If you’re ready to take your breakfast game to impossibly fluffy, sweet new heights, you’re going to fall in love with Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Imagine those soft, pillowy Hawaiian sweet rolls, turned golden and custardy on the outside while staying melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. Each bite is a delightful balance of vanilla, cinnamon, and that irresistible buttery toastiness, ready to be piled high with maple syrup and fresh fruit. Whether you’re putting together a special brunch for friends or simply want to treat yourself, this fast and easy spin on classic French toast will have everyone swooning and asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the creamy custard, the golden crust, or the perfect finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a thing:
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their soft, buttery interior and subtle sweetness make them the ultimate base for extra-fluffy French toast.
- Large eggs: They give the custard its rich structure, locking in that classic French toast texture.
- Whole milk: Adds just the right balance of moisture and richness for soaking.
- Heavy cream: Making the custard even more decadent and silky-smooth.
- Granulated sugar: Enhances that gentle sweetness and helps the outsides caramelize.
- Vanilla extract: For heavenly aroma and a warm, sweet undertone in every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Lends cozy spice and gorgeous color to your French toast.
- Pinch of salt: Brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Butter (for cooking): Creates a perfectly crisp, golden crust and adds a layer of rich flavor.
- Powdered sugar: A snowy finish that looks beautiful and adds a touch more sweetness.
- Maple syrup: The classic drizzle that transforms every bite into a decadent treat.
- Fresh fruit: Bright, juicy berries or sliced bananas complement the richness and look stunning on the plate.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Make the Custard Mixture
Start by grabbing a wide, shallow bowl or baking dish—this is key for dipping every roll evenly. Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is seamlessly smooth and fragrant. The blend should look golden and slightly frothy, promising richness in every mouthful.
Step 2: Preheat and Butter Your Skillet
Set a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and drop in a tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and start to bubble, coating the surface evenly. That sizzle means you’re ready to build the golden exterior that makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast truly crave-worthy.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Rolls
Working with a few Hawaiian sweet rolls at a time, dip them into the custard mixture. Roll them around gently to coat all sides, but work quickly—you want them saturated, not soggy! If you’re using halved rolls, make sure the cut sides get a good soak too. The idea is to capture flavor without sacrificing structure.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the dipped sweet rolls carefully onto your hot skillet or griddle. Let each side cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning gently to achieve an even, golden brown crust. Resist the urge to press or flip too early; the exterior needs a moment to set, developing that irresistible crispy edge.
Step 5: Finish and Repeat
Repeat the dipping and cooking process with the rest of your rolls, adding more butter as needed to keep things from sticking and to encourage that glorious deep-golden color. Pile the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a platter, ready for serving up warm with all your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Garnishes
The right finishing touches set your Hawaiian Roll French Toast apart and make breakfast feel extra special. A generous dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of real maple syrup, and a scattering of bright, fresh berries are classic and always welcome. For memorable presentation, add a sprig of fresh mint or a whisper of extra cinnamon on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a savory option like salty, crisp bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait helps round out your meal with lightness and extra color. And don’t forget your favorite blend of hot coffee or a tall glass of orange juice to complete the brunch vibe!
Creative Ways to Present
You can get clever with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast by stacking the rolls for a “pull-apart” effect, serving them as adorable mini sandwiches with a smear of cream cheese or fruit preserves, or even arranging them in a casserole dish for a brunch buffet. Skewer them on sticks for party-friendly French toast bites, or create a DIY toppings bar so everyone can customize to their heart’s content.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast stores beautifully! Let any extras cool, then pack them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for grabbing a quick, decadent breakfast during the week.
Freezing
If you want your French toast to last even longer, freeze the cooked rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Just separate with parchment to avoid sticking, and you’ll always have a delicious breakfast at the ready.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-skillet taste, reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crisp. You can also microwave, but the rolls will be softer—still tasty, but slightly less crunchy on the outside.
FAQs
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time for a crowd?
Absolutely! You can prep all the rolls, cook them in advance, and keep them warm in a low oven (about 200 degrees Fahrenheit) until serving. For even more ease, double the batch and freeze some for future brunches.
What’s the best way to stuff the rolls before dipping?
For a stuffed variation, slice the Hawaiian rolls almost in half (like a pocket), then spoon in cream cheese, fruit preserves, or Nutella before dipping and cooking. This adds a fun surprise and even more flavor to each bite.
Can I use leftover or slightly stale Hawaiian rolls?
Yes! In fact, day-old or slightly stale rolls soak up the custard even better than fresh ones, giving a perfect, not-too-soft texture. Don’t hesitate to use those rolls lingering a bit too long on the counter.
What kind of fruit works best for serving?
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are ideal partners for Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Sliced bananas, a mix of seasonal fruit, or even caramelized apples would all add color and bright, fresh flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite unsweetened non-dairy alternatives, such as almond or oat milk, and use plant-based butter for cooking. The texture will remain delightfully fluffy, and you’ll still get plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a braggable, easy breakfast that makes everyone at the table light up, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the answer you didn’t even know you needed. Gather your favorite toppings, pour the coffee, and treat yourself to a morning worth celebrating—simple, special, and downright delicious. Don’t forget to share this recipe; friends and family will want in on the secret!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful breakfast treat with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. These sweet and fluffy rolls are transformed into golden, crispy bites perfect for a morning indulgence.
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (left whole or halved)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
For Serving:
- powdered sugar
- maple syrup
- fresh fruit
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Cook the French Toast: Preheat a skillet over medium heat, melt butter, dip Hawaiian rolls in the egg mixture, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Sprinkle with powdered sugar, serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
Notes
- For a variation, try stuffing rolls with cream cheese or fruit preserves before dipping.
- Using day-old rolls can enhance the texture of the French toast.
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