seconds per side is ideal. Soaking them longer can make them overly soggy and hard to cook evenly, which might affect the texture once cooked.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, replace eggs with a blended tofu or chickpea flour batter and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The flavor and texture will be different but still delicious.
What toppings work best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Maple syrup is a classic choice, but fresh fruit, whipped cream, powdered sugar, nuts, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can all complement this sweet and tender dish wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe enough for anyone who craves a cozy, sweet breakfast that feels a little bit special. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for weekend brunch with friends or family. Once you try it, I bet it will quickly become one of your favorites, just like it did for me. So go ahead, grab those Hawaiian rolls, and make your mornings a little brighter and a lot tastier!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on classic French toast using sweet and fluffy Hawaiian rolls. This easy recipe features soft rolls soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, then pan-cooked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch, served warm with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 1 pack (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half-and-half (or whole milk)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half until fully combined and smooth. Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt; whisk again until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Prepare Rolls: Using a toothpick or skewer, poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This helps the custard soak into the rolls evenly for a rich flavor throughout.
- Soak Rolls: Dip each roll into the custard mixture, soaking each side for about 30 seconds. Avoid over-soaking them to prevent sogginess and maintain the perfect texture.
- Cook Rolls: Heat butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook each side for 30 to 60 seconds, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian roll French toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and add your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or whipped cream for an indulgent breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use half-and-half for a richer custard, or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Do not over-soak the rolls to prevent sogginess.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar before serving.
- Add fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity touch.
- Cook on medium-low heat to ensure the rolls cook through without burning.
