Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
If you are craving a breakfast treat that’s both irresistibly sweet and perfectly fluffy, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is your soon-to-be favorite indulgence. Imagine the soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls dipped in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced custard, then pan-fried until golden brown on all sides. This delightful dish offers a beautiful balance of sweet and spice with every bite, making it an excellent choice for lazy weekend brunches or anytime you want to impress your family with something a little special. It’s simple to prepare, yet feels luxurious enough to be a weekend celebration on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with just a handful of ingredients that work together to create a flavor-packed breakfast sensation. Each one adds a crucial layer to the taste, texture, or color, ensuring every bite is utterly delicious.
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls: The star of the show, these rolls bring a unique sweetness and soft texture perfect for soaking up the custard.
- 3 large eggs: They provide structure and richness, helping to create that classic French toast custard.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture for a tender finish.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Boosts the richness to make each bite silky smooth.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant warmth that elevates the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking): For that golden crust and rich flavor during frying.
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup (for serving): The final flourish that brings sweetness and a touch of elegance to the presentation.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Start by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. This blend becomes the luscious custard that your Hawaiian rolls will soak up, so make sure everything is well combined and smooth. The cinnamon and vanilla give it that crave-worthy flavor base that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Set your large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter, allowing it to sizzle slightly but not brown. This ensures your French toast gets that perfect golden crust without sticking or burning. A well-heated pan is key to achieving that picture-perfect color and texture.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Rolls
One at a time, dunk each Hawaiian sweet roll into the custard, coating all sides lightly—just enough to soak in the flavors without becoming soggy or falling apart. This balance is crucial because the sweet roll’s soft texture means it can absorb the custard quickly.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Place each coated roll onto the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden brown color on every side, which creates a crispy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the soft inside. Rotate carefully to ensure even cooking of all sides.
Step 5: Serve While Warm
Once cooked, transfer the rolls to a plate and finish them off with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup. Serve them warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience that truly brings this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe to life.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can turn your Hawaiian Roll French Toast into a work of art. A sprinkle of powdered sugar brightens the look and adds a touch of delicate sweetness. Fresh berries or sliced bananas make beautiful colorful accompaniments while adding extra freshness and texture. For a decadent twist, consider a dollop of whipped cream or toasted coconut flakes to enhance the tropical vibe.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with light, fresh sides that balance its sweetness. Crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausages add a delightful contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of Greek yogurt with honey can also refresh the palate. For something heartier, scrambled eggs or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get playful? Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half and stuff them with cream cheese, fruit preserves, or even Nutella before dipping for a surprise center. Arrange the finished French toast rolls on a large platter stacked in a pyramid for a festive brunch centerpiece. Individual servings in small cast-iron skillets or rustic wooden boards invite everyone to dig in. The possibilities are only limited by your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the rolls moist without becoming overly soggy. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat to restore that freshly cooked taste.
Freezing
These French toast rolls freeze beautifully. After cooling completely, place them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you can enjoy this convenient breakfast anytime you want without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat frozen or refrigerated rolls in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until warm and slightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving when possible, as this can make them chewy or gummy rather than crisp and tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls besides Hawaiian sweet rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their sweetness and softness, you can experiment with other sweet, soft rolls like brioche or challah. Just keep in mind that the unique flavor and texture of Hawaiian rolls are what make this version special.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half. The custard will be slightly less rich, but the French toast will still taste delicious and maintain good texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, find gluten-free sweet rolls with a similar texture to Hawaiian rolls. The custard recipe remains the same, but the taste and texture might vary slightly depending on the bread you use.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Dip the rolls briefly, just enough to coat. Over-soaking can cause them to absorb too much liquid and fall apart during cooking. Also, cooking over medium heat allows the custard to set properly without becoming mushy.
Can I add fillings to the rolls before cooking?
Absolutely! Slicing the rolls horizontally and adding cream cheese, fruit preserves, or even chocolate before dipping in custard creates a fun stuffed French toast variation that’s sure to impress.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe that makes breakfast feel like a celebration. Its combination of sweet, soft rolls and rich, spiced custard creates a cozy, comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare but impressive to serve. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend morning or hosting friends for brunch, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied appetites all around. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every golden, buttery bite!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls into bite-sized, golden French toast bites perfect for breakfast or brunch. Coated in a rich custard mixture of eggs, milk, and cream with warm cinnamon and vanilla, these rolls cook quickly on the stovetop to a fluffy, flavorful finish, served with powdered sugar and maple syrup for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Custard Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the French Toast
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, separated
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt completely and coat the surface evenly.
- Coat the rolls: Dip each Hawaiian sweet roll into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly but avoiding soaking for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the rolls: Place the coated rolls onto the heated skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning carefully to ensure all sides become golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove the cooked French toast rolls from the skillet and serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup.
Notes
- For a stuffed version, slice each roll horizontally and fill with cream cheese or fruit preserves before dipping in the custard mixture.
- Using day-old Hawaiian rolls provides better texture and prevents them from soaking up too much custard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
