The magic of breakfast shines bright with Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a delightful twist on the classic morning favorite. This recipe transforms soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls into golden, custardy perfection that’s tender on the inside and beautifully crisp outside. The subtle tropical sweetness from the rolls combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a flavor party in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to an indulgent start to the day, this dish feels like a cozy hug in breakfast form that effortlessly elevates any morning routine.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering dreamy texture and irresistible flavor. From the rich custard soak to the luscious toppings, this list has it all covered.

Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their soft, pillowy texture and subtle sweetness make them the star base of this dish.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard soak.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps soften the rolls for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
Heavy cream: Boosts the custard’s richness and adds a velvety finish.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the rolls’ natural flavors.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the mixture with warm, aromatic notes.
Ground cinnamon: Offers a familiar cozy spice that complements the tropical vibe.
Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the custard.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Butter: Used for cooking, it creates a golden crust and adds rich flavor.
Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, and coconut flakes for personalized flair.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard

Start by cracking the eggs into a large bowl, then add whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s perfectly smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved. This custard is the heart of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, soaking into the bread and imbuing each bite with rich, spiced sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls

Carefully separate your Hawaiian rolls. You have two options: keep them attached as a slab or separate them individually. If you’re going for the slab method, slice the whole batch horizontally like a giant sandwich—just don’t cut all the way through! This creates a custard pocket that makes every slice extraordinary. Individual rolls work wonderfully too and are a breeze to dip.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

If you’re using the slab, gently dunk both sides into the custard, allowing it to soak in fully for about 2-3 minutes each side. For individual rolls, dip each one thoroughly to coat every surface and let them soak for 1-2 minutes per side. This soaking time is crucial for that soft, custardy core that makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast so irresistible.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the first tablespoon of butter. This will give the toast a golden-brown crust and a lovely buttery richness. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the soaked bread to ensure that delightful crisp exterior forms quickly.

Step 5: Cook the French Toast

Carefully transfer the soaked rolls to the hot skillet. If using the slab, lift it carefully and place it down gently; if using individual rolls, arrange them without crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re gorgeously golden and cooked through. The smell at this point is absolutely mouthwatering, signaling that breakfast is about to be a highlight of your day!

Step 6: Repeat with Remaining Rolls

Once the first batch is done, add more butter to the skillet and cook the rest of your soaked rolls the same way. Consistency is key here—each slice or roll should have that perfect balance of crispy outside and soft, custardy inside.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

To be sure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is thoroughly cooked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go. If wet batter sticks, keep cooking for another minute or two on each side. This step ensures every bite is just right, never soggy or undercooked.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

French toast is best enjoyed fresh from the skillet while it’s still warm with that perfect crunchy edge. It’s a good idea to plate and dress your toast right away to savor it at its very best.

Step 9: Add Toppings

This is the fun part! Drizzle maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, scatter fresh berries, dollop whipped cream, sprinkle chopped nuts, or finish with coconut flakes. Each topping brings a new layer of flavor and texture that makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast exciting every time you serve it.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Garnishes transform your Hawaiian Roll French Toast from simple to spectacular. Fresh berries add brightness and tang, powdered sugar lends a delicate sweetness, and whipped cream brings cloud-like softness. Toasted coconut flakes provide a crunch and enhance the tropical notes, while chopped nuts contribute an earthy contrast.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, pair your French toast with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a balance of sweet and salty. Fresh fruit salad or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice adds vibrancy and freshness, making breakfast feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast slab-style for a show-stopping centerpiece, allowing everyone to slice their own portions. Alternatively, stack individual pieces with layers of berries and cream in between for a beautiful, brunch-ready tower that’s as delightful to look at as to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast (and you might!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining its flavor and texture if properly sealed.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Place individual slices on a baking sheet to freeze them solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be kept for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for busy mornings.

Reheating

For reheating, toast slices in a toaster oven or warm them in a preheated skillet to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can lead to soggy toast, dulling the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

You certainly can, but Hawaiian rolls provide a uniquely sweet and soft texture that elevates this recipe. Using regular bread will yield tasty results but won’t have that signature tropical sweetness.

How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?

The trick is soaking the rolls just long enough to absorb custard without collapsing and cooking them over medium heat to form a firm, golden crust that seals in moisture.

Is it better to cook individual rolls or the slab?

Both methods work wonderfully. The slab cuts down on cooking time and looks impressive, while individual rolls allow for easy serving and portion control. Choose what fits your style!

Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes! The custard can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before soaking the rolls to smooth out any separation.

What toppings pair best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Maple syrup is a classic choice, but fresh berries, whipped cream, and toasted coconut flakes really enhance the tropical flavors. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your favorite tastes!

Final Thoughts

Once you try Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s hard to go back to ordinary. Its perfect blend of soft sweetness, warm spices, and crisp edges will quickly become a breakfast favorite in your home. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special treat any day, this recipe invites you to indulge in something truly cozy and delicious. So grab those rolls, whisk up that custard, and get ready to fall in love all over again with Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in a tropical twist on classic French toast with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are soaked in a rich custard infused with warm spices and vanilla, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream, this easy breakfast or brunch dish combines fluffy texture and island-inspired sweetness for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Instructions

Whisk Together the Custard: In a large bowl, crack all 6 eggs. Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved.
Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls. You can either keep them attached as a whole slab for an impressive presentation or separate them into individual rolls. If keeping as a slab, carefully slice it horizontally without cutting through the bottom half to create a pocket for soaking.
Soak the Rolls: For the slab, immerse both top and bottom halves in the custard for 2-3 minutes per side. For individual rolls, dip each one ensuring full coverage, letting soak 1-2 minutes per side.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt completely, ensuring the surface is evenly coated.
Cook the French Toast: Transfer the soaked Hawaiian rolls to the skillet. Cook slab or individual rolls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Repeat with Remaining Rolls: Add more butter as needed and cook the rest of the soaked rolls in batches without overcrowding the pan.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the French toast. If it comes out clean, the toast is fully cooked. If wet batter remains, cook a bit longer.
Serve Immediately: Serve the French toast warm for the best texture and flavor, as it tends to become soggy when left out too long.
Add Toppings: Garnish with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes to add texture and sweetness.

Notes

For extra richness, use whole milk and heavy cream as specified.
If you prefer a simpler approach, use individual Hawaiian rolls without slicing.
Be careful not to soak the rolls too long to avoid sogginess during cooking.
Adjust cooking time based on stove heat and thickness of the rolls.
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven for short periods.
Customize toppings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 250 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, sweet breakfast, tropical French toast, easy brunch recipe, custard-soaked toast