If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that instantly brightens the morning, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is about to become your new obsession. Imagine plush, sweet Hawaiian rolls infused with a silky vanilla custard, then pan-seared until golden outside and irresistibly fluffy inside. This playful twist on a classic French toast delivers all the nostalgia you crave—with a beachy, tropical flair that makes every bite pure happiness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to a special morning, this decadent treat is downright unforgettable!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together to create something so dreamy. Each component of this recipe is essential, offering a balance of sweetness, richness, and that classic French toast texture everyone loves.

Hawaiian rolls: Their soft, slightly sweet flavor is the star, creating a pillowy base unlike any other bread.
Large eggs: Act as the backbone for the custard, binding everything together with that rich, classic taste.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture in the custard mixture.
Heavy cream: Gives luxurious richness that makes each bite extra tender and indulgent.
Granulated sugar: Lends gentle sweetness to enhance the rolls and caramelize beautifully on the griddle.
Vanilla extract: Introduces warmth and depth of flavor, elevating the entire dish.
Ground cinnamon: Offers a subtle spiced note that pairs perfectly with the sweet bread.
Salt: Balances the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Unsalted butter (for cooking): Helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior while adding buttery flavor.
Powdered sugar: A must for dusting and adding the perfect finishing sparkle.
Maple syrup: Classic for drizzling, bringing sticky-sweet satisfaction to every serving.
Fresh fruit (for serving): Provides bright, juicy contrast—think berries, bananas, or pineapple.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard Mixture

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl. Crack in the eggs and whisk them together with whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and everything is nicely blended. The aroma alone is going to make you excited for what’s coming next!

Step 2: Dip the Hawaiian Rolls

Take your Hawaiian rolls—either left whole, or separated (you can also slice the whole slab in half horizontally for French toast “sticks”!)—and dip each one generously into the custard mixture. Be gentle and quick; you want the rolls to soak up just enough of that creamy goodness to coat, but not become soggy.

Step 3: Preheat and Butter Your Skillet

Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and swirl in about one tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let it melt and coat the pan—this ensures your Hawaiian Roll French Toast will develop a gorgeous golden crust without sticking.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Arrange the custard-soaked rolls onto the hot skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, using a spatula to flip them carefully once they’re golden brown underneath. You may need to work in batches, so add more butter as you go to keep things perfectly crisp and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve While Hot!

Once your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is cooked through and beautifully browned on both sides, quickly transfer them to a plate. While they’re still warm, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and crown with your favorite fresh fruit. That’s it—brunch bliss, ready to eat!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, Hawaiian Roll French Toast practically begs for a shower of powdered sugar and a cascade of maple syrup. Don’t hesitate to get a little playful with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a sprig of mint to make each plate pop. For an island-inspired vibe, a scattering of coconut flakes or pineapple chunks is pure magic.

Side Dishes

This French toast pairs beautifully with crispy bacon, oven-roasted breakfast potatoes, or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt. If you’re building a brunch spread, add a bowl of fruit salad or some savory scrambled eggs for the ultimate balance of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! Stack the finished rolls high for a brunch-worthy tower, serve deconstructed with fruit between each layer, or offer a French toast “bar” with toppings like whipped cream, toasted nuts, and chocolate chips. Turning Hawaiian Roll French Toast into flavorful sliders filled with mascarpone or Nutella is guaranteed to impress both kids and adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Hawaiian Roll French Toast tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days, and will reheat to almost their original glory with just a little love.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, let the rolls cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer into a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick breakfast or brunch, just reheat straight from frozen following the steps below.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat—you’ll recapture that irresistible crispness! The microwave will work in a pinch, but you may lose some of the delightful exterior crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rolls or bread?

Absolutely! While Hawaiian Roll French Toast is all about that signature sweet, fluffy bread, you can try similar soft dinner rolls or even thick-sliced brioche if you’re in a pinch. The result will still be delicious—just keep an eye on the soaking time, as different breads absorb custard differently.

Should I separate the Hawaiian rolls or keep them whole?

This is totally up to your preference! Keeping the rolls whole or even slicing the slab in half horizontally lets you make fun pull-apart French toast sticks, while separating creates perfect, individually portioned treats. Both ways taste amazing, so follow your brunch mood.

Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the custard ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight. For a crowd, assemble everything in a baking dish and bake in the morning. Leftovers also reheat beautifully, making it a breeze to serve brunch without stress.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Certainly! Easily swap in your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For cooking, plant-based butter or coconut oil works perfectly—just remember that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delightful.

What fruits go best with this dish?

Fresh berries, sliced bananas, pineapple chunks, or juicy mango all complement the soft, sweet flavors of Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Mix and match according to what’s in season or whatever fruit makes you smile!

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Hawaiian Roll French Toast feels like a warm hug and a tiny escape to paradise. It’s an easy, joyful breakfast that’s sure to become a weekend favorite. Gather your ingredients, share it with someone you love, and get ready to savor every dreamy, syrupy mouthful!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a tropical twist on a classic breakfast favorite with this delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. These sweet and fluffy French toast rolls are perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they are sure to become a new family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

12 Hawaiian rolls (left whole or separated)
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)

Serving Suggestions:

powdered sugar
maple syrup
fresh fruit for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Dip the Rolls: Dip each Hawaiian roll (or the whole slab of rolls cut in half horizontally) into the custard mixture, coating evenly but not soaking too long.
Cook the French Toast Rolls: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon butter. Place the coated rolls onto the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.
Serve: Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup, and topped with fresh fruit if desired.

Notes

For a baked version, arrange dipped rolls in a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
For a tropical twist, top with coconut flakes and pineapple.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American