Get ready to take your French toast game to the next level with Hawaiian Roll French Toast! Soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls soak up a rich, cinnamon-kissed custard, then get pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth, slightly caramelized, and totally irresistible breakfast (or brunch) treat.
The best part? It’s super easy to make, comes together in minutes, and feels just fancy enough for a special occasion without any extra effort. Whether you drizzle it with maple syrup, dust it with powdered sugar, or pile on fresh fruit, trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Hawaiian rolls make the BEST French toast. Their natural sweetness and soft, fluffy texture soak up just the right amount of custard without getting soggy.
- Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. A quick pan-fry in butter gives them that golden crust while keeping the center pillowy and rich.
- Perfect for brunch (or breakfast-for-dinner). These little bites of heaven are ideal for feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something extra special.
- Customizable! Keep it classic with syrup and powdered sugar or get creative with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel.
- No slicing necessary. Unlike traditional French toast, which requires cutting bread into thick slices, Hawaiian rolls are already the perfect size!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious treat:
- Hawaiian rolls – Slightly sweet and soft, perfect for absorbing the custard.
- Eggs – The base of the custard that holds everything together.
- Milk – Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, rich batter.
- Heavy cream (optional but recommended!) – Makes the custard even more luscious and indulgent.
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon – Brings a cozy, slightly spiced flavor.
- Nutmeg (optional) – A pinch gives a subtle depth of flavor.
- Butter – For frying, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Maple syrup or powdered sugar – For that final sweet touch.
- Fresh fruit (optional) – Strawberries, bananas, or blueberries make a perfect topping.
📌 Note: Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Make the Custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. The mixture should be well combined, with no visible streaks of egg.
Step 2: Dip the Rolls
One at a time, quickly dunk each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Don’t soak them too long! Hawaiian rolls are super soft and will fall apart if they get too wet just a quick dip is enough.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Melt a generous amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. You want the pan hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that the rolls burn before they cook through.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown
Place the soaked rolls in the pan, leaving space between them. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy all around.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer to a plate, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with warm maple syrup, and top with fresh fruit if desired. Then, take a bite and prepare to fall in love!
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Don’t oversoak the rolls. Hawaiian rolls are softer than traditional bread, so a quick dip in the custard is enough. Too much soaking, and they’ll turn mushy!
- Use slightly stale rolls. If your Hawaiian rolls are fresh, leave them out overnight to dry a bit. This helps them hold up better in the custard.
- Adjust the sweetness. Hawaiian rolls already have a bit of sweetness, so taste your custard before adding extra sugar.
- Cook on medium heat. Too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks through; too low, and you won’t get that perfect golden crust.
- For extra crispiness, use a little sugar. Sprinkling a bit of sugar on the rolls before frying creates a caramelized crust that’s chef’s kiss perfection!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
There are SO many ways to enjoy this Hawaiian Roll French Toast! Here are some delicious serving ideas:
- Classic style – Maple syrup + powdered sugar = heaven.
- Tropical twist – Top with sliced bananas, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of honey.
- Berry bliss – Pile on fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing balance.
- Indulgent treat – Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel and add a scoop of whipped cream.
- Sweet & savory combo – Serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for the ultimate sweet-savory balance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Arrange cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
- Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes for that just-made texture.
- Toaster: Pop them in a toaster for a quick, crispy warm-up.
- Microwave: Works in a pinch, but they’ll be softer rather than crispy.
FAQs about Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes! While Hawaiian rolls add a slightly sweet, buttery flavor, you can use brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread. Just cut them into small, roll-sized pieces for a similar effect.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and refrigerate it. The French toast is best fresh, but you can also make it ahead and reheat using the methods above.
What’s the best way to keep them warm for serving?
If you’re making a big batch, keep cooked French toast warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until ready to serve. This keeps them hot and crispy!
More Must-Read Food Articles
If you love exploring delicious recipes and interesting food insights, check out these must-read articles:
- The Disadvantage of Sourdough Bread: What You Need to Know – While sourdough has many health benefits, it’s not for everyone! Learn about the potential downsides before making it your go-to bread.
- What’s the Difference Between Crème Brûlée and Custard? – If you’ve ever wondered how these two creamy desserts compare, this article breaks it all down!
- What Makes Cracker Barrel’s Hashbrown Casserole Special? – Discover the secret behind this cheesy, crispy, and comforting dish that keeps people coming back for more.
- What Is Three Sisters Soup Made Of? – A hearty and historic dish packed with corn, beans, and squash, this soup is a staple of Native American cuisine.
And there you have it Hawaiian Roll French Toast that’s crispy, golden, soft, and utterly delicious! This recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most magical meals. Whether you’re making it for a lazy Sunday brunch, a special occasion, or just because you deserve a little treat (which you totally do!), this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab those Hawaiian rolls, whip up that custard, and get ready for the most indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth French toast experience. And don’t forget to drizzle generously with maple syrup because life’s too short for dry French toast!
Give Hawaiian Roll French Toast a try, and let me know how you served it! Did you go classic with powdered sugar, or did you get creative with toppings? Drop a comment below I’d love to hear all about it. Enjoy!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls take classic French toast to the next level! These pillowy rolls soak up a rich, cinnamon-infused custard, then get pan-fried to golden, crispy perfection. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth breakfast that’s easy, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for brunch, holidays, or a sweet morning treat!
Ingredients
French Toast
- 12 Hawaiian rolls – Slightly sweet and perfect for soaking up the custard.
- 3 large eggs – The base of the rich, creamy custard.
- ½ cup (120ml) milk – Adds moisture and a silky texture.
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream – Optional but recommended for extra richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and a cozy, spiced flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Optional, but a pinch brings extra depth.
- 2 tablespoons butter – For frying and giving a golden, crispy crust.
For Serving
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup – Classic and delicious!
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) – A light dusting for extra sweetness.
- Fresh fruit – Strawberries, bananas, or berries for a refreshing touch.
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fully combined.
Quickly dunk each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, making sure all sides are coated. Do not oversoak, as the rolls are very soft and can become too soggy.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until it starts to sizzle. You want the pan hot enough to crisp up the rolls but not too hot that they burn.
Place the soaked rolls in the pan, leaving space between them. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides.
Transfer to a plate, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh fruit if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use slightly stale rolls – They absorb the custard better without getting mushy.
- For extra caramelization, sprinkle a little sugar on the rolls before frying.
- Adjust sweetness – Hawaiian rolls are naturally sweet, so taste your custard before adding sugar.
- Want a dairy-free version? Use almond, oat, or coconut milk and a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Make a big batch? Keep cooked French toast warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, easy French toast, sweet breakfast, brunch recipes, quick French toast, cinnamon French toast