There is something truly magical about combining the soft, slightly sweet texture of Hawaiian rolls with the classic comfort of French toast. This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe takes breakfast to a whole new level by turning fluffy little rolls into golden, cinnamon-kissed delights. It’s quick, easy, and utterly irresistible—perfect for those mornings when you want something special but fuss-free. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to weekend treat or a fun surprise for brunch gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the creamy custard soak to the buttery skillet sear, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color.
- 3 large eggs: The base of the custard mixture, providing structure and richness.
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream: Adds a velvety creaminess that makes the toast extra decadent.
- 1 Tbsp vanilla: Infuses a sweet, aromatic depth to the custard.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Offers warmth and subtle spice for classic French toast flavor.
- 3 tbsp butter: For perfectly crisp, golden edges while cooking.
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian Rolls: The star of the dish – soft, sweet, and perfect for soaking up that cinnamon custard.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. This mixture is your magic potion, creating that luscious custard coating that flavors every bite with warmth and sweetness.
Step 2: Heat the Butter
In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. The butter not only prevents sticking but also gives the Hawaiian rolls a beautiful golden crust that adds delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Step 3: Dunk the Rolls
Take each Hawaiian roll and poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork. This little trick helps the custard soak in more deeply. Then, quickly dunk each roll into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated on all sides but not soggy—just enough to soak up that flavorful custard.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Place the custard-soaked rolls in your buttered skillet and cook them for about 2 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a golden brown exterior that’s crispy yet tender inside—the perfect harmony that makes this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe a standout.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar or a dusting of cinnamon over these golden rolls adds a beautiful finishing touch. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of maple syrup elevate the flavors and add vibrant color, making your plate as inviting as the aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful French toast rolls with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory balance, or add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side for a creamy, tangy contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a simple smoothie also brightens the meal with refreshing notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the Hawaiian Roll French Toast like sliders and serve with toothpicks for a fun brunch party treat. Or arrange them alongside yogurt parfaits in small glasses for a brunch buffet that looks as incredible as it tastes. The possibilities to impress are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though they may disappear fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days and remain delicious enough for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast for up to one month. Place the cooled rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This way, you always have a quick breakfast option ready to go.
Reheating
To bring your leftover French toast rolls back to life, reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the rolls soggy instead of maintaining their delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls provide a unique sweetness and softness, regular rolls will work too. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?
You can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half, though the custard won’t be quite as rich and creamy. The heavy cream adds that luxurious fullness that makes this recipe so special.
How long can I leave the rolls soaking in the custard?
Because Hawaiian rolls are soft, you want to dunk them quickly to prevent them from becoming too soggy. A quick dip on each side—just a few seconds—is perfect for soaking up enough custard without falling apart.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based spread, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat in place of heavy cream. The result will still be delightful with just a slight difference in flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely. This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe scales up easily, making 12 rolls at once. Just keep them warm in the oven on low heat while you finish cooking the rest for a seamless, crowd-pleasing breakfast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a breakfast or brunch treat that’s as comforting as it is exciting, trust me on this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe. It’s simple, charming, and packed with flavor—a perfect way to brighten any morning. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this sweet, fluffy delight that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe featuring soft, sweet rolls dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cooking
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian Rolls
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and smooth.
- Melt Butter: Place a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter evenly across the surface to prevent sticking.
- Dip Rolls: Using a fork, poke a few holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. Quickly dunk each roll into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are well-coated but not soaked.
- Cook Rolls: Arrange the coated rolls in the preheated skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until they achieve a golden brown color and a slight crisp on the outside.
Notes
- Do not soak the rolls too long or they may become soggy and difficult to handle.
- Use medium-high heat to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
- Serve with syrup, fresh fruit, or powdered sugar for added flavor.
- Adjust the cinnamon to taste for less or more spice.
