Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
If you’ve been dreaming of a decadent, yet delightfully easy twist on a brunch classic, get ready to fall in love with Hawaiian Roll French Toast. These sweet, pillowy rolls transform into buttery, golden perfection when bathed in cinnamon-vanilla custard and sizzled on the stovetop. Each bite is a soft, custardy marvel with a hint of tropical sweetness that will turn any morning into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting weekend brunch or just craving a cozy treat, this dish elevates French toast to delicious new heights, with irresistible flavor and a playful, “why didn’t I try this sooner?” vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast comes from a handful of key ingredients that balance richness, sweetness, and just the right touch of warmth. Simple as they are, each one brings something special to the party—so don’t skip a thing!
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their ultra-soft texture and subtle sweetness create the signature melt-in-your-mouth quality that sets this french toast apart.
- Large eggs: The backbone of the custard, eggs help the rolls develop that classic golden exterior while staying tender inside.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps the custard soak in evenly for a perfectly soft, cohesive texture.
- Heavy cream: Gives the custard its luxurious richness and velvety finish—don’t replace it if you want that truly decadent taste.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness here to enhance the rolls without overwhelming their flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla infuses irresistible aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Classic cinnamon brings a gentle spice and warms up every bite beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: A little salt balances all the sweet, keeps flavors lively, and prevents the dish from tasting flat.
- Unsalted butter: For cooking—offers richness and helps every roll achieve that golden, crispy edge.
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh fruit: Essential for serving! These toppings add color, texture, and a final pop of flavor.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard
Start by grabbing a shallow bowl wide enough to easily dip the rolls in. Whisk the eggs until smooth, then add milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well until completely combined—this ensures a rich, flavorful soak for every roll. You’ll see small flecks of cinnamon, and the mixture should smell so inviting!
Step 2: Heat and Prep Your Pan
Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt and coat the surface. You want a gentle sizzle—hot enough to brown, but not so hot that the sugar burns. If you’re making a big batch, you can keep the finished rolls warm in a 200°F oven while you work through the rest.
Step 3: Dip Each Roll
Separate your Hawaiian sweet rolls, then quickly dip each one in the custard mixture. Roll them gently to fully coat all sides, but don’t let them sit and get soggy—just a quick bath is all they need! This helps keep the inside fluffy while forming a gorgeous outside crust once cooked.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Place the custard-soaked rolls directly onto your heated skillet. Let each side cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning with tongs to brown all sides evenly. The smell at this stage is phenomenal! You’ll know they’re ready when the exterior is crisp and golden and the inside is soft, not wet.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
As soon as your Hawaiian Roll French Toast are done, transfer them to a serving platter. Dust generously with powdered sugar, top with fresh fruit, and drizzle with warm maple syrup. Serve immediately for maximum melt-in-your-mouth delight!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Garnishes
No plate of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is complete without a snowy sprinkle of powdered sugar and a vibrant medley of fresh fruit—think strawberries, blueberries, or sliced kiwi for a tropical twist. A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup pulls it all together, and if you’re feeling decadent, a dollop of whipped cream will truly send it over the top.
Side Dishes
To round out your breakfast or brunch, pair with crispy bacon or sausage, creamy scrambled eggs, or a simple fruit salad. If you love contrasts, a small bowl of tangy Greek yogurt on the side is a delicious way to balance the sweetness of the Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful brunch spread, skewer mini French toast rolls as kabobs with chunks of pineapple and strawberries in between. Or, make a French toast “board” with bowls of different toppings for guests to customize their rolls. For dessert, try a stuffed version with a swirl of Nutella or cream cheese in the center—it’s irresistible!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Hawaiian Roll French Toast (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days while staying surprisingly soft.
Freezing
For longer storage, arrange cooled French toast rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. They thaw perfectly for busy mornings or a spontaneous sweet craving.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through (cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture). They come out deliciously soft, just like fresh.
FAQs
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the custard and slice the rolls the night before. For best texture, dip and cook them fresh in the morning, but leftovers also reheat beautifully for a quick breakfast.
Is it possible to bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can! Arrange the dipped rolls in a buttered baking dish, pour any extra custard over the top, and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes. This casserole-style approach is fantastic for feeding a crowd or holiday brunches.
What can I use instead of Hawaiian sweet rolls?
If you can’t find Hawaiian sweet rolls, brioche sliders, challah rolls, or even classic dinner rolls will work. Just note that the signature sweetness and texture will differ, but the method remains just as easy.
Can I add fillings to my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Definitely! Slice each roll and spread with cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves before dipping—this little upgrade makes them even more special, whether for brunch or an indulgent dessert.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
The trick is all in the dip! Roll each one in the custard just long enough to coat it, but avoid soaking. This keeps the inside tender rather than wet, resulting in perfectly custardy, never mushy, Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably joyful about Hawaiian Roll French Toast—the comfort of something warm and familiar, combined with a little island sweetness and a lot of fun. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a new favorite for your breakfast table, no matter the occasion. You deserve a little extra deliciousness in your morning!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional French toast with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. The sweet and fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls adds a unique touch to this classic breakfast favorite. Serve with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh fruit for a satisfying morning treat.
Ingredients
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls:
12 rolls
Eggs Mixture:
3 large eggs, ½ cup whole milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, Pinch of salt
Others:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for the pan), Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh fruit for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow bowl.
- Cook Hawaiian Rolls: Heat skillet, dip rolls in egg mixture, cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Serve: Remove from skillet, dust with powdered sugar, top with syrup and fruit.
Notes
- For a stuffed version, fill rolls with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping.
- This recipe can be adapted for a casserole format by layering rolls and pouring the egg mixture over them to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 rolls
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
