If you love starting your morning with a sweet, comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug, then this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. Using fluffy, sugary Hawaiian sweet rolls instead of regular bread transforms classic French toast into a golden, tender, and irresistibly fragrant treat. It’s quick to make but delights with every bite, combining the softness of the rolls with a subtle cinnamon-vanilla custard and a perfect golden crust. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion breakfast, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to revisit time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is super simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The sweet rolls bring tender sweetness, eggs and milk form a rich custard, and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla adds warmth and depth.
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half: Their signature soft, sweet texture is the foundation that makes this dish special.
- 3 large eggs: These bind the custard and give richness to the soak.
- 3/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half: Adds creamy moisture for soaking the rolls; half-and-half makes it even more indulgent.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness and caramelizes during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant warmth that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet roll.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking: Ensures a golden, crispy exterior and that wonderful buttery finish.
- Powdered sugar for serving: A snowy dusting that adds a delicate sweetness and visual appeal.
- Maple syrup for serving: Classic and luscious, it’s the perfect finishing drizzle.
- Fresh berries (optional): Adds a burst of freshness and color to the plate.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls and Custard
Start by slicing each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally, creating little sweet sandwiches ready to soak up the custard. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or half-and-half, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture is the magic soak that gives the toast its tender, flavorful center, so be sure to mix it well.
Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Warm a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, and melt a little butter to coat the surface. This step sets the stage for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust that everyone loves on their French toast. A properly heated pan prevents sticking and allows even cooking.
Step 3: Soak and Cook the Rolls
Dip each roll half briefly into the custard mixture. It’s important to let them soak just long enough to absorb flavor but not so long that they become soggy and fall apart. Then place the soaked rolls cut side down in the skillet. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching closely as they transform to a golden hue. Working in batches ensures your pan stays evenly heated and prevents overcrowding.
Step 4: Keep Warm and Serve
As each batch finishes, transfer the French toast to a plate and keep warm while cooking the remaining pieces. Once all are cooked, it’s time to plate up and add your favorite toppings to make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar instantly adds a pretty, delicate sweetness and gives the toast a finished look. Drizzling real maple syrup creates a luscious, sticky drizzle that perfectly complements the warm bread. Adding fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries introduces a bright contrast and a burst of freshness that balances the sweet, rich flavors.
Side Dishes
For a more substantial meal, consider pairing this French toast with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or yogurt on the side also adds a refreshing touch and rounds out the table with healthy options. These sides make your breakfast feel both balanced and celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just switch things up, try stacking the French toast halves into mini towers, layering with whipped cream or mascarpone cheese between each piece. Another fun idea is to serve each roll half with a small bowl of dipping sauce like coconut cream or fruit compote on the side. Presentation makes a difference, and with this recipe, the possibilities are sweet and endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess. When cooled, placing parchment paper between layers helps keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for quick breakfasts later on. Arrange cooled French toast slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread rubbery or soggy. The goal is to bring back that freshly cooked golden exterior and softness inside.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a special sweetness and texture, regular bread works fine too. Just expect a slightly different flavor and less natural sweetness.
Is this recipe good for feeding a crowd?
Yes! You can easily scale up the recipe or even bake the custard-soaked rolls in a casserole dish to serve a larger group, making it perfect for brunch parties or holiday mornings.
How long can the custard mixture sit before dipping the rolls?
It’s best to use the custard right away for maximum freshness. However, you can prepare it a few minutes ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, but avoid making it too far in advance.
Can I substitute the milk for a non-dairy alternative?
Definitely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can all be used, though the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly depending on your choice.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy French toast with Hawaiian rolls?
Because Hawaiian rolls are softer and sweeter, the key is to soak them just briefly. Too long in the custard can make them overly soggy and difficult to cook evenly, so a quick dip is perfect.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. It’s a sweet, comforting twist on a classic breakfast favorite and so easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend or dazzling your friends with brunch, this recipe brings warmth and smiles to the table every time. Give it a try and get ready to enjoy one of the most joyful breakfast experiences possible!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet Hawaiian rolls into a rich, custardy breakfast treat. Flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, and cooked to golden perfection on the stovetop, these slices are perfect for a weekend brunch or special breakfast. Serve with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries for a delightful and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Rolls & Cooking
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced in half horizontally
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
For Serving (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally and set them aside. Having each piece ready to be dipped helps streamline the cooking process.
- Make Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk (or half-and-half), granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter to coat the cooking surface. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the French toast.
- Dip Rolls: Briefly dip each roll half into the egg mixture, ensuring it soaks slightly but does not become soggy. Over-soaking can make the rolls fall apart, especially since Hawaiian rolls are sweet and soft.
- Cook French Toast: Place the soaked roll halves cut side down onto the hot skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding and add more butter as necessary for each batch.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked French toast to a plate and keep warm while cooking the remaining rolls, ensuring all servings are hot when plated.
- Serve: Immediately serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast topped with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries if desired. Enjoy while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Hawaiian rolls are sweeter and softer than regular bread; avoid oversoaking them in the custard to prevent sogginess.
- This recipe can also be adapted as a baked casserole for feeding larger groups, making it versatile for different occasions.
