If you’re craving a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug from the islands, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is your new best friend. Soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls transform into golden, custardy delights soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, then crisped to perfection on the griddle. Each bite bursts with comforting flavors and a tender texture that’s simply irresistible for brunch or a special morning. Whether you want a quick weekday breakfast or an impressive weekend indulgence, this recipe brings irresistible tropical charm to your table with surprising ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for capturing the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy texture in your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. Every component contributes beautifully—from the soft rolls that soak up flavor, to the fragrant vanilla and cinnamon that elevate each bite.
- Hawaiian rolls (8-10, day-old preferred): Slightly stale rolls soak up the custard better without falling apart, giving you that perfect fluffy inside with a crisp edge.
- Large eggs (4): The backbone of the custard, eggs add richness and help bind the flavors together.
- Milk or cream (1 cup): Adds luscious moisture; cream makes it extra indulgent, but any dairy or dairy-free alternative works great.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and a fragrant sweetness that complements the rolls perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough spice to enhance without overpowering the natural sweetness of the rolls.
- Butter (2 tablespoons for frying): Provides richness and a golden, crispy crust—sub vegan butter to keep it plant-based.
- Maple syrup: The classic finishing touch that drizzles natural sweetness over the warm toasts.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a pretty, snowy finish and an extra hint of sweetness.
- Fresh fruit: Berries, bananas, mango, or pineapple brighten the dish with fresh, vibrant flavors.
- Nut butters (optional): Almond, peanut, or macadamia nut butters bring a creamy, nutty dimension.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Custard Mixture
Whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl until smooth and fragrant. This custard mixture is what gives your French toast its signature rich, sweet flavor and tender texture. Taking the time to blend these ingredients well ensures every slice of Hawaiian roll soaks evenly.
Step 2: Slice and Soak the Hawaiian Rolls
Cut each Hawaiian roll in half lengthwise or into manageable pieces based on your preference. Gently dip each piece into the custard mixture, letting it soak for around 20-30 seconds per side. This soaking step is crucial—too quick and the toast won’t be flavorful enough, too long and it could turn soggy. Aim for a perfect balance that allows the custard to penetrate without losing structure.
Step 3: Heat the Pan and Add Butter
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, then melt your butter in the pan. This step lends your French toast that unmistakable buttery aroma and promotes a golden-brown crust as it cooks. A generous pat of butter ensures each slice fries up crisp outside while staying soft inside.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Place the custard-soaked Hawaiian rolls onto the hot skillet, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes. You want the exterior to turn lovely golden brown while the inside remains custardy and cooked through. Monitor the heat closely and adjust if the toast starts browning too quickly to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve Warm with Your Favorite Toppings
Once cooked, plate your French toast right away to enjoy when warm and fragrant. Enhance the dish by dusting with powdered sugar, adding a handful of fresh fruit, or pouring on maple syrup for that classic island-inspired treat. This final flourish elevates your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe into a breakfast that feels both indulgent and fresh.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Show off your creation by sprinkling powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy look or topping with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or tropical mango. These bright fruits contrast the sweet rolls beautifully, adding freshness and a burst of color that’s irresistible to the eyes and palate alike.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy bacon, savory sausage, or a creamy yogurt parfait to create a balanced meal. The sweet and tender Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe pairs perfectly with these savory and creamy elements, providing a variety of textures and flavors that keep everyone at the table happy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your French toast with layers of nut butter or cream cheese between slices for a decadent sandwich style breakfast. You can also use mini Hawaiian rolls as individual bites for a brunch buffet or drizzle on coconut syrup or toasted coconut flakes for an extra tropical twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping them covered helps retain moisture and prevents the toast from drying out while maintaining the flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked French toast slices by laying them out on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Frozen slices last up to one month and freeze well without losing texture or flavor, making them a convenient option for quick breakfasts later.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover or frozen Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy edges and warm, custardy interior far better than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh Hawaiian rolls instead of day-old?
Yes, you can use fresh rolls, but day-old rolls are preferred because they absorb the custard better without becoming mushy. If using fresh rolls, soak them for a shorter time to avoid sogginess.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk or cream with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use vegan butter to fry, and you’ll still enjoy the same rich, satisfying flavor.
Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the custard up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a good whisk before soaking your rolls to recombine any settled ingredients.
What toppings work best with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe?
Traditional maple syrup and powdered sugar are amazing, but fresh tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, nut butters like macadamia or peanut, and even coconut flakes take it to the next level.
How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?
Be mindful of soaking time—about 20-30 seconds per side is enough. Cooking on medium heat allows the toast to cook through without becoming mushy. Also, using day-old rolls helps maintain the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is a delightful way to bring sunshine vibes and a touch of sweetness to your mornings. Its simple ingredients come together to create a breakfast that’s full of warmth, flavor, and charm. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast made with rich custard-soaked sweet Hawaiian rolls, pan-fried to golden perfection. This breakfast treat is enhanced with warm vanilla and cinnamon flavors and served with classic toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, and nut butters, perfect for a quick and indulgent morning meal.
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 8–10 Hawaiian rolls (day-old preferred)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter alternative) for frying
Toppings (Optional)
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (berries, bananas, mango, pineapple)
- Nut butters (almond, peanut, macadamia)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Custard Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until completely smooth and fragrant. This mixture is the custard base that will soak into the Hawaiian rolls to give them moisture and flavor.
- Slice and Soak the Hawaiian Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls lengthwise or into individual serving-sized pieces depending on your preference. Dip each piece into the custard mixture, soaking for about 20 to 30 seconds on each side to allow the custard to absorb without making the bread overly soggy.
- Heat the Pan and Add Butter: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, coating the surface to create a golden, crispy crust on the French toast.
- Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked Hawaiian roll pieces onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown and the inside is cooked through. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning or undercooking.
- Serve Warm with Toppings: Transfer the cooked French toast to serving plates while warm. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas, drizzle with maple syrup, and add nut butters of your choice for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using day-old Hawaiian rolls helps the bread absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
- For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Cooking on medium heat is essential to allow thorough cooking without burning the exterior.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on preference and seasonal fruits.
- Leftover French toast can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or toaster oven for best texture.
