If there’s one dish that can instantly turn your breakfast into a celebration, it’s Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Buttery-soft Hawaiian rolls are transformed into pillowy clouds with golden, caramelized edges and the sweet aroma of vanilla and cinnamon in every bite. Whether you keep the rolls whole for a soft pull-apart effect or split them for maximum soak, this recipe elevates a weekend brunch or lazy morning into a mini-vacation on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast comes from a short list of simple ingredients, each one playing a special role to create melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Start with the iconic Hawaiian sweet rolls, add a few classics, and you’re on your way to breakfast bliss!
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12): Their pillowy softness and subtle sweetness set this French toast apart from any other.
- Large eggs (4): The eggs create that luscious custard soak and ensure your toast is rich and satisfying.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and keeps things light enough to let the rolls shine.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): For luxurious texture and a bit of decadence in every bite.
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp): A whisper of sweetness that caramelizes on the skillet for crisp, golden edges.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): This brings that signature bakery aroma and warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): A cozy hint of spice that balances the sweetness just right.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps your French toast from tasting flat.
- Butter for cooking (2 tbsp): Toasts the rolls perfectly, infusing them with even more flavor.
- Powdered sugar & maple syrup for serving: The essential finishing touches for classic French toast flair.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Make Your Custard Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Take a moment to blend everything until it’s smooth and golden—the combined richness of the eggs and dairy is what makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast so dreamy.
Step 2: Prep the Rolls
If you want pull-apart, bakery-style presentation, keep the rolls together and slice them horizontally, creating a top and bottom half. For extra caramelization and crispness on every bite, pull them apart and dip each individual roll. No matter which you choose, there’s no wrong way—just more ways to enjoy!
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Dunk each roll (or roll half) into your luscious egg mixture. Let them soak for 10 to 15 seconds per side—just enough to let them absorb that custard without falling apart. This is where they drink up all the flavor and start their transformation.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter. Once it’s melted and sizzling, add your soaked rolls to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching as they turn a gorgeous, caramelized gold and develop a slightly crisp edge. Your kitchen will start to smell like a bakery in paradise!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Transfer the finished Hawaiian Roll French Toast to a plate. Dust generously with powdered sugar and drizzle with warm maple syrup. For a brunch-worthy flourish, add fresh fruit or whipped cream—there’s no need to hold back on joy here.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Garnishes
A flourish of powdered sugar over Hawaiian Roll French Toast is just the beginning! Try fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), a dollop of vanilla whipped cream, or a light sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch and color. Sliced bananas also pair beautifully with the rolls’ gentle sweetness.
Side Dishes
This French toast is wonderfully rich, so simple sides really let the main event shine. A bowl of tangy Greek yogurt, extra fresh fruit, or even crispy bacon provide a lovely balance. If you’re feeling festive, add a small glass of fresh orange juice or a latte for café-style charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, arrange the French toast in a baking dish, top with scattered berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, and let everyone pull apart their portion. Or turn it into “French toast sliders” by stuffing the rolls with mascarpone or Nutella before dipping and cooking—perfect for celebrations or surprising someone special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the texture stays surprisingly lovely thanks to the moisture of the rolls, making leftovers a happy bonus for busy mornings.
Freezing
If you’d like to save extras for later, arrange cooled slices on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This method makes it easy to grab just a piece or two whenever the craving strikes!
Reheating
Warm leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a toaster oven until heated through. For a larger batch, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. This prevents sogginess and brings back the golden edges perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use stale or day-old rolls?
Absolutely! In fact, slightly stale Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard even better, giving your French toast extra body and a delightfully creamy interior.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
You can swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your favorite dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream. The result will be slightly lighter but still delicious!
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a crowd?
Definitely! Double or triple the recipe, arrange soaked rolls on a buttered baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes. It’s an easy, hands-off way to treat a group to something truly special.
What else can I stuff the rolls with?
Get creative with fillings—cream cheese and strawberry jam for a “cheesecake” vibe, Nutella and sliced bananas, or even lemon curd for a zingy surprise. The soft rolls welcome all sorts of flavor twists.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
If you can find gluten-free sweet rolls, you can follow this recipe as written—just make sure all your ingredients, especially extracts, are certified gluten free. The custard and technique remain the same!
Final Thoughts
Breakfast doesn’t get much happier than sharing a platter of Hawaiian Roll French Toast with the people you love. Whether you’re dressing it up for brunch or treating yourself on a cozy morning in, the pillowy texture and irresistible sweetness will win you over at first bite. Give this recipe a try, and let each golden slice remind you of just how special homemade mornings can be!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent breakfast treat with this easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. The sweet and fluffy rolls soak up a rich custard mixture before being cooked to golden perfection. Serve with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and your favorite toppings for a delightful morning meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (whole or split)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
Serving Suggestions:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Dip Rolls: Dip rolls in the mixture, ensuring they soak up the liquid.
- Cook French Toast: Cook soaked rolls in butter on a skillet until golden brown.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup or toppings of choice.
Notes
- Experiment with fillings like cream cheese or Nutella for a variation.
- Day-old rolls work well for improved texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 rolls
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
