Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

If there’s a sweet spot between ultimate brunch comfort food and pure tropical joy, it has to be Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Imagine those pillowy soft, butter-kissed Hawaiian sweet rolls you love, transformed into golden-crisp-on-the-outside, custardy-in-the-middle French toast. It’s a breakfast you’ll want to share with friends and family—simple yet luxurious, familiar yet just a little bit special. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend treat or hosting a brunch that’ll wow everyone, this recipe delivers that perfect, crowd-pleasing magic every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Hawaiian Roll French Toast is how it takes basic ingredients you likely already have and turns them into something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish irresistibly soft in the center, crisp on the edges, and just sweet enough.

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: The star of the show, their soft texture and subtle sweetness elevate the whole dish.
• Large eggs: The backbone of the custard, adding that creamy richness to every bite.
• Whole milk: Helps thin the custard while keeping everything luscious and tender.
• Heavy cream: A splash of decadence that gives the batter extra body and creaminess.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the mix without overwhelming the rolls’ natural flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm note and enhances the recipe’s cozy aroma.
• Ground cinnamon: A sprinkle of spice for warmth and that classic French toast flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors in every other ingredient.
• Unsalted butter: For that beautiful golden crust and a little indulgence in every slice.
• Powdered sugar: Perfect for a snowy dusting on top to finish things off with flair.
• Maple syrup: The essential French toast drizzle—don’t skip it!
• Fresh fruit (optional): Berries or sliced bananas add a burst of color and tang that pairs beautifully.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls

Start by carefully slicing the entire package of Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally. Try to keep the tops and bottoms intact as single slabs for easy dipping and even cooking. Set them aside—resist nibbling!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard

Grab a large mixing bowl and crack in your eggs, then pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and that little pinch of salt. Whisk it all together until the mixture is silky smooth and you don’t see any streaks of egg. This is where all the flavor starts coming together.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Add Butter

Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt, swirling the pan so that every spot is lightly coated. You want the butter to bubble and sizzle gently but not brown or burn.

Step 4: Dip the Rolls in Custard

Take the sliced slabs of Hawaiian rolls and dip each piece in the custard mixture. Let them soak for just a moment, so they soak up flavor without getting soggy. Allow the excess to drip off—nobody wants a soggy bottom French toast!

Step 5: Cook Until Golden

Carefully lay the dipped roll halves cut side down onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping gently, until each piece is deeply golden brown and the custard is cooked through. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter to the skillet as you go to keep every batch flavorful and crisp.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once all your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is ready, serve it up while still warm. Dust generously with powdered sugar, drizzle with plenty of maple syrup, and crown with your favorite fresh fruit for a brunch-worthy presentation that will draw everyone to the table.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a pretty flourish to make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast feel truly special. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds that wintry magic, while a drizzle of maple syrup makes every bite decadent. Don’t forget fresh fruit—strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas—each adds color and a juicy burst that both looks and tastes amazing.

Side Dishes

This French toast is rich and satisfying, but it pairs beautifully with savory items. Think crispy bacon, sausage links, or herby scrambled eggs to balance out the sweetness. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a tangy fruit salad or creamy Greek yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling festive? Try stacking the rolls like a sweet breakfast sandwich, or cutting them into thick “fingers” for dipping. You could even arrange the pieces on a platter and sprinkle with toasted coconut for a tropical brunch spread that’ll wow your guests. Hawaiian Roll French Toast loves a little showmanship!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, let the French toast cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 days, and you might even enjoy them as a sneaky snack later.

Freezing

Hawaiian Roll French Toast freezes surprisingly well! Lay cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about a month, ready to satisfy future cravings.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or warm gently in a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the tender rolls a touch rubbery. Serve hot and fresh-off-the-pan delicious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rolls instead of Hawaiian sweet rolls?

You can, but you’ll miss that unique soft, sweet flavor that sets Hawaiian Roll French Toast apart. If you do substitute, use a very soft, slightly sweet dinner roll for best results.

Is it possible to make the custard mixture in advance?

Absolutely! Whip up the egg, milk, and cream mixture the night before. Just store it, covered, in the fridge so it’s ready to go in the morning. Give it a quick whisk before using.

How do I keep French toast warm for a crowd?

Place finished pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest. This will keep them warm and crisp until serving time, making Hawaiian Roll French Toast perfect for groups.

What are some tasty add-ins or variations?

Try stuffing the rolls with softened cream cheese or a spoonful of Nutella before dipping in custard. A handful of chopped nuts, a swipe of fruit jam, or a dusting of toasted coconut can create your own signature twist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite unsweetened plant milk and a dairy-free cream (like coconut cream) in the batter, and opt for plant-based butter. Hawaiian Roll French Toast can easily fit a variety of diets.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with Hawaiian Roll French Toast—every bite promises nostalgia, comfort, and a little taste of vacation. If you’re looking to treat yourself, surprise your brunch crew, or just brighten up a weekend, this recipe is a must. Trust me: once you try it, you’ll want it to be part of your breakfast tradition!

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