Golden Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe: A Sunny Breakfast Joy

The weekend brunch scene gets a delightful twist with this Hawaiian roll French toast that blends sweet and creamy textures into an irresistible morning treat.

Soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls absorb a rich custard mixture that promises golden-brown perfection.

Each slice emerges from the skillet with a delicate crunch and tender interior that melts in your mouth.

The recipe transforms ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience with minimal effort.

Powdered sugar and maple syrup add the final touch of decadence to these delectable rolls.

Every bite brings a burst of comfort and indulgence you won’t be able to resist.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to elevate your breakfast game with this crowd-pleasing sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 260 kcal

Servings: 6

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ingredient Prep

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet foundation that creates a unique twist on classic French toast.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and prevents sticking during cooking.

• Eggs: Binding agent that creates silky, luxurious texture.
• Milk: Provides creamy smoothness and helps dissolve other ingredients.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and depth to the custard mixture.
• Sugar: Brings subtle sweetness and helps caramelization.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting aroma and enhances overall flavor.
• Cinnamon: Delivers warm, spicy undertone that complements sweet rolls.
• Salt: Balances flavors and heightens sweetness.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds elegant sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: Classic breakfast companion with deep, rich flavor.
• Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy complement that adds freshness.
• Whipped Cream: Soft, airy topping that provides creamy contrast.

What You’ll Need for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining custard ingredients and creating a smooth mixture.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, milk, and spices into a silky, lump-free custard.
• Skillet or griddle: Key for achieving golden-brown, crispy exterior on the Hawaiian rolls.
• Spatula: Helps flip French toast evenly and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient proportions for the perfect custard.
• Plate: Serves as the final resting spot for your delicious French toast.

Whip Up Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Ease

• Create Creamy Custard

Blend eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into a smooth, silky mixture using a whisk. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for maximum flavor.

• Dunk and Soak Rolls

Gently separate Hawaiian rolls while keeping their base connected. Submerge rolls completely in the luscious custard, allowing them to absorb the rich, sweet mixture without becoming waterlogged.

• Sizzle and Brown

Warm a skillet over medium heat, melting butter to create a golden cooking surface. Place custard-soaked rolls onto the pan, cooking each side until they transform into a crispy, caramelized delight. Flip carefully to achieve an even, appetizing color.

• Dress and Devour

Transfer your golden-brown creations to a beautiful plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, scatter fresh berries, or crown with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. Enjoy immediately while warm and irresistible.

Creative Touches for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls the night before, then refrigerate overnight for a stress-free morning breakfast.
• Pat the rolls dry before dipping to ensure a crispier, golden-brown exterior that adds delightful texture.
• Swap milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version that maintains rich, creamy flavor.
• Use gluten-free Hawaiian-style rolls or swap with gluten-free brioche to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing the delicious essence.
• Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom, or add orange zest to the custard for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the classic recipe.

Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast the Tasty Way

• Sweet Berry Burst: Top the French toast with a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and juicy finish.
• Morning Cream Dream: Dollop homemade whipped cream on top and sprinkle with a light dusting of cinnamon for an extra luxurious touch.
• Nutty Crunch Delight: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans over the French toast to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.
• Caramel Drizzle: Pour warm caramel sauce over the golden-brown rolls, creating a decadent and indulgent breakfast experience that will make everyone's morning special.

Save and Rewarm Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Keep leftover French toast in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rolls maintain their delightful texture when wrapped individually in plastic film.
• Warm the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave heating to prevent soggy texture and maintain crispy edges.
• Stack rolls between parchment paper layers before freezing. They'll stay fresh for 2 months when sealed in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Mix custard ingredients the night before and store covered in the refrigerator. This shortcut saves morning cooking time and allows flavors to blend beautifully.

FAQs

• Why use Hawaiian rolls instead of regular bread?

Hawaiian rolls have a unique sweetness and soft, fluffy texture that absorbs the custard perfectly, creating a more decadent and indulgent French toast experience compared to standard bread.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply dip the rolls and proceed with the recipe, which saves time during morning preparation.

• How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart while soaking?

Gently dip the rolls, keeping them connected at the base, and avoid oversaturating them. A quick dip is enough to coat the rolls without making them too wet and fragile.

• What's the best way to achieve a golden-brown crust?

Use medium heat and butter in the skillet. This allows the rolls to develop a crispy exterior while ensuring the inside remains soft and custardy without burning.

Crispy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Luxurious Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings island-inspired sweetness to classic breakfast fare. Pillowy rolls soak in rich custard, creating a delightful morning indulgence you will savor with pure breakfast bliss.

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Ingredients

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• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) whole milk
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps butter
• Powdered sugar (for serving)
• Maple syrup (for serving)
• Fresh berries (for serving)
• Whipped cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Custard Preparation: Whisk eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a smooth, aromatic mixture that will infuse the Hawaiian rolls with rich flavor.
2. Roll Preparation: Separate Hawaiian rolls while keeping their connected base intact, preparing them for a delectable transformation that maintains their signature pull-apart charm.
3. Custard Coating: Gently dredge each roll into the prepared custard, ensuring complete coverage without waterlogging the bread, allowing the mixture to penetrate and enhance the rolls’ delicate texture.
4. Cooking Process: Preheat a skillet or griddle to medium heat, melt butter to create a golden cooking surface, then carefully place the custard-soaked rolls onto the pan, cooking until they develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.
5. Browning and Finishing: Cook rolls for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a crisp golden-brown crust while preserving a soft, custardy interior, replenishing butter between batches to prevent sticking and maintain optimal flavor.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer the golden French toast to serving plates, embellishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a generous maple syrup drizzle, scattered fresh berries, or a luxurious dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dish’s visual and taste appeal.

Notes

• Prevent Bread Sogginess: Briefly dip Hawaiian rolls in custard, avoiding over-soaking to maintain structural integrity and prevent mushy texture.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat while cooking to achieve even golden-brown caramelization without burning the delicate rolls.
• Butter Management: Refresh butter between batches to ensure consistent non-stick surface and prevent burnt remnants from affecting subsequent rolls.
• Customize Serving: Experiment with toppings like mascarpone, fruit compote, or toasted nuts to elevate the classic French toast experience and suit different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg