Name: Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (12 rolls) Hawaiian rolls (King’s Hawaiian preferred); 4 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking); Powdered sugar (for dusting); Maple syrup (for serving); Fresh berries (for serving, optional); Whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again with this Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. Imagine pillowy, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, cinnamon-vanilla custard, then cooked to golden perfection. This dish transforms an ordinary morning into something truly extraordinary and comforting, with every bite bursting with warm flavor and a soft, custardy center. Whether you’re serving a weekend brunch or craving something special, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a cozy, indulgent treat.

Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe plays a vital role in creating its luscious flavor and beautiful texture. From the soft Hawaiian rolls to the aromatic cinnamon in the custard, these simple essentials come together to give you a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth every single time.

Hawaiian rolls: Using King’s Hawaiian rolls provides a wonderfully soft and sweet bread base ideal for soaking.
Large eggs: The eggs form the rich custard that binds and flavors the French toast.
Whole milk or half-and-half: Adds creaminess and helps create that tender, moist texture.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to enhance the natural sugars in the rolls.
Vanilla extract: Brings fragrant warmth and depth to the custard.
Ground cinnamon: Offers a cozy, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweet rolls.
Pinch of salt: Balances flavors and highlights sweetness.
Butter: For sizzling the soaked rolls to a perfectly golden crust.
Powdered sugar: A final dusting for a delicate, pretty finish.
Maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream: Ideal toppings to add color and extra indulgence.

How to Make Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the custard

Start by whisking together the eggs, milk or half-and-half, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl until everything is well combined. This custard is what gives the toast its irresistibly creamy interior and fragrant flavor that will fill your kitchen with a welcoming aroma.

Step 2: Slice the rolls

Take your package of Hawaiian rolls and carefully separate or slice them thickly. Keeping the rolls thick and pillowy ensures they soak up just the right amount of custard without falling apart, giving you that soft, custardy bite that makes this recipe unforgettable.

Step 3: Soak the rolls

Place the sliced rolls in a shallow dish and pour the custard over them. Let them soak for about 30 seconds on each side. The key here is to soak enough to absorb the flavors but avoid sogginess. Hawaiian rolls soak quickly, so timing is everything to achieve the perfect texture.

Step 4: Cook the rolls

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter until sizzling. Add the custard-soaked rolls and cook them carefully for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a gorgeous, golden-brown crust. Cooking on medium heat is essential to getting a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Step 5: Serve your Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Stack the beautifully cooked rolls on a plate, dust them generously with powdered sugar, and drizzle with pure maple syrup. For an extra touch of color and flavor, add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. This presentation truly elevates the dish from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of freshness and pop of color that perfectly complements the sweet toast. A light dusting of powdered sugar lends an elegant, snowy finish. Whipped cream adds creamy richness that elevates every mouthful to a breakfast delight.

Side Dishes

Pair with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for a beautiful balance of flavors. Fresh fruit on the side, like orange segments or melon, can add bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the French toast. A hot cup of coffee or a mimosa is the perfect beverage partner to complete your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the soaked rolls and skewering them with a cinnamon stick for an eye-catching presentation. You can also drizzle a coconut cream sauce over the top to enhance the tropical, Hawaiian vibe. For fun occasions, create a French toast sandwich using two rolls and a filling of cream cheese and fruit preserves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It stays delicious and can be easily reheated for a quick breakfast or snack.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the cooked rolls completely and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making your future breakfasts just a microwave away.

Reheating

Reheat frozen French toast slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that perfect golden crust!

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While classic French toast often uses sandwich bread, Hawaiian rolls bring a unique sweetness and softness that makes this recipe truly unforgettable. If you want to experiment, brioche or challah are good substitutes, but they won’t have the same tropical charm.

How long should I soak the rolls?

A quick 30 seconds per side is perfect for Hawaiian rolls to absorb the custard without becoming soggy. Since these rolls are soft and absorbent, soaking them longer will cause them to fall apart during cooking.

Can I prepare the custard mixture in advance?

Yes! You can whisk the custard the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before soaking the rolls to ensure everything is well combined.

What type of milk is best to use?

Whole milk or half-and-half works best for a creamy and rich custard. You can use dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk, but the texture may be slightly different.

Is it okay to cook the French toast on high heat?

Cooking at medium heat results in the best texture. High heat can burn the outside before the inside is cooked through, leaving you with an uneven French toast.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s equal parts comforting and spectacular, you absolutely must try this Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast. It’s one of those cozy dishes that instantly makes mornings feel special, bursting with sweet, tender flavor and that golden crust we all crave. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll be dreaming about it until your next breakfast adventure!

Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into a rich and flavorful breakfast treat. With a creamy cinnamon-vanilla custard soak and a perfectly golden crust, these French toast bites are easy to make and delightful to enjoy with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Instructions

Prepare the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is completely combined and smooth.
Slice the rolls: Carefully separate or slice the Hawaiian rolls, keeping each piece thick and pillowy to hold the custard flavor without falling apart.
Soak the rolls: Place the sliced rolls in a shallow dish and pour the custard evenly over them. Let them soak for about 30 seconds on each side, allowing them to absorb the custard without becoming soggy.
Cook the rolls: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the soaked rolls in the skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside.
Serve: Stack the cooked rolls on a plate, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup. Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

Don’t oversoak the rolls to prevent them from becoming soggy; a short soak maintains a creamy center.
Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked through.
Using day-old slightly stale Hawaiian rolls helps them hold up better when soaked.
Keep the skillet buttery but not greasy to achieve a beautiful golden crust.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American