This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet twist on classic French toast. Made with rich, buttery Hawaiian rolls, this recipe creates a golden, caramelized crust while keeping the inside irresistibly soft. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special weekend treat, this dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serving Size: 2-3 pieces
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the French Toast:
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the French Toast Batter:
- Whisk the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Preheat the pan: Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter.
Cooking the French Toast:
- Prepare the rolls: Keep the Hawaiian rolls attached or separate them, depending on your preference.
- Dip the rolls: Dip each roll (or group of rolls) into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly coated but not overly soaked.
- Cook until golden: Place the dipped rolls onto the preheated skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Flip and repeat: Turn the rolls and continue cooking on all sides until fully cooked.
Serving:
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh berries.
- Serve warm with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Don’t Over-Soak: Hawaiian rolls are soft, so quickly dip them to avoid sogginess.
- Use a Griddle: A flat surface helps cook multiple pieces evenly.
- Caramelize with Butter: Cooking in butter adds a rich, golden-brown finish.
- Make It Extra Sweet: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top while cooking for a caramelized crust.
Creative Variations
- Stuffed French Toast: Add a layer of cream cheese and strawberry jam between the rolls before dipping.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the rolls while cooking.
- Overnight Bake: Soak the rolls in the batter overnight and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Cooked French toast can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a toaster oven.
Can I freeze it? Absolutely! Freeze in a single layer, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes! Almond milk or oat milk work as great substitutes.
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a sweet, buttery, and incredibly easy breakfast that will impress everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy a tropical twist on a classic dish!