Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Oh friends, have I got a treat for you today! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is, hands down, one of the most delicious breakfast creations I’ve ever sunk my teeth into. We’re talking sweet, pillowy clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss that practically melt in your mouth. Perfect for brunch, special occasions, or just a cozy weekend morning, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that stands out with its unique flavors and delightful texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious breakfast in no time.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of Hawaiian rolls and custard creates a rich and flavorful dish that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Serving Options: Top with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or powdered sugar—make it your own!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a weekday breakfast treat, this recipe fits the bill.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the soft texture and sweet taste of this French toast.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Hawaiian Roll French Toast masterpiece, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Toothpick or skewer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet or griddle: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making flipping easy.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to whisk the ingredients together without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps blend the egg mixture smoothly for perfect custard consistency.
- Spatula: Ideal for flipping the rolls gently without damaging them.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 12 pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls
– 3 large eggs
– 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– Pinch of salt
– 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
– Powdered sugar (fresh fruit, maple syrup for serving)
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined. Then whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so that the custard can soak in. Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds while turning to coat all sides thoroughly. Be careful not to soak them too long!
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls into the skillet and cook them for about 30 to 60 seconds on each side until they are golden brown. Use a spatula to turn them carefully so all sides get crispy.
Step 4: Serve Your Creation
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired. Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just a delightful dish on its own; it’s also versatile in how you can serve it. Here are some creative serving ideas that will elevate your breakfast experience.
Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Add strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fresh and vibrant touch.
- Banana Slices: Sweet banana slices complement the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
Maple Syrup
- Classic Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the toast for that signature sweetness.
- Flavored Syrups: Try coconut or vanilla syrup for a tropical twist.
Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for a rich and creamy texture.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free option that pairs beautifully with the Hawaiian flavors.
Nuts
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle these on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: Enhance the tropical flair with some toasted coconut.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Generous Dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds sweetness and makes it look beautiful.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Perfecting Hawaiian Roll French Toast is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to achieve the best results.
- Use Day-Old Rolls: Stale rolls absorb custard better without becoming too soggy.
- Soak Briefly: Limit soaking time to 30 seconds to maintain a fluffy texture inside.
- Temperature Control: Cook on medium-low heat to ensure even cooking without burning.
- Flip Gently: Use a spatula to carefully turn the rolls for an even golden-brown finish.
- Customize Toppings: Experiment with different fruits, syrups, and toppings to find your favorite combination.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with delicious side dishes that complement its sweetness. Here are some great options:
- Bacon or Sausage: A savory side that balances the sweetness of the toast.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing contrast.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and a savory element to your meal.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a crunchy texture alongside soft French toast.
- Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado toast is a trendy addition that pairs well with sweet dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Over-soaking the rolls: Soaking the rolls for too long can lead to sogginess. Aim for just 30 seconds in the custard mixture.
- Skipping the holes: Not poking holes in the rolls means less custard gets absorbed. Use a toothpick to poke several holes for optimal soaking.
- Cooking at high heat: Cooking on high heat can burn the outside before the inside is cooked. Always keep your skillet on medium-low heat for even cooking.
- Using stale rolls: Fresh rolls yield a better texture. If your rolls are stale, consider toasting them lightly first to help with absorption.
- Neglecting toppings: Skipping toppings can make the dish less satisfying. Use powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or syrup for added flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Place cooled French toast pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place French toast on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual servings on high for about 30-60 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat as it may become rubbery.
- Stovetop: Warm in a nonstick skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hawaiian Roll French Toast that might help you out!
What is Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet breakfast dish made using King’s Hawaiian Rolls soaked in a cinnamon-sugar custard and then cooked until golden brown.
How do I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free bread in place of Hawaiian rolls, adjusting the soaking time as needed for best results.
Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it ahead of time by soaking the rolls and storing them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What toppings go well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, or even coconut flakes enhance the flavor and presentation of this delightful dish.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is more than just a breakfast treat; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy. Its soft texture and sweet flavor make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or spices for an extra special twist!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the sweet, fluffy delight of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, an irresistible breakfast treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe transforms soft King’s Hawaiian Rolls into a delectable dish coated in a creamy cinnamon-sugar custard. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, making it ideal for cozy weekend mornings or festive brunch gatherings. Top it with fresh berries, maple syrup, or whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- 1 pack King's Hawaiian Rolls (12 rolls)
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Poke holes in each roll with a toothpick to allow custard absorption. Soak each roll in the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides.
- Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook soaked rolls for about 30 to 60 seconds on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg