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.
Ingredients
Scale
French Toast Base
- 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
For Cooking and Serving
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh berries (for serving, optional)
- Whipped cream (for serving, optional)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 rolls
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, sweet breakfast, cinnamon vanilla French toast, quick breakfast recipe, pan-fried French toast
