If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a warm hug and a little celebration all at once, you absolutely must try this Hawaiian Roll French Toast. It transforms sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into golden, custardy bites of heaven that soak up all the flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of brown sugar. This recipe is quick, comforting, and perfect for lazy weekend mornings or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. You’ll soon discover why the Hawaiian Roll French Toast has a special place in so many hearts (and stomachs) everywhere.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the sweet Hawaiian rolls provide a tender base, the eggs and half and half make a rich custard soaking into every nook, and the cinnamon and vanilla bring warmth and aroma that truly elevate the dish.

12-pack Kings sweet Hawaiian Rolls: These rolls are perfectly soft and sweet, which gives the French toast a tender, delightful texture and flavor.
3 large eggs: Eggs are essential for the custard mix, helping the rolls soak up the delicious flavors while giving structure.
¾ cup half and half (or whole milk): This adds creamy richness to the custard soak, ensuring each bite is moist and luscious.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Vanilla infuses a fragrant sweetness, making the French toast extra comforting and inviting.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, elevating the flavor profile with a cozy spice note.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar brings a subtle caramel flavor and enhances the roll’s natural sweetness.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors perfectly.
4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted): Butter is your best friend for cooking, giving a golden crust and rich buttery flavor.
Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup: For topping, to add brightness, extra sweetness, and a beautiful finish.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Whisk the Custard Mixture

Start by cracking your eggs into a large bowl. Pour in the half and half and whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. No bits of egg whites visible. This custard is where all the magic begins, soaking into the rolls and turning them irresistibly soft inside.

Step 2: Add Flavorful Spices and Sugar

Next, stir in your vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and just a small pinch of salt. This blend gives your custard that perfect balance of sweet and spice, making every bite sing.

Step 3: Prep the Rolls

Grab a toothpick or skewer and gently poke a few holes in the bottoms of each Hawaiian roll. This simple trick helps the custard soak in a little better, resulting in a more flavorful French toast without getting soggy.

Step 4: Soak the Rolls

Drop a few rolls at a time into your custard mixture, letting them soak for about 30 seconds. Do not soak longer than this, or the rolls will get too mushy and won’t crisp up properly.

Step 5: Heat the Pan and Melt Butter

Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. This is key — cooking too hot will burn the outsides before the centers have a chance to cook through. Add about 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, coating the pan evenly.

Step 6: Cook the Rolls

Using tongs, add the soaked Hawaiian rolls to your skillet. Cook each side for about 30 seconds, flipping carefully to get each of the four sides golden and slightly crispy, including the top and bottom. Take your time flipping gently — the perfect crust is worth it!

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Once all the rolls are golden and done, plate them right away. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and add fresh berries or warm syrup for the ultimate indulgence. A side of crisp bacon pairs wonderfully with this sweet treat too!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Enhance your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with toppings that brighten both the flavor and appearance. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch, while fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries offer bursts of freshness and color. Don’t be shy with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup to tie everything together into a morning masterpiece.

Side Dishes

This dish is sweet and rich, so savory sides make a fantastic balance. Crispy bacon, breakfast sausage, or even a handful of toasted nuts provide texture and a hit of saltiness to complement the Hawaiian roll’s sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a scoop of creamy yogurt also work beautifully for lighter options.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try slicing the Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create little French toast sliders—layer with cream cheese and jam for a brunch party hit. You can also stack them up as mini French toast towers, adding whipped cream and fruit between layers for an impressive yet easy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Hawaiian Roll French Toast leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, allowing you a quick reheat option for the next morning.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and keeps their texture intact. Frozen Hawaiian Roll French Toast can last up to two months, making it an excellent make-ahead option.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast is in a toaster oven or under the broiler for just a few minutes. This method crisps up the outside again while keeping the rolls tender inside, far better than microwaving, which can make them rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While you can, the signature sweetness and softness of Hawaiian rolls really make this French toast extra special. Regular bread will taste great but won’t have the same tender, fluffy bite.

Is half and half necessary or can I use milk?

Half and half adds richness, but using whole milk is totally fine too if that’s what you have on hand. Just expect a slightly lighter texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make it vegan, substitute eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. The result will still be delicious but with some variations in texture.

How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Just soak the Hawaiian rolls for about 30 seconds and no longer. Also, cooking on medium-low heat ensures they crisp nicely without becoming mushy inside.

What toppings are best for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Classic toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries are always perfect. You can also get creative with nut butter, whipped cream, or toasted coconut for a tropical flair.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delightfully sweet and fluffy breakfast that’s both simple and impressive, the Hawaiian Roll French Toast is your new go-to. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is so easy to whip up anytime you want. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home and savor every bite with your favorite toppings and sides. Trust me, once you taste it, Hawaiian Roll French Toast will become a cherished favorite morning after morning!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet Hawaiian rolls into a delightful, fluffy breakfast treat. Soaked in a rich cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection, these rolls are perfect to serve with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Instructions

Prepare the egg mixture: Crack the eggs into a large bowl and add the half and half. Whisk until fully combined and no egg whites remain visible.
Add flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a small pinch of salt. Whisk again until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Prep the rolls: Use a toothpick or skewer to poke a few holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll to help the egg mixture soak in better.
Soak the rolls: Place a few rolls at a time into the egg mixture and let them soak for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to soak longer to prevent mushiness.
Heat the skillet: Warm a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid high heat to ensure the rolls cook evenly without burning.
Add butter: Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. You can add more butter for each batch of rolls cooked.
Cook the rolls: Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook each side for about 30 seconds or until golden brown. Remember to cook all four sides plus the top and bottom, turning carefully.
Serve: Once cooked, serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast immediately, topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and syrup. Bacon pairs well as a side.

Notes

Use a medium-low heat setting to prevent burning and ensure rolls cook through.
Do not soak the rolls for more than 30 seconds to avoid them becoming too soggy.
Cooking four rolls at a time allows for easier turning and even cooking.
Salted or unsalted butter can be used depending on your taste preference.
Variations include serving with bacon or your favorite breakfast Meat for a delightful sweet-savory twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Sweets
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: Cuban-American Fusion