Description

This Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast recipe transforms soft and sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls into a decadent autumn-inspired breakfast treat. With a rich pumpkin custard soak infused with warming spices and a crisp cinnamon-sugar coating, these individual French toast rolls are perfect for cozy fall mornings or holiday brunches.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Custard:

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

For Cooking and Coating:

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt until smooth and fully combined, creating a flavorful pumpkin custard base.
Prep the rolls: Using a fork, poke each side of the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. This step allows the custard to soak into the bread thoroughly without falling apart.
Soak the rolls: Dip each whole roll, keeping the top and bottom together, into the pumpkin custard mixture. Make sure each roll is fully coated and allow it to soak briefly so it absorbs some custard but remains intact for cooking.
Heat the skillet: Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt the butter to prepare for cooking the soaked rolls.
Cook the rolls: Place the custard-soaked rolls in the pan in a single layer. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. If your pan is small, work in batches to avoid crowding.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar: While the rolls cook, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish to make the coating mix.
Coat the rolls: Once cooked and still warm, roll each French toast roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. For better adherence, optionally brush each roll with melted butter before rolling in the sugar mixture.
Serve: Serve the Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast warm as a delightful and festive breakfast or brunch dish.

Notes

Poking holes in the rolls helps the custard penetrate the bread evenly without disintegrating the rolls.
You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative if desired, but whole milk provides the best richness.
The cooking time may vary slightly based on your skillet and stove; adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning.
For added flavor, drizzle maple syrup or honey over the rolls before serving.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Hawaiian rolls, pumpkin French toast, autumn breakfast, sweet rolls, pumpkin puree, fall recipe, cinnamon sugar, holiday brunch