Oh, friends, have I got a treat for you today! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is, hands down, one of the most delicious breakfast creations I’ve ever had the pleasure of sinking my teeth into. We’re talking about sweet, pillowy clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss that practically melt in your mouth. If you love French toast but want to take it to the next level, then this recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll French Toast
French toast is already a beloved breakfast staple, but when you use King’s Hawaiian Rolls, it transforms into something extraordinary. These rolls are known for their signature sweetness and fluffy texture, making them the perfect base for soaking up a rich custard mixture.
Here’s why this Hawaiian Roll French Toast will become your new favorite:
- Perfectly sweet and fluffy – The natural sweetness of Hawaiian rolls eliminates the need for excessive sugar, allowing the warm flavors of vanilla and cinnamon to shine.
- Quick and easy – In just 15 minutes, you can have a gourmet-style breakfast on the table.
- Crispy yet tender – A golden, buttery exterior gives way to a soft, custard-like center.
- Customizable toppings – Pair it with fresh fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel for an indulgent treat.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this Hawaiian Roll French Toast a reality in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Hawaiian Roll French Toast, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls – The star of the show! These soft, sweet rolls are what set this recipe apart.
- 3 large eggs – Provides structure and helps create a rich, custardy texture.
- 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk – A creamy base for the custard, adding richness and moisture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a touch of spice and warmth.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Brings a slight caramelized sweetness.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking) – Helps create that golden, crispy exterior.
- Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup (for serving) – The perfect finishing touches!
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half (or whole milk) until fully combined. Then, add in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is well incorporated. This step ensures that the flavors blend together seamlessly and soak into the rolls evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls
Using a toothpick or skewer, poke several holes in the bottom of each roll. This small but crucial step helps the custard absorb into the rolls without making them overly soggy. The result? A perfectly soaked, yet still fluffy, French toast.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture and let it soak for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. Be careful not to over-soak, as these delicate rolls can become too soft and break apart.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
In a nonstick skillet or griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls into the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds per side, carefully turning with a spatula to ensure each side becomes golden brown and slightly crispy.
If needed, add another 2 tablespoons of butter as you continue cooking the remaining rolls. This ensures they get that perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the warm Hawaiian Roll French Toast to a plate and dust with powdered sugar. For an extra indulgent touch, top with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Use King’s Hawaiian Rolls – While other rolls may work, the sweetness and texture of these make all the difference.
- Don’t soak too long – Because these rolls are soft, they don’t need to sit in the custard mixture for more than 30 seconds.
- Cook on medium-low heat – This ensures the inside stays soft while the outside becomes golden and crispy.
- Experiment with toppings – From caramel drizzle to chopped nuts, the possibilities are endless!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations:
- Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Cut a small slit in each roll and fill with cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves before dipping in the custard.
- Coconut Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Add shredded coconut to the custard for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Chip Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Sprinkle mini chocolate chips onto the rolls right after cooking.
- Savory Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and instead add a sprinkle of cheese and serve with crispy bacon.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with:
- A side of crispy bacon or sausage – The salty-sweet contrast is unbeatable.
- Freshly brewed coffee or a vanilla latte – A warm drink complements the flavors beautifully.
- A tropical smoothie – Pineapple, mango, or coconut flavors make a refreshing contrast to the richness of the toast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custard mixture in advance and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready to cook, simply dip and fry the rolls.
Can I Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes! After cooking, let the rolls cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for a quick breakfast fix.
Can I Use Regular Bread Instead?
You can, but Hawaiian Rolls bring a unique sweetness and fluffy texture that make this dish truly special.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a special treat but is easy enough for any morning, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a must-try! The perfect balance of crispy, buttery edges and a soft, custard-like center makes this an irresistible dish. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, a weekend breakfast, or a holiday morning treat, it’s guaranteed to impress!
So, grab a pack of King’s Hawaiian Rolls and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!
Have you tried this Hawaiian Roll French Toast? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to share your favorite toppings!
Print
🌞 Hawaiian Roll French Toast – A Breakfast Dream! 🍞✨
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12
Description
Oh, friends, this one’s a game-changer! Imagine biting into soft, golden-brown Hawaiian rolls soaked in a sweet vanilla-cinnamon custard, cooked to perfection, and topped with powdered sugar and fresh fruit. It’s pure breakfast bliss! This recipe brings back warm memories of slow weekend mornings filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of comfort food. Try it out and make your mornings extra special! 💛
Ingredients
✔️ 1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
✔️ 3 large eggs
✔️ ¾ cup half & half (or whole milk)
✔️ 1 tbsp vanilla extract
✔️ 1 tsp ground cinnamon
✔️ 2 tbsp brown sugar
✔️ Pinch of salt
✔️ 4 tbsp butter (for cooking)
✔️ Powdered sugar, fresh fruit & maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions
1️⃣ Whisk together eggs and half & half in a large bowl.
2️⃣ Add vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well.
3️⃣ Poke small holes in the bottom of each roll to soak in the custard.
4️⃣ Dip rolls in the mixture for 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides.
5️⃣ Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
6️⃣ Cook rolls for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown.
7️⃣ Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup!
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 140 per serving
- Sugar: 7g per serving
- Fat: 6g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
- Protein: 4g per serving