Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Heavenly Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe: Sweet Island Magic

Weekends call for magical breakfast moments with this irresistible hawaiian roll french toast that blends tropical sweetness and comforting flavors.

Soft, pillowy rolls become the perfect canvas for a decadent morning treat.

Each bite promises a delightful fusion of custardy goodness and subtle island-inspired charm.

The secret lies in selecting quality hawaiian rolls with their signature touch of sweetness.

Rich egg mixture and gentle spices will transform ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Crispy edges and tender centers create a symphony of textures you cannot resist.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new weekend breakfast obsession.

What Makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast Extra Special

  • Transforms simple Hawaiian rolls into a gourmet breakfast in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
  • Delivers nostalgic flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an instant family favorite for weekend brunches or special occasions.
  • Allows endless toppings and variations like fresh berries, whipped cream, or different spice combinations, ensuring everyone's taste preferences are satisfied.
  • Requires basic kitchen ingredients and simple cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels without compromising on taste or presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Primary Ingredients:

Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls perfect for a unique French toast base, best when slightly stale for better absorption.

Eggs: The key binding agent that helps create a rich, custardy coating for the rolls.

Dairy Components:
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Provide creamy texture and richness to the custard mixture, whole milk works best for full flavor.
  • Butter: Essential for creating a golden, crisp exterior when cooking the French toast.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization during cooking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, classic spice that complements the sweet breakfast dish.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the custard.
Optional Toppings:
  • Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for extra sweetness and elegant presentation.
  • Maple Syrup: Classic breakfast companion that adds rich, sweet moisture.
  • Fresh Berries: Adds fresh, tart contrast to the sweet French toast.
  • Whipped Cream: Provides light, airy richness to complement the dish.

Steps to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast at Home

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Custard

  • Grab eggs
  • Pour milk
  • Add heavy cream
  • Sprinkle sugar
  • Splash vanilla extract
  • Dust cinnamon
  • Pinch salt

Whisk ingredients vigorously in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and fully blended.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Rolls

Gently separate Hawaiian rolls, keeping bottom connection intact for easy serving.

Submerge rolls completely in custard mixture, allowing bread to absorb delicious flavors without becoming overly saturated.

Step 3: Sizzle Golden Masterpiece

Warm skillet over medium heat.

Melt butter across cooking surface.

Carefully place custard-soaked rolls onto hot skillet.

Cook each side until rich golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Rotate batches as needed, adding extra butter between rounds.

Step 4: Dress And Garnish

Transfer French toast to elegant serving plate.

Dust with powdered sugar.

Drizzle maple syrup.

Scatter fresh berries.

Optional: Crown with dollop of whipped cream.

Serve immediately and enjoy this transformative breakfast experience!

Handy Tricks for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Choose the Right Rolls: Select soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and flavor absorption in your French toast.
  • Prevent Soggy Bread: Dip rolls quickly in the custard mixture, allowing them to absorb flavor without becoming overly saturated.
  • Butter Matters: Use fresh butter in the skillet to create a golden, crispy exterior and enhance the overall richness of the dish.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat while cooking to ensure even browning and prevent burning the delicate rolls.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with different garnishes like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to personalize your French toast.

How to Keep Hawaiian Roll French Toast Warm and Fluffy

  • Store leftover French toast in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
  • Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 15-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking and maintaining softness.

Side Ideas for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Complement the rich, sweet Hawaiian roll French toast with a chilled glass of peach bellini, its fruity bubbles cutting through the creamy custard.
  • Serve alongside crispy bacon strips, providing a savory counterpoint to the sugary toast and creating a perfect breakfast harmony.
  • Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the French toast, enhancing the buttery rolls with a luxurious, smooth layer that adds depth and complexity.
  • Pair with a light citrus smoothie or fresh-squeezed orange juice, its bright acidity cleansing the palate between each delectable bite.

Different Spins on Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free sweet bread or almond flour rolls, using certified gluten-free ingredients to maintain similar texture and flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, using dairy-free butter alternative for cooking, keeping the rich taste intact.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, swap regular maple syrup with sugar-free syrup, and incorporate fresh berries for natural sweetness without added calories.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the custard mixture, use whole wheat Hawaiian rolls for extra fiber, and top with Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for increased protein content.
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sumptuous Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings tropical breakfast bliss straight to your morning table. Sweet, custardy rolls meet classic French toast technique, creating a delightful morning indulgence you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 12 Hawaiian rolls
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Cooking and Serving:

  • 2 tablespoons butter

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Craft a luscious custard by vigorously whisking eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients meld seamlessly.
  2. Gently separate Hawaiian rolls, maintaining their connected base for an elegant pull-apart presentation.
  3. Delicately immerse each roll into the silky custard mixture, ensuring thorough yet delicate coating without oversaturating the bread.
  4. Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat, introducing a pat of butter to create a golden, non-stick surface.
  5. Carefully transfer custard-soaked rolls onto the heated surface, allowing them to transform into a rich, caramelized golden-brown masterpiece.
  6. Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, monitoring the color and developing a slight crisp exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
  7. If preparing multiple batches, replenish butter between cooking sessions to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
  8. Plate the golden French toast and crown with a dusting of powdered sugar, drizzle of maple syrup, scattered fresh berries, or dollop of whipped cream according to personal preference.

Notes

  • Bread Selection Matters: Choose fresh, soft Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and absorption of the custard mixture.
  • Custard Consistency Key: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, evenly distributed flavor that coats each roll perfectly.
  • Prevent Soggy Syndrome: Let rolls briefly drain after dipping to avoid excess liquid that could make the French toast too wet.
  • Temperature Control: Use medium heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside remains soft and custardy.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free rolls for a celiac-friendly option.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the custard mixture the night before to save time and allow flavors to meld together more intensely.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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