If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s truly memorable and bursting with sweet, tender flavor, you’ve got to try this Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast. The soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls soak up a vanilla-cinnamon custard perfectly, creating a dish that’s golden on the outside and meltingly rich on the inside. Paired with a dusting of powdered sugar and your favorite toppings, it’s a total game changer for weekend mornings or special occasions — every bite feels like a warm hug from the islands.

Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and that iconic golden crust. Each item plays its part in turning everyday Hawaiian rolls into an unforgettable feast for your taste buds.

Hawaiian rolls (12 rolls): Their signature fluffy texture and subtle sweetness make for the ultimate base.
Large eggs (4): Binding everything together and creating a rich custard soak.
Whole milk or half-and-half (1 cup): Adds creaminess and depth to the custard.
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the soak just enough to complement the rolls.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, fragrant note to the custard.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Offers a gentle spice that elevates every bite.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Butter (2 tablespoons): For cooking, helping achieve that irresistible golden crust.
Powdered sugar: Perfect for a light, elegant dusting before serving.
Maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream: Classic toppings to personalize your creation.

How to Make Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard

Start by whisking together the eggs, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until everything is completely blended. This custard is the heart of the dish, infusing the rolls with rich, aromatic flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 2: Slice the Rolls

Next, carefully separate or slice your Hawaiian rolls. Keeping them thick and pillowy is key because you want each piece to soak up enough custard without becoming soggy and falling apart. Treat them gently — these fluffy sweet rolls are a treasure.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Place your sliced rolls in a shallow dish, then pour the custard over them. Let each piece soak for about 30 seconds per side. The timing here is crucial; you want just enough custard absorbed for a creamy inside but with enough structure to hold through cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Rolls

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter until sizzling. Add the soaked rolls and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden brown. Cooking on medium heat allows the inside to cook through without burning the outside, delivering that perfect crunch and warmth.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Stack your golden Hawaiian roll French toast on a plate, dust them generously with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup. For an extra pop of freshness and indulgence, top with fresh berries or a swirl of whipped cream. That’s the finishing touch that makes this dish truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Simple powdered sugar dustings and maple syrup are classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative! A handful of vibrant fresh berries or a spoonful of lightly whipped cream adds both color and a luscious contrast to the sweet rolls. Toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of toasted nuts work wonderfully too.

Side Dishes

Pair your Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast with crisp bacon or sausage for a salty counterpoint. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy yogurt parfait makes for a refreshing complement, balancing the richness of the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the French toast rolls into a mini tower and drizzle with fruit compote for a brunch-worthy presentation. You could also skewer a few pieces with berries in between for a playful finger food option at a breakfast party. The soft rolls make it fun to experiment with plating!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, ready to be enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick breakfast fix.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can pull out exactly how many you need without thawing the whole batch. Frozen rolls stay good for up to one month.

Reheating

Warm leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or regular oven to keep the edges crisp, or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry (just be aware it softens the texture). Reheating gently preserves that golden crust and creamy center.

FAQs

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

Absolutely, but Hawaiian rolls are special because of their fluffy texture and sweet flavor, which complement the custard beautifully. Using other soft rolls or brioche will work too, but the final flavor and texture might differ slightly.

What’s the best way to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?

The key is to soak them just long enough to absorb the custard without oversaturating. About 30 seconds per side usually does the trick, especially with soft Hawaiian rolls that soak up liquid quickly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap out whole milk or half-and-half for your favorite dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Using plant-based milk keeps the custard creamy and delicious with a slightly different but tasty twist.

Is it better to use fresh or slightly stale Hawaiian rolls?

Slightly stale rolls are actually perfect for this recipe as they hold up better when soaking in the custard, helping prevent a mushy texture. If your rolls are fresh, just be extra careful with soaking times.

How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?

Kids often love the natural sweetness of Hawaiian rolls, but you can sweeten the custard a bit more or serve with fun toppings like chocolate chips, peanut butter, or sliced bananas to make it even more appealing.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say that making this Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast will elevate your breakfast game in ways you didn’t think possible. The harmony of soft, sweet rolls, creamy custard, and that golden crust, all finished with your favorite toppings, is pure breakfast bliss. Grab some Hawaiian rolls, make the custard, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a morning meal you’ll be dreaming about until next time.

Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Unforgettable Hawaiian Roll French Toast features soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard mixture and cooked to golden perfection. A delightful twist on classic French toast, it offers a tender, fluffy center with a caramelized crust, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.

Instructions

Prepare the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined to create a smooth custard mixture.
Slice the rolls: Carefully separate or slice the Hawaiian rolls apart, making sure to keep them thick and pillowy for the best texture.
Soak the rolls: Place the rolls in a shallow dish and pour the custard mixture over them. Let them soak for about 30 seconds per side, allowing absorption without becoming soggy.
Cook the rolls: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the soaked rolls. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Stack the cooked rolls on a plate, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Optionally, top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

Don’t oversoak the rolls to prevent sogginess; Hawaiian rolls absorb liquid quickly.
Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the outside while ensuring the inside cooks through.
Use fresh but slightly stale or day-old rolls for better soaking and texture.
Keep the skillet buttery but not greasy to achieve a perfect golden crust.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American