Dreamy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe for Sweet Mornings

Crafting this delectable Hawaiian roll French toast brings pure morning magic to your breakfast table.

Small sweet rolls create an unexpected twist on classic recipes.

Pillowy bread slices absorb rich custard with incredible softness.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of tropical sweetness and comforting warmth.

Weekend brunch enthusiasts will adore this simple yet impressive dish.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor in every golden-brown slice.

You’ll want to savor every decadent morsel of this irresistible morning treat.

FAQs

• Can I use regular rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While you can substitute, Hawaiian rolls offer a unique sweetness and soft texture that makes this French toast special. Regular rolls might work but won’t provide the same delightful flavor profile.

• Is heavy cream necessary for the recipe?

Heavy cream creates a richer, more luxurious custard. If unavailable, you can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the texture and richness will be slightly different.

• How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart when soaking?

Gently dip the rolls in the custard mixture and avoid over-soaking. Handle them carefully and use a spatula to transfer them to the skillet. Slightly stale rolls can also hold up better during the soaking process.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the custard mixture the night before and keep it refrigerated. Cook the French toast just before serving to maintain the crispy exterior and soft interior.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast That’s Soft and Sweet

• Quick Breakfast Hack: Transform ordinary Hawaiian rolls into a gourmet breakfast with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Speedy Cooking Time: Whip up this delightful dish in just 15-20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute weekend brunches.
• Kid-Approved Treat: Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls create a child-friendly version of French toast that's both fun to eat and easy to make.
• Versatile Topping Paradise: Customize with endless toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or classic maple syrup to suit every taste preference.

Toasty, Sweet Layers for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet bread base that soaks up custard perfectly, best when slightly stale for better absorption.
• Eggs: Rich binding agent that creates creamy custard texture and adds protein.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Smooth liquid components that make custard rich and luxurious.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization during cooking.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, deep flavor complexity.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that complement sweet breakfast dishes.
• Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Provides golden browning and prevents sticking, adds rich flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Classic sweet topping for French toast.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional decorative and sweet finishing touch.

French Toast Hawaiian Roll Prep Steps

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Custard

In a medium bowl, blend eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated, creating a luscious custard base.

Step 2: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Fire up a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a pat of butter, ensuring a deliciously golden cooking surface.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Gently dip each Hawaiian roll (cut side down if halved) into the custard mixture, allowing it to absorb the flavors for 5-10 seconds.

Let any excess custard drip off, preventing soggy results.

Step 4: Sizzle and Brown

Carefully place the soaked rolls onto the heated skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a beautiful golden brown.

Work in batches, adding more butter as needed to maintain that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 5: Keep Rolls Warm

Transfer the cooked rolls to a plate, keeping them warm and ready for the final touch.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Immediately present yourt with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of fresh fruits, or whatever delightful toppings make your taste buds dance.

Sweet Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Briefly dip Hawaiian rolls into the custard mixture to prevent soggy bread while ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
• Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the delicate rolls.
• Cook rolls in small batches to maintain consistent temperature and prevent overcrowding in the skillet.
• Experiment with various toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce to elevate the classic French toast.
• Mix custard ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time during morning cooking.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Reheat

• Store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to preserve quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Warm in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to maintain original crispness.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm in preheated oven at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. Drizzle fresh maple syrup before serving to refresh flavor and moisture.

Syrup or Fruit Ideas for Hawaiian French Toast

• Pair with Tropical Fruit Compote: Chop fresh pineapple, mango, and passion fruit to create a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired topping that complements the sweet and rich French toast.
• Enhance with Coconut Rum Syrup: Mix maple syrup with a splash of coconut rum for a decadent sauce that amplifies the tropical flavors of the Hawaiian rolls.
• Match with Macadamia Nut Sprinkle: Toast and crush macadamia nuts to sprinkle over the French toast, adding a delightful crunch and nutty dimension that echoes the Hawaiian theme.
• Serve with Kona Coffee: Brew a smooth, rich Kona coffee to balance the sweetness of the French toast and provide a perfect morning beverage pairing.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Sweet Spins

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free bread or roll alternatives, ensuring the custard mix remains the same for a celiac-friendly breakfast.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute milk and heavy cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk to create a lactose-free version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and serve with fresh berries instead of maple syrup to reduce overall sugar content.
• Protein-Packed Boost: Incorporate a scoop of vanilla protein powder into the custard mixture for added nutrition, perfect for post-workout breakfast or fitness enthusiasts.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Buttery Hawaiian roll French toast blends sweet tropical flavors with rich breakfast comfort. Pillowy rolls soaked in vanilla-cinnamon custard create a luxurious morning treat you’ll savor with pure breakfast bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch of salt

Cooking and Serving Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Maple syrup
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh fruits

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Instructions

1. Create a silky custard by whisking eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat, melting butter to create a golden cooking surface.
3. Gently immerse each Hawaiian roll into the luxurious custard mixture, ensuring thorough but brief coating (roughly 5-10 seconds), allowing excess liquid to drip away.
4. Carefully arrange the custard-drenched rolls onto the heated skillet, cooking until each side transforms into a rich, caramelized golden-brown hue (approximately 2-3 minutes per side).
5. Cook rolls in manageable batches, replenishing butter as necessary to prevent sticking and maintain an even cooking surface.
6. Strategically transfer cooked rolls to a warming plate, preserving their temperature and texture.
7. Present immediately, accompanied by classic embellishments like maple syrup, a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, vibrant fresh fruits, or personalized toppings that complement the dish’s sweet profile.

Notes

• Soak rolls briefly to prevent soggy texture, ensuring they absorb custard without falling apart.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more evenly blended custard mixture.
• Experiment with alternative milk options like almond or oat milk for dairy-free version.
• Enhance flavor by adding orange zest or replacing vanilla with almond extract for unique twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 150mg