Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a fun twist on the classic breakfast treat. Using soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls gives it a fluffy, tender inside with a golden, crispy outside. The natural sweetness of the rolls pairs perfectly with the rich egg mixture and a hint of cinnamon or vanilla, making every bite a little piece of morning sunshine.
I love making this recipe because it’s so easy and feels a bit special without any extra fuss. One of my favorite things about Hawaiian rolls is how they soak up the custard just right, staying soft but not soggy. I like to take my time flipping them gently so they brown just perfectly, and sometimes I add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup on top for a little extra yum.
Serving this French toast to family or friends always feels like a warm hug. It’s great for weekend breakfasts or brunches when you want something comforting but a little different from the usual. I sometimes add fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt on the side to balance out the sweetness and make the whole meal feel fresh and bright. It’s simple, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser in my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Hawaiian Rolls
- These rolls give the toast a sweet, soft texture that's unique and delicious. If you can't find them, brioche or challah bread works well as a substitute.
- Milk & Heavy Cream
- The combo makes the custard rich and creamy. For a lighter version, use just milk or a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, though cream adds a nice texture.
- Vanilla and Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract adds warmth, and cinnamon adds a gentle spice. Don't skip either—they lift the flavor beautifully.
How Can I Soak the Bread Without It Getting Too Soggy?
Balancing soaking time is key. Too little soaking means dry toast; too long makes it mushy. Here’s what I do:
- Dip each slice for about 20-30 seconds per side. Watch how the bread absorbs the custard but still feels firm.
- Use thick bread slices; thin ones soak too fast and become fragile.
- If your bread is fresh and very soft, soak a little less, or slightly toast it before dipping to help hold its shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large shallow bowl – perfect for whisking the custard and dipping the rolls evenly.
- Whisk – helps mix eggs, milk, and spices smoothly without lumps.
- Large skillet or griddle – gives you plenty of space to cook multiple slices at once and get even browning.
- Spatula – makes flipping the French toast easy and keeps it intact.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get each ingredient just right for the perfect custard.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the custard mix for a cozy fall flavor.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes and pineapple for a tropical twist to match the Hawaiian rolls.
- Try swapping maple syrup for honey or a fruit compote for a different sweetness profile.
- Mix in a little cream cheese or mascarpone between two slices for a creamy surprise inside your French toast.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half horizontally (or whole rolls split to make thick slices)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil, for cooking
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Fresh strawberries and pineapple slices, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes in total — including 5 minutes to mix your custard and prepare your pan, about 10 minutes to soak and cook the bread slices until golden and fluffy. It’s quick enough for a special breakfast or a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Custard Mixture:
In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until everything is well mixed and smooth. This will be the tasty custard your bread soaks in.
2. Prep Your Pan:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to lightly coat the surface, so the French toast cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
3. Soak the Hawaiian Rolls:
Dip each slice of Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture. Let it soak about 20 to 30 seconds per side—enough to soak up flavor but not so long it gets soggy and falls apart.
4. Cook Your French Toast:
Place the soaked slices onto the warm skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat if it’s browning too fast.
5. Keep Warm & Repeat:
Once cooked, remove the slices and keep them warm in a low oven or covered. Repeat soaking and cooking with the remaining bread slices, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.
6. Serve & Garnish:
Stack your French toast slices on a plate. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar and pour warm maple syrup over the top. Add fresh strawberries and pineapple slices around the plate for a bright, fresh finish.
7. Enjoy Your Sweet Treat:
Now, dig in and enjoy your fluffy, flavorful Hawaiian Roll French Toast. It’s a perfect way to start any morning!
Can I Use Frozen Hawaiian Rolls for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely at room temperature or in the fridge before slicing and dipping. This ensures they absorb the custard evenly without becoming too soggy.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the custard mixture and slice the rolls ahead, then refrigerate separately. For best results, dip and cook the French toast fresh to keep it from getting soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep it tasty and soft.
What Are Some Tasty Serving Suggestions?
Besides maple syrup, try drizzling with honey, adding fresh fruit, or spreading a bit of cream cheese between slices for a decadent twist.