If you are dreaming of a breakfast that effortlessly combines sweet, soft, and utterly satisfying flavors, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine the tender, pillowy texture of Hawaiian sweet rolls soaked in a luscious custard blend and cooked to golden perfection with just the right hint of cinnamon and vanilla. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate — perfect for weekend brunches, cozy mornings, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients you probably have on hand, each playing a crucial role in making the final dish a harmonious delight. From the sweet rolls that provide that signature fluffy softness to the lightly spiced custard mixture that soaks them, every component contributes to taste, texture, and that irresistible golden finish.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12, halved): Their natural sweetness and fluffiness are the base of this dish, creating a tender texture unique to this recipe.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs help create the rich custard soaking mixture to give the French toast structure and flavor.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess while keeping the custard light and smooth.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Boosts the richness and gives the custard a velvety texture for a luxurious bite.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the custard just enough to complement the rolls without overpowering them.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that elevates every bite.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the custard with a comforting, mildly spicy note perfect for breakfast flavors.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavor complexity.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, for cooking): Essential for browning the French toast and adding a crispy, buttery crust.
- Optional toppings: Powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh berries — personalized touches to finish your plate beautifully.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Begin by whisking together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This custard is the heart of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe and will soak into the rolls, delivering that perfect harmony of flavors and tenderness.
Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Ensuring your pan is at the right temperature is key to achieving a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Step 3: Dip the Rolls
Dip each halved Hawaiian sweet roll into the custard mixture, coating both sides lightly. Be careful not to soak the rolls too long; you want them nicely moistened but not soggy. This step ensures your French toast cooks evenly and stays tender.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the coated rolls on the hot skillet and cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown with a slight crisp. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches to keep that rich, buttery finish coming through in every bite.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe warm. It’s the ideal time to add your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries for that extra burst of flavor and color.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing completes this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe quite like a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of real maple syrup, or a handful of fresh berries. These garnishes not only add sweetness and tartness but also make your plate look stunningly inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair your French toast with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast, or serve alongside fresh fruit salad to keep the meal light and refreshing. A dollop of whipped cream is always welcome for those who love a touch of indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your French toast halves in a small tower, layering them with mascarpone or cream cheese filling for a decadent twist. For brunch parties, serve them in mini baking dishes for a charming individual presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain their texture and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place the fully cooled French toast on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat to restore their crunchy exterior and warm center. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make French toast rubbery and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls bring a unique sweetness and softness, you can use brioche or any thick-cut bread for a similar rich texture. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the French toast from becoming soggy?
Dipping the rolls briefly in the custard mixture is important to avoid sogginess — they should be coated but not soaked. Cooking at the right pan temperature also helps form a crisp crust quickly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond, coconut, or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture might vary a bit, but it will still be delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is family-friendly and loved by kids because of its natural sweetness and soft texture. Just adjust the cinnamon to your child’s taste if needed.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Feel free to experiment! Nutmeg, pumpkin spice, or a splash of orange zest can all add exciting new layers of flavor to this classic Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is a delightful way to bring a little sunshine to your breakfast table any day of the week. Its perfect balance of sweet, soft rolls and flavorful custard makes it a standout dish that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a cherished favorite with your family and friends!
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
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet Hawaiian rolls into a delightful and easy breakfast treat. Coated in a rich custard of eggs, cream, and spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection, these rolls are perfect for brunch or a weekend breakfast served warm with syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh berries.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 4 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
French Toast Rolls
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls, separated and halved
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a medium 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 skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter, ensuring the surface is evenly coated.
- Dip the rolls: Carefully dip each halved Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, coating both sides evenly. Avoid soaking the rolls too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the French toast: Place the coated roll halves onto the hot skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the inside is cooked through.
- Cook remaining batches: Add the remaining butter as needed for additional batches and repeat the dipping and cooking process until all roll halves are cooked.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm, topped with optional powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries to taste.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream.
- Hawaiian rolls add natural sweetness, so you can reduce the sugar if preferred.
- This recipe is ideal for brunch or a fun weekend breakfast.
