If you are craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful twist on classic French toast uses soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls that soak up a creamy custard, creating a rich, golden brown dish bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors. It’s a fun, easy recipe that transforms ordinary sweet rolls into a decadent brunch treat that’s perfect for weekends or special occasions. Every bite offers a perfect balance of fluffy, sweet, and slightly caramelized goodness that’s sure to impress both family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple yet rewarding by using everyday ingredients that combine to create a harmonious texture and flavor profile. Each item brings something special to the table—from the rich creaminess to the gentle sweetness and fragrant spices.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 count): The star of the dish, these rolls provide a soft, tender base with a touch of tropical sweetness.
- Large eggs (4): They help create the custard mixture that holds the toast together and adds richness.
- Whole milk (¾ cup): Adds creaminess to the custard, ensuring a smooth soak for the rolls.
- Heavy cream (¼ cup): Boosts the custard’s richness and gives the French toast a luscious texture.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): A subtle sweetness that complements the rolls perfectly without overwhelming.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the custard with a warm, aromatic note enhancing the overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a cozy spice that pairs beautifully with the tropical sweetness of the rolls.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brightens the custard flavors.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Used for cooking, it helps achieve a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
- Powdered sugar (for serving): Adds a delicate touch of sweetness and a pretty presentation.
- Maple syrup (for serving): Provides that classic French toast finishing drizzle to enhance every bite.
- Fresh fruit (optional): A colorful, fresh complement that adds brightness and contrast to the rich toast.
How to Make Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Begin by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This custard blend is the heart of your dish, ensuring each bite is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Mixing it well helps the cinnamon and vanilla disperse fully for an even taste.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Take each halved Hawaiian roll and dip it into the custard mixture, letting it absorb the liquid for a few seconds on each side. Don’t rush this part; the rolls should soak enough to become tender but not so much that they fall apart. This soaking step is what makes the toast soft and custardy inside while still holding its shape.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a little butter. Once hot, carefully place the soaked rolls in the skillet, cooking them in batches if needed. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until each piece turns a gorgeous golden brown color. This step is where the magic happens—your toast develops a slightly crisp exterior enclosing that moist, creamy inside.
Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve
After cooking, transfer the rolls to a plate and keep them warm while you finish the remaining batches. This keeps your entire dish hot and ready to serve together, ensuring every piece is enjoyed at its best temperature and texture.
How to Serve Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation adds so much to the enjoyment of this French toast recipe. Dusting the warm rolls with powdered sugar gives an elegant touch, while a drizzle of maple syrup delivers that classic sweet finish. If you want an extra wow factor, adding a handful of fresh berries or sliced bananas provides a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
While the Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe shines on its own, pairing it with sides like crispy bacon, breakfast sausages, or even a small bowl of Greek yogurt can round out the meal beautifully. These sides balance the sweet elements with savory or creamy notes, making breakfast feel indulgent and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the French toast into smaller bite-sized pieces and threading them on skewers along with fresh fruit chunks—this makes a playful finger-food presentation ideal for brunch parties or family gatherings. Another delicious idea is to stuff the halved rolls with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping them, taking the Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe into decadent dessert territory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool the rolls completely before refrigerating to prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their signature texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled French toast pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Frozen French toast keeps well for up to 1 month, making it a convenient make-ahead breakfast option.
Reheating
To reheat, use a toaster or a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make your French toast soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use normal bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can substitute classic bread, but the unique sweetness and softness of Hawaiian rolls make this recipe special. Using regular bread will give you a more traditional French toast experience, but you might miss that delightful tropical flavor.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half. The texture might be slightly less rich, but your French toast will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the milk and heavy cream for coconut milk or other plant-based milks, and use a butter substitute or oil for cooking. Keep in mind, this will alter the flavor a bit but still result in a tasty dish.
Is it better to use fresh or stale Hawaiian rolls?
Day-old or slightly stale rolls actually work better because they soak up the custard without falling apart. Fresh rolls are softer and might become too soggy, but if fresh is all you have, just be extra gentle during soaking and cooking.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pinch of ground ginger can add a lovely twist. Just be careful not to overpower the vanilla and cinnamon, which are the main flavor stars in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love making and sharing this Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe because it’s as easy as it is delicious. Its unique combination of sweet rolls, creamy custard, and warm spices creates breakfast magic that can brighten any morning. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a special brunch, this recipe will become one of your go-to favorites. So grab those Hawaiian rolls and dive in—your taste buds will thank you!
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Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Rolls French Toast recipe transforms sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into a delightful breakfast treat. Soft rolls are dipped in a rich custard mixture and cooked on the stovetop until golden brown, then served with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and optional fresh fruit for a perfect brunch or breakfast option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls, separated and halved
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Make the custard mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Prepare the rolls: Separate the Hawaiian rolls and slice each roll in half horizontally, creating top and bottom halves suitable for dipping.
- Dip the rolls: Dip each halved roll into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side so it absorbs enough custard without becoming soggy.
- Cook on the stovetop: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of unsalted butter to coat the surface. Place the soaked rolls in the pan in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes or until the French toast is golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep warm and repeat: Transfer cooked rolls to a plate and keep warm while repeating the soaking and cooking process with the remaining rolls.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian roll French toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup, and optionally accompanied by fresh fruit for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent treat, stuff the rolls with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping them in the custard.
- Using stale or day-old rolls works best as they absorb the custard well without becoming too soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
