Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

There’s something wildly irresistible about Hawaiian Roll French Toast. It’s fluffy, buttery, and kissed with just the right amount of sweetness—a breakfast treat that manages to feel both nostalgic and a little bit indulgent. Every bite of this dish bursts with soft, pillowy texture and fragrant vanilla-cinnamon flavor. If you’re looking for a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a morning masterpiece, this is the one you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this recipe so magical is how the familiar, everyday ingredients transform when combined. Each component brings its own little touch—richness, softness, spice, or a golden finish. Here’s how they all work together to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast extra special:

• King’s Hawaiian Rolls (1 12-pack): These bring a subtly sweet, iconic flavor, and their fluffy inside is perfect for soaking up the custard.
• Large Eggs (3): Eggs bind everything and set the custard, giving that classic French toast texture.
• Half and Half or Whole Milk (3/4 cup): This adds creaminess and moisture, resulting in a rich, soft bite.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon): Vanilla amplifies the sweet, fragrant notes in every bite.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): There’s nothing like cinnamon to deliver cozy warmth—the scent alone says breakfast is here!
• Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Brown sugar brings deep caramel tones that complement the rolls so well.
• Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip this—it balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Butter for Cooking (4 tablespoons): Butter is essential for that golden, crispy exterior and luscious finish.
• Powdered Sugar, Fresh Fruit, Maple Syrup (for serving): These toppings add bright color, sweetness, and extra flair at the table.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Start by grabbing a large bowl and whisking together the eggs and half and half. You want everything really well-blended and creamy, because this mixture is the heart of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Give it a good whisk—no streaks of egg or milk left behind!

Step 2: Add Flavors to the Custard

Next, sprinkle in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and just a pinch of salt. Whisk until all the ingredients are perfectly incorporated and the mixture is gorgeously fragrant and golden. The custard should be smooth and speckled with cinnamon—absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls

Take each Hawaiian roll and use a toothpick or skewer to poke several small holes in the bottom. This is a little trick to help the custard soak in, which means every roll comes out fluffy and custardy right to the middle. Don’t worry—it won’t tear them apart!

Step 4: Soak the Rolls in Custard

Working in batches (to avoid crowding), gently dip each roll into your custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds, turning gently so every side gets coated. Don’t rush, but don’t leave them in too long either—it’s all about getting them just right, not soggy!

Step 5: Heat the Skillet and Melt Butter

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat. The key to the best Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a gentle, even cook—high heat will burn them before the inside gets warm, so low and slow is the way to go.

Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the soaked rolls in the pan, turning each one every 30 to 60 seconds until all sides are golden brown and lightly crisp. Use a spatula to help them along—you want every inch to have that appetizing, caramelized crust.

Step 7: Serve Warm with Toppings

When they’re done, serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast immediately while they’re still warm. Dust with powdered sugar, finish with a tumble of fresh berries, or drizzle generously with maple syrup. Then, dig in and watch how quickly they disappear!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Dusting your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with powdered sugar is a must for a bakery-worthy finish. Fresh berries offer a burst of color and juicy brightness, while a drizzle of real maple syrup ties everything together with a lovely, sticky sweetness. For extra flair, try a dollop of whipped cream or toasted coconut flakes!

Side Dishes

This dish shines as the star of a weekend brunch, but it’s even better with a few simple sides. Sizzling bacon or crisp breakfast sausage cut the sweetness and add savory balance. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a fruit salad or a tangy citrus compote.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really wow family or guests, arrange the Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a platter with fruit skewers tucked between rolls, or build a decadent “French toast slider” bar with bowls of different toppings—think nutella, chopped nuts, and whipped cream. It turns breakfast into a celebratory experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the Hawaiian Roll French Toast cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist without getting soggy, and they’re just as delicious reheated.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast for later. Arrange cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. This way, you can grab just what you need when a craving strikes.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your French toast in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes (or until heated through and crisp). The microwave works in a pinch, though the rolls will be softer. If you’re short on time, a quick toast in a hot skillet brings back the golden edges!

FAQs

Can I use other types of rolls or bread?

Absolutely, but King’s Hawaiian Rolls lend their unique softness and sweetness that make Hawaiian Roll French Toast extra special. Other soft rolls or brioche will work, but the flavor will be different.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap half and half or milk for your favorite dairy-free option like almond, coconut, or oat milk, and use a plant-based butter for cooking. The texture and flavor will still be deliciously close to the original.

Can this recipe be made ahead for a crowd?

Definitely! You can soak and cook the rolls in advance, then reheat on a baking sheet in the oven just before serving. This makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast perfect for brunch parties or holiday breakfasts.

My custard mixture seems too runny—is that normal?

Yes, the custard should be pourable but well blended. The rolls will soak up just the right amount after a quick dip. Avoid letting them sit too long in the mixture so they don’t get soggy.

What are some unique toppings I can try?

The classics work beautifully, but you can also serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast with lemon curd, caramelized bananas, macadamia nuts, or a tropical fruit salsa to really play up the island flavors.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is one of those recipes that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. Whether you’re whipping this up for a sunny weekend breakfast or as a crowd-pleasing brunch centerpiece, it’s bound to bring smiles to your table. I hope you give it a try and let it become a favorite in your recipe rotation, too!

Print