Hawaiian Roll French Toast

What if we told you that the secret to the fluffiest, most indulgent French toast isn’t brioche or challah—but Hawaiian rolls? That’s right. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the sweet and buttery twist on the classic breakfast dish that’s turning heads and stealing hearts on brunch menus across the U.S.

According to recent Google Trends data, searches for Hawaiian Roll French Toast have surged by over 300% in the past year—suggesting a major shift in how home cooks are rethinking their brunch game. This tropical-inspired variation brings a perfect balance of soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, transforming your average breakfast into a standout treat.

Whether you’re hosting a Sunday brunch, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy morning indulgence, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and a touch of island flair.

Ingredients List

To make the ultimate Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll need:

• 1 package (12 rolls) of Hawaiian sweet rolls – King’s Hawaiian is the gold standard, but any brand with a fluffy texture and sweet flavor works beautifully.
• 3 large eggs – For a rich, creamy custard base.
• ¾ cup whole milk – Adds creaminess; can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free versions.
• ¼ cup heavy cream – Optional, but enhances the richness. Use full-fat coconut milk for a tropical twist.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness without overpowering the rolls.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Classic French toast spice for cozy vibes.
• Butter for frying – Unsalted is ideal; you can use coconut oil or ghee as alternatives.
• Maple syrup or powdered sugar, for serving – Or try honey, fruit compote, or whipped cream for variation.
• Fresh berries or banana slices (optional) – Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Pro Tip: Stale rolls? Even better. Slightly dried bread absorbs custard better, resulting in a rich, creamy interior with a crispy golden crust.

Timing

Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast is faster than you’d expect:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

That’s about 20% quicker than traditional French toast recipes using larger, sliced breads like brioche or sourdough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Rolls

Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls, keeping them intact in pairs or quads for a unique presentation. Slice them in half horizontally if you prefer more custard coverage per piece.

Tip: For a brunch-worthy look, leave them in sets of four and cut after cooking.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a shallow bowl or baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and frothy.

Chef’s Trick: Use an immersion blender to aerate the custard—this makes the toast fluffier and helps create that coveted golden crust.

Step 3: Soak the Rolls

Dip each roll (or roll set) into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for 15–20 seconds on each side. Let excess drip off before cooking.

Warning: Don’t oversoak—Hawaiian rolls are absorbent and can become mushy if left too long.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat and melt a knob of butter. Cook rolls for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp.

Pro Tip: A panini press ensures even browning on both sides without flipping, and it enhances the outer texture without needing excess oil.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, and your favorite toppings.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutrition per serving (based on 2 rolls with syrup):

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 210mg

Keep in mind these values can vary depending on your toppings and substitutions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to enjoy Hawaiian Roll French Toast with fewer calories or more nutrients? Here are some simple swaps:

• Milk & Cream Alternatives: Use unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk instead of whole milk and cream.
• Egg Substitute: For a vegan option, try a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
• Lower Sugar: Reduce or eliminate granulated sugar from the custard and opt for fresh fruit toppings.
• Whole-Grain Rolls: Some brands offer whole-wheat Hawaiian rolls—look for them to boost fiber content.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your breakfast or brunch with these creative serving ideas:

• Tropical Brunch Board: Serve with pineapple chunks, coconut flakes, and mango slices.
• Mini French Toast Sliders: Add a layer of Nutella, almond butter, or cream cheese between the halves.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Add mini chocolate chips before cooking or serve with rainbow sprinkles.
• Holiday Special: Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or top with cinnamon apples for a seasonal twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-soaking the rolls: They’ll fall apart or cook unevenly. Limit soak time to 15–20 seconds.
2. Using cold custard mix: Let the custard come to room temperature for better absorption.
3. Skipping the preheat: A hot pan ensures the outer layer crisps quickly without overcooking the inside.
4. Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches to avoid steaming and to ensure even browning.
5. Not drying the rolls slightly: A few hours of air-drying (or toasting for 1–2 minutes) makes a huge difference in texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To enjoy Hawaiian Roll French Toast later:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet for best texture.
• Freeze: Lay on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps for up to 2 months.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Mix the custard the night before and store in the fridge. Slice and air-dry rolls for quicker morning assembly.

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover Hawaiian rolls that are a few days old?
Absolutely! Slightly stale rolls are perfect for French toast—they soak up the custard without becoming soggy.

Q: What if I don’t have a panini press?
No problem. A non-stick skillet works great. Just press gently with a spatula for even cooking.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally sweet and soft—plus you can add fun toppings like sprinkles or peanut butter.

Q: Can I prep this the night before?
Yes. Mix the custard and prep the rolls ahead of time. Store separately and cook fresh in the morning.

Q: What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, whipped cream, tropical fruits, nuts, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast isn’t just a trend—it’s a delicious revelation that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. With its soft texture, rich custard, and tropical charm, this dish is the perfect blend of comfort and creativity.

Now it’s your turn: Try this recipe and share your twist! Tag us with your creations, or explore more fun brunch recipes here. Let’s make breakfast extraordinary—one sweet roll at a time.

Print