If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, then perfectly golden on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. It’s a breakfast that’s both nostalgic and delightfully fresh, combining the sweet, fragrant notes of the rolls with creamy goodness and a hint of vanilla. Whether you’re making a weekend brunch for loved ones or treating yourself to a special morning, this recipe is pure comfort with a tropical twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe has a purpose, creating a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and richness. These simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to make a dish that tastes like a special occasion every time.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: Sweet and fluffy, these rolls are the star, adding a delicate tropical sweetness and unique texture.
- 4 large eggs: They bind everything together and create that luscious custard base.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess without weighing down the batter.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings extra richness for a luxurious, tender French toast.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the rolls without overpowering.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a warm, floral aroma that rounds out the flavor.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds subtle spice and warmth, perfectly pairing with the sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
- Butter or oil for cooking: Essential for that golden, crisp exterior on the French toast.
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit (optional): For serving, bringing contrast and an extra touch of freshness and sweetness.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard
Start by combining the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard is what gives your French toast its moist, tender texture and wonderful flavor, so make sure it’s perfectly blended.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls in Half
Carefully slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally, giving you two halves per roll. These soft buns soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart, making them ideal for this recipe.
Step 3: Prepare the Skillet
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. The right temperature will give you that golden-brown crust without burning the delicate custard on the inside.
Step 4: Soak the Rolls in Custard
Dip each half of the Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture. Let it soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb plenty of that delicious creamy batter. Don’t rush this step—a brief soak will give you that perfect custardy bite.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown
Place the soaked roll halves onto your preheated skillet. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes or until you see a gorgeous golden crust forming. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, which allows for even cooking.
Step 6: Repeat with Remaining Rolls
Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm. Continue dipping and cooking the remaining roll halves, adding more butter or oil as needed to keep that wonderful crispy texture developing.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is ready to be devoured! Serve immediately with your favorite toppings and watch everyone’s eyes light up with happiness.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Think of garnishes as the little finishing touches that elevate this dish to brunch royalty. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a pretty snowy effect. Fresh berries or sliced bananas bring vibrant color and freshness, while a drizzle of pure maple syrup creates that irresistible sticky, sweet glaze.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with some light, complementary sides like crispy bacon or savory sausage for a wonderful salty contrast. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt can add brightness and balance all that richness, making each bite more exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your French toast with layers of cream cheese and pineapple for a tropical-inspired twist that matches the sweet rolls perfectly. Or arrange the pieces in a circular pattern on a large platter and sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch. Presentation can turn this simple dish into a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Keeping them covered tightly helps maintain moisture so the French toast doesn’t dry out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Lay individual pieces on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen French toast can last up to two months, making it super convenient for busy mornings.
Reheating
To bring your leftover French toast back to life, reheat it gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and slightly crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that beautiful texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
You absolutely can, though the unique sweetness and texture of Hawaiian rolls make this version extra special. Regular bread will work fine but won’t have the same tropical flavor.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I skip it?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with more whole milk, but the richness will be slightly less indulgent. The heavy cream adds that luscious texture that makes the French toast extra tender.
Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?
Definitely! You can whisk the custard the night before and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before soaking your rolls the next morning.
Is this recipe suitable for feeding a crowd?
Yes! The recipe scales easily — just multiply the ingredients as needed to accommodate more guests without losing any of the delicious flavor.
What toppings work best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, sliced bananas, and even a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese spread all complement the sweet rolls beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is one of those dishes you can’t help but smile about. It’s simple yet special, turning everyday breakfast into a little celebration with its tender texture and sweet, fragrant flavor. If you want to impress family or simply indulge yourself with something delicious, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever started your morning without it!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into a rich and indulgent breakfast treat. The rolls are dipped in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt, then cooked on a skillet until golden brown. Perfectly paired with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit, this dish offers a delightful twist on classic French toast, ideal for a cozy morning.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Butter or oil for cooking
For Serving (Optional)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Slice the rolls: Cut each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to create two pieces per roll.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Dip the rolls: Dip each roll half into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the flavor and moisture.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked roll halves onto the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Repeat: Remove cooked French toast from the skillet and continue cooking the remaining roll halves, adding more butter or oil as needed to keep them from sticking and to maintain flavor.
- Serve: Serve the warm Hawaiian Roll French Toast with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh fruit on the side if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh Hawaiian rolls for the best texture; slightly stale rolls can also work and may absorb the egg mixture better.
- Adjust the soaking time based on the roll’s freshness: soak longer if the bread is stale to enhance softness.
- Butter adds rich flavor, but oil can be used for a lighter option—you can combine both for balance.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; French toast can become soggy if left too long.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the egg mixture for a different flavor profile.
