Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This Hawaiian roll French toast transforms ordinary breakfast into a special occasion dish with minimal effort. The sweet, tender Hawaiian rolls create a pillowy French toast that's both familiar and uniquely delicious—perfect for those mornings when you want something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe during a beach vacation when I needed to use up leftover Hawaiian rolls from the previous night's dinner. My family was so impressed they requested it three more times during our stay, and it's now our standard weekend breakfast treat.

Ingredients

• Hawaiian sweet rolls their slight sweetness and pillowy texture make them perfect for absorbing the custard mixture while maintaining structure
• Large eggs provide structure and richness to the French toast base
• Milk creates the perfect custard consistency look for whole milk for best results
• Heavy cream optional but adds an incredible richness that elevates this breakfast
• Granulated sugar enhances the sweetness without overwhelming choose pure cane for best flavor
• Vanilla extract adds aromatic warmth use pure rather than imitation for optimal flavor
• Cinnamon adds warm spice notes that complement the sweet rolls perfectly
• Salt a small amount balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors
• Butter for cooking gives a beautiful golden exterior and rich flavor use unsalted
• Powdered sugar creates a beautiful finishing touch and additional sweetness
• Maple syrup the perfect complement use real maple syrup for the best experience

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Custard Mix

Whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until fully combined and no egg streaks remain. The mixture should be smooth and well blended to ensure even flavor throughout the French toast. I find a flat whisk works best for this step, but any whisk will do.

Prepare The Rolls

Decide whether to keep the rolls connected or separate them individually. For a family style presentation, slice the entire pack horizontally through the middle to create top and bottom sections. For individual servings, gently pull rolls apart at the seams. Either method works beautifully, though connected rolls create a fun pull apart experience.

Soak The Rolls

Dip each roll or section into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10 seconds on each side. Hawaiian rolls absorb liquid quickly, so watch carefully they should become saturated but not soggy enough to fall apart. A shallow pie dish works perfectly for this step as it allows for even soaking.

Cook To Golden Perfection

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to bubble but not brown. Place the soaked rolls onto the hot surface, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, watching for a golden brown exterior while ensuring the custard fully cooks through the center.

Finish And Serve

Transfer cooked French toast to warm plates or a serving platter. For the most impressive presentation, dust generously with powdered sugar using a small sieve for even distribution. Drizzle with warm maple syrup just before serving, and if desired, add a pat of butter on top to melt luxuriously over the warm rolls.

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My family's favorite variation involves adding a teaspoon of coconut extract to the custard and garnishing with toasted coconut flakes. It reinforces the Hawaiian theme and reminds us of our favorite vacation spot on Maui where we first tried something similar at a beachside café.

Fruit Pairings

Hawaiian roll French toast pairs beautifully with tropical fruits to enhance its island inspiration. Fresh pineapple chunks provide bright acidity that cuts through the richness, while sliced mango adds natural sweetness with floral notes. For a complete tropical experience, add sliced banana and a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts. This colorful fruit medley not only complements the flavors but also creates a visually stunning breakfast that feels like a vacation on a plate.

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare this French toast ahead of time to simplify your morning routine. Mix the custard the night before and refrigerate in a covered container. For the absolute best results, soak the rolls in the morning just before cooking. However, if you need a truly grab and go option, you can fully prepare and cook the French toast, then refrigerate once cooled. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through, though this method sacrifices some of the textural contrast between the crisp exterior and soft interior.

Perfect Accompaniments

While delicious on its own, this Hawaiian roll French toast shines when paired with complementary sides. Crispy bacon provides a savory counterpoint to the sweet toast, while a small dish of vanilla yogurt creates a creamy dipping alternative to maple syrup. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside a simple fruit salad dressed with honey and lime juice. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the French toast while maintaining the tropical theme that makes this recipe so special.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, though Hawaiian rolls provide unique sweetness and texture, you can substitute brioche, challah, or Texas toast. Adjust soaking time based on bread density - denser breads benefit from longer soaking.

→ How do I prevent the Hawaiian rolls from falling apart when soaked?

Keep soaking time brief (5-10 seconds per side) and handle gently. If keeping rolls connected, the structure helps them remain intact. For individual rolls, a quick dip works best, ensuring they're moistened but not saturated.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the egg mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Cooked French toast can be reheated in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. For meal prep, freeze cooled pieces and reheat in toaster or oven.

→ What toppings pair well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Beyond maple syrup and powdered sugar, try tropical options like sliced bananas, pineapple, coconut flakes, or macadamia nuts. Whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of coconut syrup complement the Hawaiian theme beautifully.

→ Is heavy cream necessary for the recipe?

Heavy cream adds richness but isn't essential. You can use all milk instead or substitute half-and-half. For dairy-free versions, almond, coconut, or oat milk work well, though the texture may vary slightly.

→ How do I know when the French toast is fully cooked?

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is done when both sides are golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side) and the center feels set, not soggy. The egg mixture should be completely cooked, with no runny areas when you press gently.