There’s a certain magic that happens when breakfast meets a tropical twist, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience with Hawaiian Roll French Toast. The moment you sink your fork into these warm, fluffy morsels, you’re greeted with a delightful, sweet charm that makes even the busiest mornings feel special. This quick recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser—it’s also a wonderful way to bring a splash of joy to your brunch table. Just imagine savoring each bite, fluffy on the inside with a golden crust, and the best part? You can whip it up in no time! Why settle for bland breakfasts when you can turn your mornings into a mini getaway with just a few ingredients? Ready to dive into this delightful dish? Let’s get cooking!

Why is Hawaiian Roll French Toast Amazing?

Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for novice cooks or busy mornings.

Infused Sweetness: The unique flavor of Hawaiian rolls offers a delightful twist, turning traditional French toast into a sweet masterpiece.

Quick to Make: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous brunch gatherings or weekday treats.

Versatile Toppings: Feel free to top it with fresh fruits, yogurt, or a drizzle of honey to create your perfect bite. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family breakfast or a brunch with friends, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is guaranteed to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Pair it with a refreshing smoothie or a side of Spring Rolls Sauce for a truly unforgettable meal!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredients

• Discover the perfect elements for a delicious breakfast!

For the Custard

Eggs – Provides structure and richness; substitute with an egg replacer for a vegan option.
Milk – Adds creaminess; use almond or oat milk for a delightful dairy-free version.
Heavy Cream – Enhances richness; substitute with coconut cream for an alternative.
Vanilla Extract – Offers aromatic sweetness; pure vanilla is preferable for the best flavor.
Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; nutmeg can serve as an aromatic substitute.
Sugar – Sweetens the custard; brown sugar can be swapped for deeper flavor.

For the Bread

Hawaiian Rolls – The star of the dish; provides a soft texture; brioche or challah also make great substitutes.

For Cooking

Butter – Adds flavor and helps with browning; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

For Serving

Powdered Sugar – Adds a sweet touch; omit for a less sweet option.
Maple Syrup – Classic topping that enhances flavor; honey or agave syrup can be used as alternatives.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ cup of sugar until smooth and well-combined. This step is crucial for creating the custard that will coat the Hawaiian rolls. You’ll want a velvety mixture, so take your time blending it thoroughly.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls
Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating equal halves for dipping. Ensure each slice is distinct but be gentle to maintain the fluffy structure of the rolls. This is where the magic begins as you prepare each piece to soak in that delicious custard mixture.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter to melt, coating the bottom of the pan evenly. Allow the butter to foam and turn golden, signaling it’s hot enough for cooking. The skillet should be ready when you see small bubbles beginning to form in the melted butter.

Step 4: Dip the Roll Halves
Carefully dip each slice of Hawaiian roll into the egg custard mixture, ensuring they are well-coated but not overly soggy. A quick dip of about 2-3 seconds on each side will do. Let the excess custard drip off before placing them in the hot skillet. This step ensures every bite of the Hawaiian Roll French Toast is perfectly fluffy and flavorful.

Step 5: Cook the French Toast
Add the dipped Hawaiian rolls to the skillet, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crisp on one side. Use a spatula to carefully flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Keep an eye on them, as you want that perfect golden hue without burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once both sides of the Hawaiian Roll French Toast are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a platter. Dust generously with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup, if desired. Serve immediately while they’re warm, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy this sweet breakfast delight!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Well-Whisked Custard: Ensure the egg mixture is blended thoroughly to achieve a smooth custard, allowing for even coating on each roll half.
Avoid Sogginess: Dip each roll only briefly to prevent sogginess; a quick 2-3 seconds is ideal for achieving that fluffy texture.
Skillet Spacing: Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without steaming the rolls.
Perfect Temperature: Make sure the skillet is at the right temperature—medium heat allows the rolls to brown nicely without burning.
Enjoy Fresh: Hawaiian Roll French Toast is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture; reheat carefully if you have leftovers.

Make Ahead Options

These Hawaiian Roll French Toast are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can whisk together the custard and slice the rolls up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. This way, you save precious time on busy mornings. Just refrigerate the custard mixture, ensuring it’s well-covered to prevent any undesired browning. When you’re ready to serve, simply dip the previously sliced rolls into the custard, cook them on the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, and watch as they transform into fluffy, sweet bites. With this make-ahead strategy, you’ll enjoy delicious results with minimal morning effort!

What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Indulge in a delightful breakfast experience by complementing your fluffy, sweet creation with these perfect pairings.

Fresh Berries: Bright and juicy, they add a pop of color and a burst of freshness, balancing the sweetness of the French toast.
Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it provides a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor, perfect for those who enjoy a rich breakfast.
Crispy Bacon: The smoky, salty flavor of bacon pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the French toast, creating a delightful savory-sweet combination.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts add a bit of crunch and a hint of earthiness, making them a unique and delicious side.
Honey Vanilla Smoothie: A light and refreshing drink that enhances the tropical vibe, making breakfast feel like a beach vacation in every sip.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this dairy-free option adds a luscious, tropical feel that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Sparkling Lemonade: This zesty drink is a bubbly complement that cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing twist to your brunch table.
Coffee or Espresso: A robust cup of coffee or shot of espresso elevates your morning experience, bringing out those rich flavors in the French toast.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity with this versatile dish! Customize each bite to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Dairy-Free: Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free delight. Your taste buds won’t even miss the dairy!
Vegan Option: Use an egg replacer like flax or chia seeds mixed with water instead of eggs, and opt for non-dairy milk and coconut cream for a rich custard. Now everyone can indulge!
Cinnamon Roll Twist: Instead of cinnamon, stir in a couple of tablespoons of ground nutmeg and a drizzle of icing to mimic a cinnamon roll flavor. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Tropical Fruit Toppings: Top with diced pineapple, mango, or shredded coconut for a fun tropical flair. The added freshness will transport your taste buds straight to Hawaii!
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the French toast before serving for an irresistible crunch. This complementary texture adds a whole new dimension to your breakfast!
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or add chocolate chips to the custard for an unexpected sweet surprise. This could become your new favorite guilty pleasure!
Savory Spin: Include herbs like fresh thyme or basil in the custard and top with avocado or smoked salmon. Turning this sweet dish into a savory delight will impress brunch guests!
Pumpkin Spice: In the fall, swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice and include canned pumpkin in the custard for a cozy seasonal touch. You can complete the experience by pairing it with a warm cup of Pumpkin French Toast!

These variations not only allow you to cater to everyone’s preferences but also keep your breakfast routine fresh and exciting!

How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Room Temperature: Enjoy Hawaiian Roll French Toast fresh for the best flavor! If you need to leave it out, it should only be at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. This preserves the taste, but avoid reheating them too much to keep their delightful fluffiness.
Freezer: You can freeze the French toast for up to 2 months. Lay pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the slices in the toaster or oven at 350°F until warmed through, preserving the texture of this perfectly sweet dish.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe FAQs

What type of Hawaiian rolls should I use for the best results?
Absolutely! When selecting Hawaiian rolls, look for those that are soft and slightly sweet. The brand typically known for this is King’s Hawaiian, but any similar sweet, soft rolls will work beautifully. If you can’t find Hawaiian rolls, brioche or challah make fantastic substitutes, giving you that delightful fluffy texture.

How do I store Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Very easy! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the container to avoid condensation. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat them gently to maintain that fluffy goodness and fantastic flavor!

Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Absolutely! To freeze, first, allow the cooked French toast to cool completely. Lay the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer to flash freeze for about 1 hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, pressing out as much air as possible. These can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the toaster or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

What can I do if my French toast is soggy?
If you find your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is soggy, it could be due to over-soaking the bread in the custard. To avoid this, dip each roll half only long enough—about 2-3 seconds per side—to get a nice coating without making it too wet. If they do end up soggy, you can cook them in the skillet for a bit longer to help crisp them up!

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe contains eggs and dairy, making it unsuitable for those following a vegan diet or with lactose intolerance. However, you can easily substitute the eggs with an egg replacer or mashed bananas and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. If you choose coconut cream instead of heavy cream, you will create a wonderfully rich and dairy-free custard!

How can I enhance the flavor of my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Very simply! You can enhance your French toast by incorporating things like nutmeg in addition to cinnamon for extra warmth, or adding a splash of orange or almond extract to your custard mix. Topping your finished dish with fresh fruits, flavored yogurt, or whipped cream will also elevate it to an entirely new level of breakfast bliss!