If you’ve ever dreamed of elevating your breakfast game with something both comforting and delightfully fluffy, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, pan-fried to golden perfection and served dusted with powdered sugar and fresh berries. It’s a breakfast treat that feels indulgent without any complicated steps, making it your new go-to weekend favorite or special occasion dish. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and spice that only Hawaiian roll French toast can offer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe calls for simple ingredients that pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role in creating that irresistible golden crust and custardy softness.
- 3 large eggs: Provides the rich, creamy base needed to soak into the rolls and hold everything together.
- 1/4 cup milk: Keeps the custard light and tender, helping the toast cook to fluffy perfection.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Brings just the right touch of sweetness to complement the rolls.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that infuses the custard beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers a cozy spice note that pairs perfectly with the sweet bread.
- 1 12-roll count pack of Hawaiian Rolls: The star of the dish, these soft, sweet rolls soak up the custard for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Butter for greasing pan: Ensures a crispy, golden crust while preventing sticking.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: A light dusting for a pretty, sweet finish.
- Fresh berries: Adds a burst of natural freshness and color to the plate.
- Syrup for dipping: Optional, but highly recommended for that extra indulgent touch.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture
Start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and whisking them together with milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. This creates a fragrant, flavorful custard that’s the heart of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. Make sure everything is blended smoothly to ensure even soaking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Butter the bottom of a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. The butter not only prevents sticking but helps build that gorgeous golden crust that makes French toast so irresistible. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.
Step 3: Soak the Hawaiian Rolls
Dunk each Hawaiian roll briefly into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Because the rolls are soft and sweet, they soak up the custard quickly without falling apart. This step ensures every bite is custardy and flavorful.
Step 4: Cook the Rolls to Perfection
Place 4 soaked rolls at a time into the skillet. Cook each side for about 30 seconds or until golden brown. Flip carefully to cook both sides evenly, creating a slightly crisp exterior surrounding a soft, custardy interior.
Step 5: Repeat Until All Rolls Are Cooked
Continue dipping and cooking the remaining rolls in batches. This keeps your pan manageable and ensures even cooking for every piece, delivering that signature texture across the board.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle the Hawaiian Roll French Toast with powdered sugar and serve alongside fresh berries and syrup if you like. The contrast of warm toast, sweet sugar, bright berries, and sticky syrup creates a memorable breakfast experience.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Powdered sugar and fresh berries are classic and simple garnishes that elevate the dish beautifully. The light sweetness of powdered sugar dusted over the warm rolls adds to the visual appeal and taste, while the berries lend a burst of freshness and color, making every bite as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with crispy bacon or savory sausage to balance the sweetness. Freshly squeezed orange juice or a hot cup of coffee complement this dish perfectly, rounding out a delightful and satisfying breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by layering the French toast rolls in a beautiful stack on a platter, dripping them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. You can also turn this recipe into French toast sticks by slicing the rolls before soaking for a fun and shareable finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days, making for a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Freezing
To freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast, place the cooked, cooled rolls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month and enjoyed later without losing much of their flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a toaster oven or on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat to maintain their crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy. A quick reheat restores that fresh-off-the-pan warmth you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls provide a uniquely sweet and soft texture, brioche or challah bread also work beautifully for this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary depending on the bread’s thickness and density.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! Kids tend to love the sweet, fluffy texture of Hawaiian Roll French Toast. The mild cinnamon flavor and sweet custard make it a great introduction to breakfast dishes that aren’t overly complicated or spicy.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the egg custard mixture a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a quick whisk before dipping the rolls to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined for the best soaking results.
What’s the best syrup to pair with this French toast?
Classic maple syrup is always a winner, but feel free to experiment with tropical syrups like pineapple or guava for a fun twist that complements the Hawaiian vibe. Honey or agave syrup also work well for a lighter sweetness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free Hawaiian rolls or substitute with a gluten-free sweet bread of your choice. Just be sure the bread you select is sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe truly redefines what breakfast can be: simple, yet extraordinary. It’s an easy way to impress family and friends while treating yourself to something comfortingly sweet and satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough for your next brunch or lazy weekend morning—once you try it, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection too!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into a rich and flavorful breakfast treat. Coated in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and pan-fried until golden, these rolls are served with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and syrup, making for a quick, easy, and indulgent morning meal perfect for four people.
Ingredients
French Toast Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Main Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 rolls) Hawaiian Rolls
- Butter for greasing the pan
Toppings
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- Syrup (maple syrup or preferred dipping syrup)
Instructions
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined to create a smooth custard batter.
- Heat the skillet: Butter the bottom of a large skillet and place it over medium heat until the butter melts and the pan is hot but not smoking.
- Dip the rolls: Take each Hawaiian roll and dunk both sides thoroughly into the egg mixture, ensuring the rolls are well-coated but not soggy.
- Cook the rolls: Place four dipped rolls at a time into the heated skillet. Cook each side for about 30 seconds, flipping carefully to ensure each side is golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat cooking: Continue dipping and cooking the remaining Hawaiian rolls in batches until all are cooked.
- Serve: Arrange the cooked French toast rolls on a serving platter, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar, and serve alongside fresh berries and syrup for dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs and quality milk for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust cinnamon and sugar levels to your preference for sweetness and spice.
- Ensure the skillet is properly buttered and medium heat is maintained to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture; leftover rolls can be reheated gently.
- Feel free to customize toppings with whipped cream, nuts, or different fruits.
