If you’re craving a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is here to steal your heart and taste buds. Imagine sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, creamy custard, gently pan-fried to golden perfection. Each bite bursts with the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla, balanced by the soft texture of the rolls that soak up all those luxurious flavors. This recipe transforms ordinary morning toast into a celebration worthy of weekend brunches, cozy gatherings, or simply an indulgent treat whenever you desire that perfect blend of sweet, soft, and buttery goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe calls for a handful of simple but crucial ingredients that come together beautifully to create its signature flavor and texture. Each component plays a role: the Hawaiian rolls lend a naturally sweet and pillowy base, eggs and dairy form an indulgent custard, and the spices add that warm, irresistible aroma.
- 12 Hawaiian rolls: The star of the show, these sweet, soft rolls soak up the custard perfectly and give the dish its unique flavor.
- 4 large eggs: Essential for binding and creating that rich, creamy custard base that coats each roll.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring the custard isn’t too thick or too thin.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts the creaminess for a truly decadent French toast experience.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that complements the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and a hint of spice for that classic French toast touch.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances out all the sweetness and layers of flavor.
- Butter or oil for cooking: Necessary for a golden, crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and soft.
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit (optional): Perfect finishing touches to elevate your plate and add bursts of freshness.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This custard is the magic that ensures each Persian roll half soaks up just the right amount of flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls
Carefully slice each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally. This makes sure the custard can penetrate evenly, giving you that soft, custardy bite all the way through while keeping the roll’s signature shape.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Warm up a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a touch of butter or oil to coat the surface lightly; this is key for that golden-brown crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.
Step 4: Soak the Rolls
Dip each roll half into the custard mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on both sides so it absorbs enough without becoming mushy. You want the custard to coat it thoroughly but not saturate it.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the soaked rolls onto the hot skillet and cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Adjust your heat as needed to avoid burning while ensuring thorough cooking inside.
Step 6: Repeat and Serve Warm
Continue with the remaining roll halves, adding more butter or oil between batches. Once everything is cooked, serve immediately warm with your choice of toppings to make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can transform this dish into a feast for both the eyes and palate. Dust a bit of powdered sugar for an elegant finish, drizzle warm maple syrup for that classic sweetness, or add a handful of fresh berries or sliced bananas to introduce a refreshing, fruity contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe with crispy bacon or sausage to balance its sweetness with savory richness. A fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream can also bring brightness and lightness to your morning plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the French toast halves like mini sandwiches and skewer them with a colorful toothpick. Alternatively, layer them in a shallow dish with slices of fruit and a drizzle of syrup for a make-ahead French toast casserole style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The French toast will remain soft but may lose a bit of its freshly cooked crispness, which you can easily bring back with reheating.
Freezing
Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be frozen for up to one month. Arrange the cooked and cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for convenient future breakfasts.
Reheating
To revive refrigerated or frozen French toast, warm it in a toaster oven or conventional oven at around 350°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway. This method preserves the crispy exterior without drying out the soft, custardy inside.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
While this recipe shines with the sweet, soft texture of Hawaiian rolls, you can experiment with challah or brioche. Just note that the flavor and texture will be different, as Hawaiian rolls have a unique sweetness and density that complements the custard perfectly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative for cooking. The flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and creamy.
Can I prepare the custard mixture the night before?
Yes, you can whisk the custard base in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a quick stir before using in the morning to make this recipe even easier for busy days.
What toppings work best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits like berries or bananas, whipped cream, and even toasted nuts add layers of texture and flavor that complement the naturally sweet and tender French toast.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Make sure not to soak the rolls too long in the custard mixture and cook them over medium heat to allow the exterior to crisp up without the inside turning mushy. Using thick slices like Hawaiian rolls helps maintain structure as well.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is one of those cozy, uplifting dishes that can brighten any morning and impress guests without fuss. Its blend of sweet, tender Hawaiian rolls and spiced custard will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you won’t regret waking up to this slice of paradise.
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 is a delightful twist on classic French toast, featuring sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls dipped in a rich, cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection. Served warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit, it’s a perfect breakfast treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 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
For Cooking
- Butter or oil for cooking
For Serving (Optional)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Slice the rolls: Cut each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to create sandwich-like pieces suitable for dipping.
- 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 half of the Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds on each side to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
- Cook the French toast: Place the soaked roll halves onto the preheated skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat the process: Remove cooked pieces from the skillet and repeat dipping and cooking with the remaining roll halves, adding more butter or oil as needed to keep the surface greased.
- Serve warm: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast while still warm, topped with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh fruit if desired for a delicious breakfast experience.
Notes
- Do not soak the rolls for too long to prevent them from becoming overly soggy and difficult to handle.
- Use medium heat to ensure the French toast cooks evenly without burning.
- Butter can be substituted with oil or non-dairy butter for a dairy-free option.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster or oven for best texture retention.
- Fresh fruit toppings such as berries or sliced bananas pair especially well with the sweet Hawaiian rolls.
