Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet, fluffy breakfast treat with tropical vibes! These buttery rolls are transformed into a custardy delight, perfect for a weekend brunch or special occasion.
The soft, slightly sweet rolls soak up the rich custard mixture beautifully, and when cooked to golden perfection, they’re irresistible. Serve them with fresh fruit, syrup, or powdered sugar for a delightful morning indulgence.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet or griddle
- Tongs or spatula
- Baking sheet (optional for keeping warm)
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls, left attached if desired)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or your preference)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or nonstick spray for cooking
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices, or pineapple)
- Whipped cream
Directions
- Prepare the Custard
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Dip the Rolls
- If the rolls are connected, you can slice them in half horizontally while keeping them intact, or separate them individually. Dip each roll (or the whole sliced sheet) into the custard mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated but not overly soggy.
- Cook the Rolls
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray. Place the custard-coated rolls onto the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Keep Warm (Optional)
- Transfer cooked rolls to a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F/93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the Hawaiian Roll French Toast and garnish with your choice of toppings.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving – Serves 6)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 13g
- Sodium: 220mg
Expert Tips
- Slightly Stale Rolls Work Best: If the Hawaiian rolls are fresh, let them sit out for a few hours to dry slightly. This helps them absorb the custard without falling apart.
- Even Cooking: If cooking the rolls as a whole sheet, press down gently with a spatula for even browning.
- Add Zing: Sprinkle a bit of orange or lemon zest into the custard for a bright, citrusy flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the custard and dip the rolls in advance. Store them in the fridge, covered, overnight, and cook in the morning.
What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
You can use brioche, challah, or any soft, sweet bread as a substitute.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the oven or toaster for a quick breakfast.
Storing & Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Substitutions & Variations
- Non-Dairy Option: Use almond milk or oat milk, and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Savory Twist: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and add a sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh herbs to the custard for a savory version.
- Tropical Toppings: Serve with coconut flakes or a drizzle of passion fruit syrup for extra island flair.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large skillet or griddle
- - Tongs or spatula
- - Baking sheet (optional for keeping warm)
Ingredients
- - 1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls 12 rolls, left attached if desired
- - 4 large eggs
- - 1 cup milk whole milk or your preference
- - 1/4 cup heavy cream
- - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - Pinch of salt
- - Butter or nonstick spray for cooking
Instructions
- **Prepare the Custard**
- - In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- **Dip the Rolls**
- - If the rolls are connected, you can slice them in half horizontally while keeping them intact, or separate them individually. Dip each roll (or the whole sliced sheet) into the custard mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated but not overly soggy.
- **Cook the Rolls**
- - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray. Place the custard-coated rolls onto the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- **Keep Warm (Optional)**
- - Transfer cooked rolls to a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F/93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
- **Serve and Enjoy**
- - Plate the Hawaiian Roll French Toast and garnish with your choice of toppings.
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