Introduction

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Using soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls gives the dish a tender texture and a subtle tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and vanilla. It’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests.

A white plate holds a stack of nine pieces of thick, golden-brown French toast arranged in three layers: the bottom layer has five pieces laid side by side, the middle layer has three pieces stacked unevenly, and the top layer has one piece centered, dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The French toast pieces have a caramelized, crispy texture on the surface with a soft, fluffy inside, and syrup glistens at the base of the stack. The plate is set on a wooden board, placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
3 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2–3 tablespoons butter (for frying)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating two even layers for each roll.
Step 3: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a pat of butter to coat the surface.
Step 4: Dip each roll half into the egg mixture, coating both sides but avoiding soaking them too much to prevent sogginess.
Step 5: Place the dipped rolls on the hot skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp around the edges.
Step 6: Arrange the French toast on a serving plate, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, use half-and-half instead of milk and cream in the egg mixture.
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a warmer spice flavor.
Serve with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for added freshness and color.
Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking and make flipping easier.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to help retain crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

A stack of five thick French toast slices sits on a white plate, each piece showing a golden brown, crispy surface with caramelized edges. The top slice is dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, while a glossy layer of syrup drips down the sides, giving a shiny and moist look. The toast layers reveal a fluffy, soft inside with a slight crisp on the outside. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a hint of a purple floral cloth beneath it. 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, you can substitute with regular sandwich bread, brioche, or challah. However, Hawaiian rolls provide a unique sweetness and softness that make this recipe special.

How can I prevent the French toast from being soggy?

Dip the rolls briefly in the egg mixture to coat without saturating them. Also, make sure the skillet is properly heated before cooking to create a crisp exterior quickly.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 700 reviews

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into a delightful breakfast treat. Coated in a creamy vanilla-cinnamon egg mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for weekend mornings or special brunches.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 12 French toast halves (6 whole rolls halved) 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast Base

1 package (12-count) Hawaiian rolls
3 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2–3 tablespoons butter (for frying)

Toppings

Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Maple syrup (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful custard base.
Slice the Rolls: Carefully cut the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, creating two even layers from each roll to ensure thorough coating and cooking.
Dip the Rolls: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a pat of butter to coat the cooking surface. Dip each roll half into the egg mixture, making sure both sides are coated evenly but not soaked to prevent sogginess.
Cook the Rolls: Place the dipped rolls onto the heated skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the surface is golden brown and slightly crisp along the edges, ensuring the bread is cooked through and deliciously caramelized.
Serve Immediately: Arrange the cooked French toast rolls on a serving plate. Lightly dust them with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use Hawaiian rolls fresh from the package for the best soft texture and sweetness.
Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar in the egg mixture according to your taste preference.
Butter can be substituted with oil for frying if preferred, but butter adds a richer flavor.
Serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream for added indulgence.
To keep cooked French toast warm before serving, place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) while finishing the batch.

Keywords: Hawaiian Roll French Toast, Sweet Breakfast, Cinnamon French Toast, Easy Brunch Recipe, Pan-fried French Toast