How to Make the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Ella
Ella
Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by...
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If you haven’t tasted hawaiian roll french toast yet, you’re missing out on the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Imagine the rich, buttery sweetness of Hawaiian rolls soaked in a creamy custard, then cooked to golden perfection. Intrigued? This irresistible twist on the classic dish is about to become your new morning obsession — keep reading to discover how to make it yours.

This cozy breakfast recipe blends American comfort with sweet island vibes.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: 1 plate

Ingredients

  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Maple syrup for serving
  • Powdered sugar for serving
  • Fresh berries for serving

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow dish or pie plate
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cup

Instructions

  1. Slice the Hawaiian rolls: Use a serrated knife to gently slice all the rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected so they flip easily. Set them aside while you prepare the custard.
  2. Make the custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and the cinnamon looks well-dispersed. This is your flavor base so don’t skimp on the vanilla or cinnamon unless customizing.
  3. Transfer to shallow dish: Pour the custard into a shallow dish like a pie plate or an 8×8 dish. This makes dipping more even and manageable.
  4. Heat the skillet: Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt and gently foam. This ensures a golden crust and buttery flavor.
  5. Soak and cook: Dip the bottom halves of the rolls in the custard for about 5 to 7 seconds. Do not oversoak or they will fall apart. Then place them cut-side down onto the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Flip and finish: Carefully flip the rolls and cook the other side, about 2 to 3 more minutes. The tops are a little trickier, so use a spatula to gently press them for even browning. If the skillet looks dry, add a bit more butter before cooking the next batch.
  7. Repeat: Continue in batches until all rolls are toasted. If making for a crowd, place finished rolls on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F) to keep warm.
  8. Serve: Plate the warm rolls with your favorite toppings. We love maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh strawberries, or bananas. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Nutrition per serving

Calories 320
Protein 25g
Carbohydrates 3g
Fat 22g
Sugar 0g
Fiber 0g
Sodium 580mg

You can prep this French toast the night before: slice the rolls and mix the custard ahead to make breakfast even easier. For added flair, try stuffing the rolls with cream cheese before dipping them.

FAQ

Can I use cinnamon raisin bread instead?

You can substitute with cinnamon raisin bread or thick cinnamon swirl bread if you want a spiced variation. Just be careful not to over-soak thinner slices.

What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh berries, caramel sauce, toasted coconut, roasted nuts, or even a tropical fruit compote work beautifully.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual servings for about 30 seconds or reheat them in a skillet to restore the original crispy edges. You can also use an air fryer for a fast and crisp finish.

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Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Golden, custardy, and dripping with syrup, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is breakfast comfort food at its finest. The lush sweetness of King's Hawaiian rolls creates a perfect harmony with the rich egg custard, resulting in a warm, fluffy, and decadent treat perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a special brunch.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Maple syrup for serving
  • Powdered sugar for serving
  • Fresh berries for serving

Instructions
 

  • Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  • Pour the custard mixture into a shallow dish or pie plate for easy dipping.
  • Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add one tablespoon of butter.
  • Dip the bottoms of the rolls in the custard mixture, allowing them to soak for a few seconds without becoming overly soggy.
  • Place the soaked rolls cut-side down onto the hot skillet. Cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Flip and cook the other side until golden, another 2 to 3 minutes, adding more butter if needed.
  • Repeat with the remaining rolls, working in batches if necessary.
  • Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSodium: 240mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12g
Keyword french toast, hawaiian rolls, easy breakfast, brunch recipes, sweet rolls, custard
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Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by home, travel, and the joy of simple ingredients. From cozy comfort food to bold global flavors, YummyHorizon is your place to explore, taste, and create. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, I'm here to guide you through flavorful journeys- one delicious recipe at a time. Welcome to my kitchen, where every meal opens a new horizon.