Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

If you’re searching for a breakfast treat that combines tropical sweetness with classic comfort, look no further than Hawaiian Roll French Toast. This luscious twist on traditional French toast swaps out the usual bread for soft, fluffy Hawaiian sweet rolls that soak up a rich custard mixture perfectly. The result is an irresistibly tender, buttery, and subtly sweet dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, making mornings instantly brighter and breakfasts a celebration to savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is straightforward and indispensable, each playing a crucial role in creating the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast. From the creamy custard base to the fragrant spices, these essentials blend to deliver that signature balance of flavor, texture, and inviting color.

• Hawaiian sweet rolls (1 package, 12 count): Their pillowy soft texture and gentle sweetness form the heart of this dish.
• Large eggs (6): They bind the custard, ensuring a rich and silky coating for the rolls.
• Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and helps the custard soak evenly into the bread.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Boosts richness, giving the French toast a luscious mouthfeel.
• Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Provides a subtle sweet kick that complements the rolls perfectly.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, inviting aroma that makes every bite comforting.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of spicy warmth that enriches the flavor profile.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle depth and complexity to the custard.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors by balancing them.
• Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Essential for cooking the toast to a golden, crispy perfection.
• Optional toppings: Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, coconut flakes – personalize your breakfast to your heart’s content.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Together the Custard

Start by cracking all six eggs into a large bowl, then pour in the milk and heavy cream. Add sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and just a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved. This custard is where all the flavor and creaminess begin, soaking into the Hawaiian rolls to create that memorable texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls

Gently separate your Hawaiian sweet rolls from the package. If you want that fun, impressive look, keep them attached as a slab and slice the slab horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket for the custard to soak into. If you prefer individual pieces, just skip the slicing and work with them as is. Both ways are delicious; it’s all about what’s convenient or special for your breakfast setup.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

If using the slab, carefully dip the split halves into the custard, making sure to saturate both top and bottom, and let it soak for 2 to 3 minutes each side. For separate rolls, immerse each one fully in the custard for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. This step is critical for that perfect custardy interior without turning soggy.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Let it melt completely, coating the surface to help achieve a golden, buttery crust on your French toast.

Step 5: Cook the French Toast

Transfer the custard-soaked Hawaiian rolls carefully into the hot skillet. For the slab method, lift the entire piece gently. For individual rolls, lay them side by side without overcrowding. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, until you see a gorgeous golden brown color forming and the bread is cooked through.

Step 6: Repeat with Remaining Rolls

Continue soaking and cooking the rest of your rolls, adding more butter to the skillet as needed to keep everything cooking evenly and deliciously.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

To be sure your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is cooked perfectly, gently poke the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go. If there’s a little wet batter, let it cook a bit longer to avoid any undercooked spots.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

French toast waits for no one! It’s best enjoyed warm and fresh from the skillet, with a crisp exterior and soft, custardy center. Sitting too long can cause some sogginess, so plate it up and get ready to indulge.

Step 9: Add Toppings

This is where Hawaiian Roll French Toast really shines with your personal flair. Whether it’s a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream, toppings transform this dish from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is like putting on the finishing touches of an exquisite painting. Powdered sugar dusted lightly uplifts the sweetness, while fresh berries add bright color and a refreshing pop. Coconut flakes or chopped nuts introduce texture and dimension that complement the soft richness of the bread.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage balances the sweetness with savory goodness. A fresh fruit salad or yogurt can add a light, tangy contrast, helping round out a breakfast that feels indulgent but balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the individual rolls into a towering breakfast “cake” or present the whole slab sliced into beautiful portions for an impressive brunch centerpiece. Drizzle colorful syrups and sprinkle your garnishes artistically to make every plate feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to cool it completely before covering to prevent sogginess from steam.

Freezing

Freeze cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container once frozen solid. This makes it easy to enjoy later without compromising the delightful texture. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that golden crust intact.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While you certainly can substitute regular bread, using Hawaiian sweet rolls gives this French toast its unique soft texture and subtle tropical flavor that regular bread cannot replicate. For the true experience, stick to Hawaiian rolls!

Is it necessary to slice the Hawaiian roll slab?

Not at all! Slicing the slab creates a custard pocket for extra soaking, resulting in a more custardy interior, but cooking individual rolls works just as well and can be easier for portion control.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and coconut cream. The flavor will change slightly but remain deliciously rich.

What toppings pair best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Because of the natural sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls, toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, and toasted coconut are especially wonderful. Feel free to get creative and add nuts or even a drizzle of chocolate!

How do I ensure my French toast doesn’t get soggy?

The key is soaking the rolls just long enough to absorb custard without becoming saturated, and serving immediately after cooking. Also, cooking over medium heat until crisp helps maintain a nice exterior texture.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is one of those recipes that makes mornings feel like a special occasion, filled with warmth and sweetness in every bite. It’s easy to prepare, comforting to eat, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste buds and creativity. I encourage you to give this joyful dish a try—you might just find your new favorite breakfast tradition!

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