Dreamy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe: A Tropical Delight

Sweet mornings sparkle with this delectable Hawaiian roll French toast that turns ordinary breakfast into a tropical celebration.

Soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls soak up a rich custard mixture, creating a dreamy texture that melts in you mouth.

Each golden-brown slice promises pure indulgence with a hint of sweetness.

Weekend brunch reaches new heights with this simple yet spectacular dish.

The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla will dance through your kitchen, tempting everyone to the table.

Sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup, these French toast rolls offer a decadent start to any day.

One bite promises to transport you straight to breakfast paradise.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Sweet Island Vibes for Breakfast or Brunch

• Transform ordinary Hawaiian rolls into a decadent French toast experience that elevates your morning meal with minimal effort.
• Infuse simple rolls with rich custard mixture featuring vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a deeply satisfying sweet treat.
• Achieve golden-brown perfection in just minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches when you want something special without extensive preparation.
• Dress up the dish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup to create a restaurant-worthy breakfast that looks and tastes impressive.

Ingredient Rundown for Tropical French Toast Magic

• Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that provide a unique twist on traditional French toast.

• Eggs, Half and Half: Rich mixture that creates a creamy, luxurious coating for the rolls.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the custard.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice to enhance the overall taste.
• Brown Sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the custard.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors in the mixture.

• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when cooking the rolls.
• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds a sweet, decorative finish.
• Fresh Berries: Offers a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweet rolls.
• Maple Syrup: Optional topping that adds extra sweetness and moisture.

Baking Gear for Golden, Fluffy Hawaiian Toast

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking eggs and creating the creamy custard mixture.
• Whisk: Essential for blending eggs, half and half, and spices until smooth.
• Toothpick or Skewer: Helps create holes in rolls for better custard absorption.
• Nonstick Skillet or Griddle: Key for evenly cooking rolls without sticking.
• Spatula: Allows careful flipping of delicate rolls to achieve golden brown color.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for adding vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
• Measuring Cup: Helps measure half and half accurately.

Step-by-Step to Perfectly Sweet Hawaiian French Toast

Step 1: Whisk Creamy Custard Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and crack eggs into it.

Pour in half and half, then vigorously whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and fully blended, creating a silky custard foundation for your french toast.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to the custard.

Whisk thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly, creating a rich and aromatic mixture that will infuse incredible depth into your hawaiian rolls.

Step 3: Prepare Roll Absorption

Take a toothpick or wooden skewer and gently poke multiple small holes in the bottom of each hawaiian roll.

These tiny punctures will allow the custard to penetrate deeply, ensuring maximum flavor absorption throughout the bread.

Step 4: Soak Bread Perfectly

Dunk each roll into the custard mixture, rotating carefully to coat all surfaces.

Allow each roll to soak for approximately 30 seconds, making sure not to oversaturate which could cause bread to disintegrate.

Step 5: Melt Butter Gently

Place a nonstick skillet or griddle on medium-low heat.

Add butter and allow it to melt completely, creating a smooth, golden cooking surface that will help develop a beautiful crispy exterior on your rolls.

Step 6: Transform Rolls

Carefully place soaked rolls onto the buttered surface.

Cook each side for 30-60 seconds, rotating gently to achieve an even golden-brown color and crispy texture.

Use a spatula to handle rolls delicately.

Step 7: Create Delightful Presentation

Transfer french toast rolls onto serving plates.

Dust generously with powdered sugar, scatter fresh berries around the plate, and drizzle with warm maple syrup for a stunning and delicious breakfast experience.

Top Tricks for Toast That’s Soft Inside, Crisp Outside

• Use a toothpick to create multiple holes in roll bottoms, allowing custard to penetrate deeply for maximum flavor absorption.
• Dip rolls quickly for 30 seconds, rotating to ensure even coating without making them too soggy or falling apart.
• Cook on medium-low heat to achieve golden-brown exterior while keeping inside soft and custardy.
• Top with fresh berries for added freshness and natural sweetness that complements the rich, buttery rolls.
• Drizzle warm maple syrup just before serving to enhance the breakfast experience with classic French toast indulgence.

French Toast Variations with Coconut, Pineapple, and More

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Replace regular Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free rolls or thick-cut gluten-free bread, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Substitute half and half with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter alternative for cooking.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add a scoop of protein powder to the custard mixture and use protein-enriched rolls for a more nutritious breakfast option.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap Hawaiian rolls with low-carb cloud bread or almond flour-based bread, use sugar-free sweetener instead of brown sugar, and cook in coconut oil or butter.

Fun Ways to Present and Serve Hawaiian French Toast

• Sweet Berry Bliss: Top warm French toast with a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of fruity goodness.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Pour rich, homemade caramel sauce over the crispy rolls, creating a decadent breakfast treat that melts in your mouth.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or pecans over the French toast for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the sweet custard.
• Cream Cheese Dream: Spread a thin layer of whipped cream cheese between two French toast rolls for an extra creamy and indulgent breakfast experience.

How to Store and Warm Up Leftover French Toast Rolls

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
• Place rolls on a microwave-safe plate, heat for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and add 5-second intervals if needed to avoid overheating.

FAQs

• Why use Hawaiian rolls for French toast?

Hawaiian rolls are sweeter and softer than traditional bread, creating a more decadent and tender French toast with a unique flavor profile that absorbs custard perfectly.

• Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the custard ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just whisk it again before using to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

• How do the toothpick holes help with this recipe?

Poking holes allows the custard to penetrate deeper into the rolls, ensuring more flavor and a more consistent texture throughout each piece of French toast.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hawaiian Roll French Toast delivers a delightful twist on classic breakfast fare, combining pillowy rolls with rich custard. Cinnamon-spiced and golden-brown, this sweet morning treat offers comfort and indulgence you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 12-pack Kings Hawaiian Rolls
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) half and half or whole milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

Cooking and Serving:

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter for cooking
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh fruit
• Maple syrup

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Instructions

1. Create a rich, velvety custard by whisking eggs and half and half in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and homogeneous.
2. Enhance the custard with aromatic vanilla, warm cinnamon, deep brown sugar, and a pinch of salt, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
3. Prepare the Hawaiian rolls by gently piercing multiple holes in the bottom using a toothpick or skewer, allowing maximum custard absorption.
4. Submerge rolls in the custard mixture for precisely 30 seconds, carefully rotating to ensure complete coating without oversaturating.
5. Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat, melting butter to create a golden, even cooking surface.
6. Carefully transfer soaked rolls to the heated pan, cooking each side for 30-60 seconds until achieving a crisp, caramelized exterior with a rich golden-brown color.
7. Present the French toast immediately while warm, elegantly dusting with powdered sugar and garnishing with fresh seasonal berries and pure maple syrup for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Poke holes carefully in rolls to maximize custard absorption without tearing the soft bread’s delicate texture.
• Soak rolls briefly to prevent sogginess, ensuring a crispy exterior and custardy interior for perfect texture balance.
• Use medium-low heat to achieve golden-brown color without burning the sweet, delicate Hawaiian rolls.
• Customize by adding nutmeg or orange zest to the custard for an extra flavor dimension that complements the rolls’ sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg