As I stood in my kitchen on a lazy weekend morning, the sweet aroma of Hawaiian rolls wafted through the air, whispering promises of a delightful breakfast. That’s when I decided to whip up a batch of Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe. This dish is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their brunch game without spending hours in the kitchen. With its fluffy, golden-brown slices and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this meal is both easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Plus, it turns the mundane morning routine into a cherished moment around the table. Curious about how to create this comforting feast? Let’s dive in!

Why Will You Adore This Breakfast?
Easy to Prepare: This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is incredibly simple, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
Decadent Texture: The combination of fluffy Hawaiian rolls and custard creates a wonderfully soft interior with a perfectly crisp exterior, elevating your breakfast experience.
Family Favorite: With its sweet taste and delightful aroma, this dish is sure to be a hit at the breakfast table, pleasing both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings! From maple syrup to fresh berries, there are endless ways to make it your own. You might also enjoy it alongside a Stuffed Seafood Bread for a well-rounded brunch spread.
Quick Cooking: Ready in minutes, this recipe saves you time while delivering a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home.
Elevate your mornings with this sweet twist, and don’t forget to pair it with a refreshing Oreo Milkshake for an indulgent treat!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredients
For the Custard
• Hawaiian Sweet Rolls – The star of the dish, these rolls provide a sweet and fluffy base; slightly stale is best for soaking.
• Eggs – Essential for richness and structure; use large eggs for optimal results.
• Milk – Adds creaminess; whole milk gives a richer flavor, but almond or oat milk can be used as a yummy alternative.
• Heavy Cream – Optional, but it amplifies the custard’s indulgence; skip for a lighter version.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the custard mixture; adjust to suit your taste, especially since Hawaiian rolls are already sweet.
• Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor; for a more fragrant twist, use a splash of vanilla bean paste.
• Ground Cinnamon – Offers warmth and spice; it’s vital for that traditional flavor, but feel free to swap with nutmeg or allspice.
• Ground Nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon beautifully; use sparingly to avoid overpowering the taste.
• Salt – Balances sweetness, ensuring a well-rounded flavor profile.
For Cooking and Serving
• Butter – Necessary for cooking the French toast, creating a lovely golden-brown crust; unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness.
• Optional Toppings – Personalize your dish with maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes for an enticing finish.
Indulging in this Hawaiian Roll French Toast can transform your breakfast into a delightful feast, one that everyone will adore!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream (if using), 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined, displaying a homogenous golden hue, which will create a rich custard for your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Carefully separate 8 Hawaiian sweet rolls and one by one, dip each roll into the custard mixture. Allow the rolls to soak for about 15-20 seconds on each side until they are adequately saturated but not falling apart. Lay the soaked rolls on a plate, allowing excess custard to drip off while you heat your skillet, ensuring they are ready for a golden transformation.
Step 3: Cook the French Toast
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt completely and bubble. Place the soaked rolls in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each roll for 2-3 minutes per side, flipping when they turn a beautiful golden-brown, creating a tantalizingly crispy exterior on your Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
Step 4: Serve
Once cooked, transfer the golden pieces to a serving plate. Drizzle with warm maple syrup and dust generously with powdered sugar to enhance the sweetness. For an extra touch, top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or your choice of sprinkles for a delightful finish. Each bite of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast should evoke joy and warmth around the breakfast table!

Expert Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Soggy Prevention: Avoid over-soaking the rolls to maintain their structure; aim for about 15-20 seconds on each side in the custard mixture.
- Flavor Enhancements: Get creative! Add spices like cardamom or even a dash of coconut extract to elevate your Hawaiian Roll French Toast flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Make your custard and soak the rolls the night before, storing them in the fridge for a quick breakfast the next day.
- Golden Brown Finish: Cook over medium heat and ensure not to overcrowd the skillet. This allows an even, delicious crispness to develop on each roll.
- Stuffed Surprise: For a delightful twist, stuff the rolls with cream cheese or sweet fruit preserves before soaking to surprise your family with hidden goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Hawaiian Roll French Toast are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the custard and soak the rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Simply whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt as instructed, then dip the Hawaiian rolls in the mixture and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully overnight, ensuring every bite is just as delicious. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat the skillet, cook the soaked rolls for 2-3 minutes on each side, and serve with your favorite toppings—saving you precious time on busy mornings!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Customization Ideas
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity on this delightful dish and make it truly your own!
- Dairy-Free: Swap whole milk for almond milk and heavy cream for coconut cream to create a delicious, creamy base while keeping it dairy-free.
- Vegan Twist: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk to make a completely vegan version while still enjoying the delightful flavor and texture.
- Flavor Booster: Add a splash of orange or pineapple juice to the custard for a vibrant citrus twist that brightens every bite.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips into the custard or layer some in between the rolls before soaking for a decadent chocolatey finish.
- Banana Foster: Top the cooked French toast with sautéed bananas in butter and brown sugar to achieve a tropical flair.
- Stuffed Surprise: Inject with a filling of peanut butter or Nutella, or even cream cheese and fruit for a delicious surprise in every slice.
- Baked Option: Arrange the soaked rolls in a baking dish, pour the remaining custard over, and bake at 350°F until golden for a hands-off approach.
- Savory Spin: Omit sugar and vanilla, adding cooked bacon or cheese herbed with thyme for a unique twist that’s equally delightful.
With these variations, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy your Hawaiian Roll French Toast! And if you like exploring new recipes, try pairing it with French Onion Beef for a comforting finish, or meet your sweet tooth with an indulgent Pumpkin Cake Cozy dessert!
Storage Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Room Temperature: Serve freshly made Hawaiian Roll French Toast for the best flavor; however, if needed, it can be left out for up to 2 hours.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave using low power to maintain texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a toaster oven or skillet until warmed through and crispy. You can add a splash of milk to the pan for extra moisture if necessary.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Roll French Toast
As your kitchen fills with the warm, sweet aroma of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, consider these delightful pairings to create a well-rounded breakfast experience that tantalizes every taste bud.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon perfectly balances the sweetness of the French toast, elevating the meal to savory heights.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of berries and melon adds brightness to the table while enhancing your breakfast with vibrant flavors and textures.
- Creamy Yogurt: A side of Greek yogurt offers a delightful creaminess that complements the dish and adds a healthy component to your indulgent feast.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A warm pour of pure maple syrup enhances the sweetness, making each bite an experience that’s both nostalgic and comforting.
Pair the French toast with delightful drinks to make your breakfast spectacular.
- Iced Coffee: The rich, smooth flavor of iced coffee provides a refreshing contrast, making it an excellent complement to your meal.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Bright and tangy orange juice awakens your palate and brings a burst of citrus goodness to your table.
Finish off with a touch of sweetness!
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a fun dessert twist, serve a couple of warm cookies, adding a touch of childhood nostalgia to your breakfast spread.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This tropical addition can enhance the sweetness and provide a light finish, perfect for drizzling over the French toast.
Create a breakfast that not only fills bellies but warms hearts with these perfect companions!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe FAQs
How should I select Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing Hawaiian rolls, look for those that are slightly stale as this helps them absorb the custard better without falling apart. Fresh rolls can be too soft, making it hard to achieve that perfect texture.
How should I store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
After a delightful breakfast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat gently in a skillet or microwave on low power to preserve the soft texture while warming them through.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes, you can! For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1 month. To enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat them in a toaster oven or skillet until crispy.
What should I do if my French toast turns out soggy?
Great question! To prevent sogginess, be mindful of soaking time; aim for 15-20 seconds per side to allow absorption without disintegration. If you find your mixture is too liquidy, try adding an extra egg or a little more bread to thicken it up for the next time!
Are there any dietary considerations for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Definitely! For those with dairy allergies, substitute the milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk. Always check the ingredients of your Hawaiian rolls for potential allergens like gluten or nuts if cooking for guests with specific dietary restrictions.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Breakfast Bliss to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Carefully separate 8 Hawaiian sweet rolls and dip each one into the custard mixture for about 15-20 seconds on each side. Lay the soaked rolls on a plate.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Melt completely and place the soaked rolls, cooking each for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked French toast to a serving plate. Drizzle with warm maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar, adding fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.

Leave a Reply