Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet and fluffy twist on the classic breakfast favorite! Made with soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls, this dish soaks up a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard before being pan-fried to golden perfection. Topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or syrup, it’s the perfect weekend treat for the whole family.
Instructions
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them in clusters of two for easy flipping.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
Dip each cluster of rolls into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated but not overly soggy.
Place the soaked rolls onto the hot skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.
Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 8g
A Breakfast Classic with a Buttery Twist
I’ve always loved French toast, but I was on the hunt for something softer, fluffier, and just a bit sweeter than the traditional version. That’s when I discovered the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast—a breakfast game-changer.
Instead of regular bread, I decided to try Hawaiian sweet rolls, and wow, what a difference! The naturally buttery, honey-kissed flavor of these rolls gave my French toast an instant upgrade. They soaked up the rich, creamy custard perfectly and cooked up into the most beautifully golden, slightly crisp-on-the-outside, melt-in-your-mouth-on-the-inside breakfast I had ever made.
I first tried this recipe when I had leftover Hawaiian sweet rolls from a holiday dinner. Rather than letting them go to waste, I decided to dunk them into my classic French toast batter—a mix of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. The results? Pure breakfast perfection! Now, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Whether I’m making breakfast for myself or preparing an impressive brunch for friends, this quick and easy recipe never fails.
Why I Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for ways to elevate your breakfast game. This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just another French toast recipe—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:
1. Ultra-Fluffy & Buttery Texture
Hawaiian rolls are softer and airier than traditional bread, which means they make the fluffiest French toast ever. Unlike regular bread that can get too dense or dry, these rolls stay light and custardy on the inside, while forming a golden, slightly crisp exterior when cooked.
If you love soft, custardy breakfast bakes, you’ll probably enjoy this Blueberry Breakfast Bake too. It has a similar rich texture but with a delicious burst of blueberries!
👉 Pro Tip: For an extra creamy texture, I sometimes use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk in the custard. It makes the French toast even more indulgent!
2. Naturally Sweet & Perfectly Balanced Flavor
One of the things I love most about Hawaiian Roll French Toast is that it doesn’t need tons of added sugar. The honey-infused rolls have a natural sweetness, so I only add a little sugar to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
Whether I drizzle it with maple syrup, top it with fresh fruit, or dust it with powdered sugar, the flavors blend beautifully without being too sugary.
👉 Fun Fact: Did you know Hawaiian sweet rolls originated in Hilo, Hawaii? Their signature taste comes from a mix of pineapple juice, honey, and butter—which is probably why they make such amazing French toast!
3. That Perfectly Golden & Caramelized Exterior
For me, the best part of French toast is that beautiful golden brown crust. The natural sugar in Hawaiian rolls helps them caramelize perfectly, creating a crispy, buttery edge while keeping the center soft and creamy.
Cooking the Hawaiian rolls in butter makes them even richer and more flavorful. The aroma alone is enough to make me excited for breakfast!
👉 Pro Tip: For the best golden-brown crust, I always cook my Hawaiian Roll French Toast on medium heat in a buttered non-stick skillet or cast iron pan.
4. Quick & Easy – Ready in Just 15 Minutes!
I love fancy brunch recipes, but sometimes I just want something fast and simple. That’s another reason I adore this Hawaiian Roll French Toast—it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
The process is super easy:
✔ Whisk together the custard (eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt).
✔ Soak the rolls for 10-15 seconds per side (so they don’t get too soggy).
✔ Cook until golden brown, and that’s it!
👉 Pro Tip: I sometimes prep the custard mixture the night before to save even more time in the morning. That way, all I have to do is dip and cook!
5. Perfect for Any Occasion – Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert
What I love about this recipe is its versatility—it works for any meal, any time of day.
Casual Weekend Breakfast – Just drizzle on maple syrup and serve with bacon and eggs.
Fancy Brunch – Dress it up with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and whipped cream for a gorgeous presentation.
Dessert French Toast – Add Nutella, caramel sauce, or even a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.
If you’re hosting a brunch for a crowd, I also love making a Hawaiian Roll French Toast Casserole—just arrange the rolls in a baking dish, pour the custard over them, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. It’s a huge time saver!
👉 Pro Tip: Looking for more indulgent breakfast ideas? Check out What is the Healthiest Breakfast Pastry? for some great pastry options!
6. Perfect for Any Season – Cozy or Refreshing!
I make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast all year long. Here’s how I adjust it depending on the season:
Winter: Serve it with warm cinnamon apples, toasted pecans, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Summer: Go for fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and shredded coconut for a refreshing island-inspired breakfast.
7. Kid-Friendly & Fun to Make
If you have kids, they will love this recipe. It’s naturally sweet, super soft, and easy to customize. I sometimes let my little niece help with:
✔ Whisking the custard
✔ Dipping the rolls
✔ Sprinkling on toppings
👉 Pro Tip: For fun bite-sized French toast, I cut the Hawaiian rolls into quarters before soaking and pan-frying. Perfect for little hands!
8. Easily Customizable for Different Diets
I love that this recipe is super flexible. Depending on my mood (or dietary needs), I switch things up:
✔ Dairy-Free? Use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
✔ Low-Sugar? Skip the extra sugar in the custard and use sugar-free maple syrup.
✔ High-Protein? Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the custard.
✔ Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls (yes, they exist!).
👉 Pro Tip: When I want extra protein, I serve my Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Ingredients (One Serving)
For the Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
2 Hawaiian sweet rolls, cut in half
1 large egg
¼ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sugar (optional, Hawaiian rolls are already sweet!)
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp butter, for frying
For the Toppings:
Maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Whipped cream
Chopped nuts (pecans or almonds, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together egg, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and salt. This mixture will soak into the Hawaiian rolls, giving them a rich, custardy flavor.
👉 Pro Tip: If you love extra-creamy French toast, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of regular milk.
Step 2: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls
Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half. Since they are softer than regular bread, be gentle to avoid squishing them.
👉 Pro Tip: If your rolls are too fresh and soft, leave them out for 15-20 minutes to dry slightly. This helps them soak up the custard mixture without falling apart.
Step 3: Dip & Soak the Rolls
Dip each roll into the French toast batter, making sure both sides are well coated. Let them soak for 10-15 seconds per side.
👉 Pro Tip: If you love a creamier, softer center, let the rolls soak for a few extra seconds.
Step 4: Cook the Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Add 1 tbsp butter and let it melt until bubbly.
Place the soaked Hawaiian rolls in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Flip carefully and cook the other side.
👉 Pro Tip: Cook on medium-low heat if you want an extra-soft texture inside.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Once cooked, place the Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a plate and top with your favorite toppings:
✔ A drizzle of warm maple syrup
✔ A dusting of powdered sugar
✔ Fresh berries for a fruity touch
✔ Whipped cream for extra decadence
✔ A handful of chopped nuts for crunch
Serve warm and enjoy your fluffy, golden-brown Hawaiian Roll French Toast!
Serving Suggestions & Flavor Variations
Ways to Elevate Your Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Caramelized Bananas – Sauté sliced bananas in butter & brown sugar for a caramelized topping.
- Coconut Twist – Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
- Nutella Drizzle – Drizzle Nutella or melted chocolate for a dessert-like twist.
- Cream Cheese Filling – Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese inside the rolls before soaking for a stuffed French toast variation.
Pair it With:
- Scrambled eggs & crispy bacon for a balanced breakfast.
- A fresh fruit salad for a lighter side.
- A hot cappuccino or iced latte for a perfect café-style breakfast.
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To Reheat:
Microwave: Heat for 20-30 seconds for a quick fix.
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep it crispy.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for a fresh-out-the-pan texture.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
❌ Over-soaking the bread – Hawaiian rolls are soft and can get too soggy if left in the custard too long. Stick to 10-15 seconds per side.
❌ Cooking on high heat – This can cause the outside to burn before the inside is fully cooked. Keep it at medium heat.
❌ Skipping the butter – Butter adds richness & flavor. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra if needed!
FAQs
Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can soak the rolls overnight in the fridge and cook them fresh in the morning.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Can I bake Hawaiian Roll French Toast instead of frying?
Yes! Place the soaked rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts: My Go-To Breakfast Indulgence
I’ve made a lot of French toast recipes, but Hawaiian Roll French Toast is hands-down my favorite. It’s quick, easy, buttery, and indulgent—everything I want in a comforting breakfast.
So if you’ve never tried it before, now’s the time! Give it a go, and let me know in the comments how you topped your Hawaiian Roll French Toast! 😊
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