If you have a soft spot for sweet, tender breakfast treats that feel like a warm hug first thing in the morning, then you are going to absolutely adore this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. It takes the humble classic French toast and elevates it by using fluffy Hawaiian sweet rolls, creating a dish that is cozy, slightly sweet, and perfectly golden. Each bite offers a luscious mix of cinnamon and vanilla flavors wrapped in the soft, buttery sweetness of the rolls. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving an indulgent solo breakfast, this recipe shines as an easy, crowd-pleasing favorite that brings a tropical touch to your morning table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that work beautifully together to create that irresistible, tender texture and rich flavor. Each component plays its part to make sure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is perfectly fluffy, flavorful, and satisfying.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: These soft, slightly sweet rolls form the base, adding a pillowy texture and gentle sweetness.
- Large eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness, binding the custard that coats the rolls.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the custard mixture, helping the French toast cook to a tender finish.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant depth of flavor to brighten the custard.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers that classic aromatic spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Sugar (optional): Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness if you want a little extra indulgence.
- Pinch of salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and savory flavors.
- Butter: For cooking, butter helps develop that gorgeous golden crust on the outside.
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit: These garnishes add the final touch, elevating every bite with sweetness, freshness, or both.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard
Start by cracking the eggs into a mixing bowl, then whisk in the whole milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sugar if you’re using it, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This custard base is where all those luscious flavors come together to soak into the rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
If you prefer, you can keep the Hawaiian rolls connected and slice them in half horizontally to create a sandwich-like block. Alternatively, separate each roll for dipping individually. Either way, this step is flexible based on how you want to serve the dish, but keeping them whole can make flipping easier and create a fun presentation.
Step 3: Dip the Rolls
One at a time, dip each roll or section into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat well but do not let them soak too long or they may become soggy and difficult to cook evenly. A quick but thorough dip is perfect to lock in the flavor while keeping the soft center intact.
Step 4: Cook in Butter
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s bubbling but not browned. Place the dipped rolls carefully on the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. If you’re using a whole block of rolls, carefully flip them with a large spatula to avoid breaking the structure.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is cooked through and beautifully golden, serve immediately. Top with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add fresh fruit for natural sweetness and a bright pop of color. Serve warm to maximize that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, think beyond just syrup and powdered sugar. Fresh berries or sliced bananas add vibrant color and fresh flavor that complements the sweetness and spice of the cinnamon. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts offer a lovely crunch and contrast beautifully with the soft rolls, while a dollop of whipped cream or a swirl of fruit jam can turn this simple dish into something special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage if you want a savory element alongside your sweet French toast. A fresh fruit salad is also an excellent choice to lighten the meal and provide a refreshing balance. For a tropical flair, pineapple slices or mango chunks echo the Hawaiian theme perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the whole block of French toast on a wooden board, sliced horizontally and layered with cream cheese or Nutella before dipping. This way, when cut, each piece surprises with a hidden filling, making breakfast feel festive and indulgent. You could also stack the individual rolls like mini sandwiches for a playful presentation that’s perfect for brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The soft texture holds up well but is best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume them soon after making.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze cooked French toast. Place individual pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to one month and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers by warming the rolls gently in a toaster oven or skillet to regain that crispy exterior and soft inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the rolls a bit soggy. A quick re-toast preserves the delicious texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls give this French toast a unique sweet and tender quality, you can use thick-cut white or brioche bread for a similar, delicious result. The key is to use bread that can soak up the custard without falling apart.
Is it okay to stuff the rolls before cooking?
Yes, stuffing the rolls with cream cheese, jam, or Nutella before dipping is a fantastic idea for a surprise center. It adds richness and flavor complexity, turning this dish into a fun treat that’s especially great for kids or brunch parties.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a non-dairy butter alternative for cooking. This swap keeps all the flavor with a dairy-free twist.
What’s the best way to flip the whole block of rolls?
Use a large, sturdy spatula and be gentle. Sometimes using two spatulas or a spatula and your hand (wearing an oven mitt) can help stabilize the block. Cook over medium heat so that it firms up well before flipping to reduce breakage.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, depending on how many rolls each person enjoys. It’s perfect for family breakfasts or small brunch gatherings and scales nicely if you need to serve more.
Final Thoughts
There is just something truly special about a warm plate of Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe—it’s sweet, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon, whether you’re looking for an easy weekend breakfast, a special occasion dish, or simply a way to brighten up your morning. Trust me, once those golden rolls hit your skillet, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, using sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked until golden brown. Perfect for a fun weekend or holiday breakfast, this recipe is easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and can be customized with fillings like cream cheese or Nutella for an extra special treat.
Ingredients
French Toast Base
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls (left whole or separated)
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
Serving
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Slice the rolls: If keeping the rolls connected, carefully slice the entire block of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create sandwich-like pieces. If you prefer, separate the rolls to dip them individually.
- Dip the rolls: Dip each piece or section of rolls into the egg mixture, coating them well but avoiding soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
- Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter evenly across the surface.
- Cook the French toast: Place the dipped rolls onto the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a large spatula to carefully flip if using the full block of rolls to maintain structure.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, topped with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit for a delicious and satisfying breakfast.
Notes
- You can stuff the rolls with cream cheese, jam, or Nutella before dipping for a sweet surprise.
- This recipe is great for kids and easy to make in batches for a crowd.
- Adjust the cinnamon and sugar quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Using a non-stick skillet can help prevent sticking and ease flipping.
