Name: Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (12 rolls) Hawaiian Rolls; 4 large Eggs; ¾ cup Whole Milk; ¼ cup Heavy Cream; 1½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract; ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon Salt; Butter, for frying; Maple Syrup, for serving; Powdered Sugar, for dusting; Fresh Berries or Banana Slices, optional

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If breakfast could give you a warm hug, Hawaiian Roll French Toast would be it. Soft, pillowy rolls soaked in a rich vanilla custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and dripping with maple syrup—it’s like morning sunshine on a plate. Sweet, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent, this twist on classic French toast turns a humble pack of rolls into a melt-in-your-mouth breakfast dream.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came together one lazy Sunday when all I had was a pack of Hawaiian rolls and a serious craving for French toast. Regular bread wasn’t going to cut it. So I cracked a few eggs, poured in some cream, and tossed those rolls right in. The result? Crispy edges, custardy centers, and a sweet, buttery flavor that was pure magic. Ever since, it’s been my go-to for cozy brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever I need something special without the fuss.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

French toast, or “pain perdu,” dates back to ancient times, but the idea of using Hawaiian rolls is a newer, delicious spin. Hawaiian rolls, originally made popular by a bakery in Hilo, Hawaii in the 1950s, are sweet, fluffy, and slightly rich thanks to butter and eggs. When combined with French toast batter, they soak up flavor beautifully while staying soft inside and crisp outside. It’s a match made in breakfast heaven.

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This isn’t your average French toast—it’s softer, sweeter, and wildly satisfying.

Versatile: Works as breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dessert.

Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients and feeds a crowd.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Add fruits, toppings, or flavor twists.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kid-approved and brunch table ready.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the night before and cook in the morning.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully for weekday breakfasts.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few little tricks make this dish go from good to unforgettable.

Use day-old rolls: Slightly stale bread holds its shape better.
Slice rolls in half: Exposes more surface for that golden crust.
Don’t soak too long: Rolls are soft and soak quickly—just a quick dunk.
Use a nonstick skillet: Helps get even browning without sticking.
Warm your syrup: Cold syrup cools down your toast fast. Warm it up for full effect.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You only need a few basics to whip this up in no time.

Mixing Bowl: For whisking the custard mixture.
Whisk: Helps blend eggs and cream until smooth.
Skillet or Griddle: Nonstick works best for even cooking.
Spatula: For gentle flipping without squishing the rolls.
Shallow Dish: Makes dipping the rolls quick and easy.

Ingredients in Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Each ingredient adds richness, structure, and just the right balance of sweet and savory.

Hawaiian Rolls: 1 package (12 rolls) – Soft and sweet, they’re the perfect base.
Eggs: 4 large – The custard binder that creates the creamy texture.
Whole Milk: ¾ cup – Adds richness to the custard soak.
Heavy Cream: ¼ cup – Makes it extra indulgent and velvety.
Vanilla Extract: 1½ teaspoons – Gives warm, fragrant flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon – Adds cozy spice.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.
Butter: For frying – Adds flavor and that golden crust.

Optional toppings:

Maple Syrup: For serving – Classic and essential.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting – Adds a touch of elegance.
Fresh Berries or Banana Slices: Optional – Brings freshness and color.

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of something? These swaps have got you covered.

Whole Milk: Use any milk or plant-based alternative.
Heavy Cream: Sub with extra milk or half-and-half.
Hawaiian Rolls: Try brioche, challah, or dinner rolls.
Vanilla Extract: Use almond extract or maple for a twist.
Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Ingredient Spotlight

Hawaiian Rolls: Their pillowy texture and subtle sweetness take French toast to a whole new level. They absorb custard like a sponge without falling apart.

Heavy Cream: This adds a luxurious richness that gives the custard that silky, indulgent mouthfeel.

Instructions for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This recipe is all about golden edges, soft centers, and breakfast bliss. Let’s dive in.

Preheat Your Equipment:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a pat of butter to melt.
Combine Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Pour custard mixture into a shallow dish for easy dipping.
Assemble the Dish:
Slice rolls in half horizontally. Dip each piece quickly into the custard—don’t let them soak too long.
Cook to Perfection:
Place dipped rolls cut-side down in the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and set.
Finishing Touches:
Repeat with remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed. Stack on a plate and dust with powdered sugar.
Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle with warm maple syrup, add fruit if desired, and dig in while it’s hot and melty.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The outer crust gets beautifully crisp while the inside stays tender and custardy. The cinnamon-vanilla aroma fills the kitchen as they cook, and each bite hits that sweet spot between buttery, eggy, and perfectly spiced. It’s soft, rich, and melts on the tongue.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

These small tweaks make a big difference.

Use a serrated knife to cut the rolls cleanly.
Cook in batches so they don’t overcrowd the skillet.
Wipe the pan between batches to prevent burning cinnamon.

What to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls for perfect French toast every time.

Oversoaking: The rolls are delicate and absorb quickly.
High heat: Can burn the outside before the inside cooks.
Skipping the salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 370
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

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

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prep the custard mixture the night before and keep it chilled. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or toaster oven and can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and pop in the freezer.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Serve in a stack, drizzled with syrup and topped with berries or banana slices. Add a dollop of whipped cream or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt for balance. For special occasions, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a side of spiced apple compote takes it over the top.

Creative Leftover Transformations

French Toast Sandwich: Use slices as the base for breakfast sandwiches.
Sweet Croutons: Cube leftovers and toast for yogurt toppers.
Dessert Parfait: Layer with fruit, whipped cream, and caramel sauce.

Additional Tips

Add orange zest to the custard for a fresh twist.
Use flavored syrups like coconut or vanilla bean for variety.
Dust with cinnamon sugar for a churro-like finish.

Make It a Showstopper

Plate in a tall stack with syrup drizzling down the sides and powdered sugar snowed over the top. Add fresh berries for color, a mint sprig for flair, and maybe even a mini pitcher of syrup on the side. It’s breakfast that begs for a photo.

Variations to Try

Stuffed French Toast: Add cream cheese or Nutella between sliced rolls.
Coconut Crusted: Dip rolls in shredded coconut after soaking.
Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and spices to the custard.
Chocolate Swirl: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter.
Savory Twist: Skip sugar and top with avocado and egg.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this in a casserole style?

Yes! Layer dipped rolls in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.

Q2: Can I use frozen rolls?

Let them thaw completely first. They’ll work fine.

Q3: Is this good for meal prep?

Totally. Reheat slices during the week for a quick breakfast.

Q4: Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or soy milk all work well.

Q5: What other toppings go well with it?

Fresh fruit, whipped cream, yogurt, nut butter, or a drizzle of caramel.

Q6: Can I use gluten-free rolls?

Absolutely, if you find soft gluten-free dinner rolls, go for it.

Q7: How do I keep it warm for serving?

Place on a tray in a warm oven (200°F) while cooking batches.

Q8: What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Use extra milk or half-and-half—it’ll still be delicious.

Q9: Can I make it less sweet?

Cut back on syrup or skip the powdered sugar for a lighter version.

Q10: Is this kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the soft texture and sweet flavor.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is pure comfort food, all dressed up and ready to brighten your morning. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a simple dish that feels like something extra special. Trust me, one bite and you’ll never look at regular French toast the same again.