Introduction

Hawaiian Roll French Toast offers a sweet and fluffy twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Using soft, sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls, this recipe soaks them in a cinnamon-vanilla custard before cooking to golden perfection. It’s an easy and indulgent way to start your day or impress guests.

A close-up view of four thick pieces of golden-brown French toast stacked on a white plate. Each piece shows a crispy, caramelized texture with slightly darker edges. There is a light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the toast, and syrup glistens as it drips down the sides, pooling at the base on the plate. The background shows a blurred white marbled surface with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
3 large eggs
3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons butter, for cooking
Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt, whisking until incorporated.
Step 2: Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll to help the custard soak in evenly.
Step 3: Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture and let it soak for 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. Avoid soaking longer to prevent sogginess.
Step 4: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Step 5: Cook the soaked rolls for 30 to 60 seconds per side until golden brown, carefully turning with a spatula to crisp all sides evenly.
Step 6: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of orange zest to the custard mixture.
Substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Use leftover rolls to make French toast sticks for a fun finger food option.
Top with toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.

Storage

Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the toaster oven to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of four pieces of thick, golden-brown French toast arranged on a white plate. Each piece has a toasted, crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside visible from the side. The top layer displays a light dusting of white powdered sugar and glistening syrup dripping over the edges, pooling slightly on the plate. The texture of the toast looks crispy and airy, with a warm yellow and light brown color palette. The background shows a white marbled surface under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, regular bread works, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness and soft texture that makes this recipe special.

How long should I soak the rolls in the custard?

Soak each roll for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. Longer soaking can cause sogginess and make the rolls fall apart while cooking.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe offers a delightful twist on classic French toast by using sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these custard-soaked rolls are pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup for an indulgent yet simple treat.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings (1 roll each) 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast Custard

3 large eggs
3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Pinch of salt

Main

1 (12-pack) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
4 tablespoons butter, for cooking

For Serving

Powdered sugar
Fresh fruit (such as berries)
Maple syrup

Instructions

Prepare the custard mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, and whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Prep the rolls: Using a toothpick or skewer, poke several holes in the bottom of each King’s Hawaiian roll to allow the custard to better soak in, ensuring each piece absorbs flavorful custard.
Soak the rolls: Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture. Let each roll soak for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides evenly, but avoid soaking too long to prevent sogginess.
Cook the French toast: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls onto the skillet and cook for 30 to 60 seconds per side, turning carefully with a spatula to brown all sides to a golden crisp.
Serve immediately: Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh fruit and maple syrup as desired for a sweet, flavorful finish.

Notes

Use medium to low heat to ensure the rolls cook through without burning the butter or french toast exterior.
Do not soak the rolls for more than 30 seconds to avoid sogginess.
King’s Hawaiian rolls are sweet, so adjust the sugar in the custard to your taste if you prefer less sweetness.
Fresh berries or other seasonal fruit complement the sweet richness of the rolls perfectly.
This recipe yields a warm and crispy exterior with a custardy soft interior for the perfect French toast experience.

Keywords: Hawaiian Roll French Toast, Sweet French Toast, Breakfast Recipes, Brunch Ideas, King’s Hawaiian Rolls