Dessert

Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Bylilan Sage July 1, 2026July 1, 2026

Introduction

This Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast offers a festive twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls are soaked in a rich pumpkin-spiced custard, then cooked to golden perfection. It’s an irresistible way to start your day with a seasonal flair.

A white plate holds a stack of nine cinnamon sugar-coated bread pieces arranged in a pyramid shape. Each piece is a golden yellow color with a rough texture, thickly covered in a layer of cinnamon sugar that gives a slightly grainy brown surface. The pieces have crispy, slightly burnt edges that show darker brown tones. The plate with the bread is placed on a white marbled surface, with a small orange pumpkin and a glass jar softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 packages 12-count King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Poke each side of the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Roll with a fork to help them soak up the custard evenly.
Step 3: Dip each whole roll (top and bottom together) into the custard mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them soak briefly so they absorb some custard but remain intact.
Step 4: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter.
Step 5: Place the soaked rolls in the pan in a single layer. Cook about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
Step 6: While rolls cook, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish.
Step 7: Once cooked and warm, roll each French toast in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Brushing rolls with melted butter beforehand helps the sugar stick better.
Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious King’s Hawaiian Pumpkin French Toast.

Tips & Variations

Use day-old rolls for better custard absorption without falling apart.
For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance sweetness.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls soggy.

How to Serve

Two cinnamon sugar coated square cakes sit side by side on a simple white plate. Both cakes are richly covered with a thick, shiny caramel sauce drizzled unevenly across the golden brown, crunchy sugar crust. The cakes appear soft and moist beneath the sugar topping, with a warm brown interior visible around the edges. The plate rests on a surface with a white marbled texture, and around the plate, there are small droplets of caramel sauce. The setting has a cozy autumn feel with two small orange pumpkins in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness and softness that complements the pumpkin custard. If using regular bread, thicker slices like brioche work best.

How long can I soak the rolls in the custard?

Soak the rolls just long enough to absorb the custard without falling apart—about 20 to 30 seconds per side is ideal. Longer soaking might cause them to become too soggy to handle.