If you love starting your mornings with a little bit of fun and a whole lot of flavor, you’re about to fall head-over-heels for Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe. Imagine impossibly soft, buttery sweet rolls turned golden and custardy in a fragrant cinnamon-vanilla bath, then finished with a flurry of powdered sugar and a pour of warm maple syrup. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a celebration on a plate! Whether you’re planning a cozy family brunch or treating yourself to something extra-special, this recipe is pure, pillowy joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe is in its simplicity — each ingredient has a job to do, from making the custard impossibly rich to adding just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Quality here makes a big difference, so if you can, go the extra mile for super-fresh eggs and lush, golden Hawaiian rolls.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (12): Their signature buttery, fluffy texture is the secret to the best-ever French toast base.
- Large eggs (4): Eggs create the rich, custard-like soak that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds body and creaminess without making the mixture too heavy.
- Heavy cream (1/4 cup): A little bit amps up the decadence and gives the custard a dreamy, velvety finish.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the mixture, letting the natural flavor of the rolls and vanilla shine through.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives everything that classic French toast aroma and warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to add cozy spice without overpowering the sweet rolls.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, for cooking): The key to crisp, golden edges and rich, buttery flavor in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (for serving): A dusting makes the French toast look (and taste) like morning magic.
- Maple syrup (for serving): Classic French toast’s best friend, ready for drizzling.
- Fresh berries (optional, for topping): For a burst of color and juicy freshness that plays beautifully with the sweet, custardy base.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Rolls
Start by grabbing your package of Hawaiian sweet rolls and carefully slicing them in half horizontally — think of it like you’re making one giant sandwich! If you can keep the rolls attached in a slab, that makes for a show-stopping presentation, but don’t stress if a few separate; they’re just as delicious in pieces.
Step 2: Make the Custard
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk till the mixture is silky and beautifully speckled with cinnamon. The cream and milk team up to make every bite extra luscious, while the vanilla and cinnamon add those nostalgic, bakery-cafe vibes.
Step 3: Preheat and Butter the Pan
Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and let it get hot. Add 1 tablespoon of the butter and swirl it around so you have a shimmering, fragrant pool ready for your French toast slabs. The aroma already feels luxurious!
Step 4: Dip and Soak
Working with a few rolls at a time, dip each roll (or slab) cut-side down into the custard mixture and let them soak briefly — about 10–15 seconds per side. You want the rolls to absorb that rich base but not get soggy or fall apart. This is where the magic happens, so let them drink up that goodness!
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Gently place the soaked rolls onto the hot skillet or griddle. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until each one is golden brown with a gorgeous, crisp edge and a tender middle. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the pan as needed so every batch gets that golden treatment.
Step 6: Serve Up Warm and Gooey
Once all your rolls are cooked, it’s time for the best part: serving! Stack them on a platter, dust generously with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and shower with fresh berries if you like. Your kitchen will smell like a brunch paradise!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Garnishes
Give your Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe the grand finale it deserves by finishing each pile with a snowy drift of powdered sugar and a cascade of maple syrup. Want to add a pop of brightness? Fresh berries — think strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or even a few slices of ripe banana — bring color, texture, and that beautiful tangy-sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
This French toast is a true showstopper on its own, but if you want to turn your breakfast into a full-blown feast, add crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage on the side. For something lighter, a fruit salad with citrus and mint pairs beautifully, or a simple Greek yogurt parfait for a touch of tang and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sliced rolls in a rustic tower or fanning sliced pieces out like a blooming flower on a serving platter. For parties, cut the cooked French toast into “fingers” and serve with little ramekins of warm Nutella, maple syrup, or berry compote for dipping. Or, create a DIY toast bar, letting everyone top their own plate with whipped cream, chocolate chips, or crushed toasted nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (though that’s a big if!), let the French toast cool to room temperature before transferring the pieces to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for round two, they’ll be just as delightful with a quick reheat.
Freezing
For longer storage, lay the cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once they’re frozen solid, pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge or give them a quick zap in the microwave when you need breakfast in a pinch!
Reheating
To recapture that freshly-made texture, reheat your French toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisp on the outside. A toaster oven works great for smaller batches, and the microwave is fine for a speedy fix (just know it might be a bit softer).
FAQs
Can I use non-dairy milk or a milk substitute?
Absolutely! If you’d like to make the custard dairy-free, swap the whole milk and heavy cream for your preferred non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just be aware that using a rich substitute will give you the best texture.
What’s the best way to prevent my French toast from turning soggy?
Be sure to soak the rolls just long enough to absorb the custard but not so long that they fall apart. Hawaiian rolls are soft, so a quick dip does the trick — especially if you’re using the connected slab technique!
Can I stuff the rolls before dipping them?
Yes, and you should definitely try it! Split the rolls and spread with a little cream cheese, Nutella, or even fruit preserves before assembling back together and dipping in the custard. It’s a fun way to customize for different tastes.
Is it possible to prep this dish the night before?
For sure! You can mix the custard and store it, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Slice the rolls and keep them in a sealed bag or airtight container so everything is ready to dip and cook in the morning.
How can I make this recipe even more indulgent?
Try finishing the Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe with a dollop of whipped cream, a handful of chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a seasonal twist, grate a bit of orange zest into the custard or sprinkle with toasted coconut!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to turn a regular morning into something everyone will talk about all week, don’t wait to whip up this Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for Sunday brunches, holiday gatherings, or just treating yourself any day. Happy cooking, and enjoy every last blissful bite!
