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Hawaiian Roll French Toast is my favorite twist on the classic morning treat for when I want breakfast to feel special without a ton of work. Sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls soak up a cinnamon-vanilla custard and get pan-cooked to golden perfection. The result is a warm stack of melt-in-your-mouth French toast that feels both familiar and exciting. Perfect for easy brunches or lazy weekends when you want something just a little bit extra.
My first time making this was actually on a random Saturday when we had leftover King’s Hawaiian rolls that were a bit stale. It took hardly any extra work to turn them into something my whole family now requests for holiday mornings.
Ingredients
- King’s Hawaiian Rolls: Adds fluffy texture and sweet flavor Look for the original twelve-pack and try to use them within three days of buying for peak freshness
- Large Eggs: These give structure to the custard Choose eggs with bright yolks for a richer color and taste
- Half-and-Half or Whole Milk: For a silky custard Half-and-half creates a creamier result but whole milk works great too
- Vanilla Extract: Brings out that warm dessert vibe Pure vanilla is best if you have it
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warming spice Always use ground cinnamon over cinnamon sugar for the purest flavor
- Brown Sugar: A little brown sugar adds sweet notes that pair so well with the brioche-like rolls Look for soft and clump-free sugar
- Salt: Even just a pinch deepens all the flavors and balances the sweetness
- Butter: For a golden brown crust on every roll Opt for unsalted if possible and use fresh for best results
- Powdered Sugar, Fresh Berries, Maple Syrup, Whipped Cream, Chocolate Chips or Caramel Drizzle: Pick and choose your toppings or use what’s on hand The fresher the berries the better and real maple syrup is worth the splurge
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Custard:
- Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth and frothy Then add in half-and-half vanilla cinnamon brown sugar and salt Whisk until completely blended The custard should be a little bubbly on top and creamy throughout
- Prep the Rolls:
- Do not pull apart the rolls Keep them attached for easier dipping Poke small holes in the bottoms with a toothpick This step helps the bread soak up custard without falling apart
- Soak the Rolls:
- Pour the custard into a shallow pan Dip the entire pack of rolls or individual rolls letting them sit for about thirty seconds on each side Flip gently so every side gets soaked Avoid letting them get soggy or they will fall apart later
- Cook the Rolls:
- Melt two tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low Heat until the butter begins to foam Place soaked rolls onto the hot skillet Cook about two minutes per side turning to ensure all surfaces brown evenly Add more butter as you go if needed Cook in batches to give each piece space and prevent crowding
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once golden brown move the French toast to a serving platter Dust with powdered sugar while still warm Pile on toppings like berries syrup or whipped cream Serve immediately for the best texture
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I absolutely love the way the cinnamon and vanilla scent fills my whole kitchen when these are sizzling. My daughter always offers to be in charge of the toppings and we end up with a masterpiece every time.
Storage Tips
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is best right off the stove but leftovers keep well. Store cooled pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat on a skillet over low heat to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving since it makes them too soft.
Ingredient Swaps
No Hawaiian rolls Choose brioche or challah for a similarly soft and sweet result. Dairy allergies Almond milk or oat milk does the trick for the custard and any plant-based butter will work in the pan. Out of brown sugar Try coconut sugar or white sugar with a splash of honey.
Serving Suggestions
Bring a brunch vibe by stacking on a platter with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar. For dessert, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle caramel sauce. For a family-friendly gathering, set up a toppings bar and let everyone build their own.
Brief History
French toast is rooted in old recipes designed to use up stale bread, and different cultures have their own spin. Using Hawaiian rolls is a playful American take, offering both nostalgia and a tropical note that makes the dish extra celebratory.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the custard in advance?
Yes, the custard mixture can be made the night before and refrigerated, allowing for quick assembly and cooking in the morning.
- → What can I use if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Brioche, challah, or any soft dinner rolls make excellent substitutes, offering a similar soft, fluffy texture and mild sweetness.
- → How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
Poke small holes for better absorption and soak each roll for about 30 seconds per side. Avoid oversoaking to maintain structure.
- → What toppings pair well with this dish?
Popular accompaniments include maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, and drizzles of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap in almond, oat, or soy milk for dairy milk and use a plant-based butter alternative to suit dairy-free needs.