Hawaiian Roll French Toast

The irresistible combination of fluffy Hawaiian rolls and a rich, spiced egg custard turns a classic breakfast into a tropical-inspired treat that’s buttery, golden, and full of flavor. Each bite delivers the sweet undertones of the rolls, complemented by hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

This dish is a brilliant upgrade from traditional French toast, with a soft interior and crisp exterior that’s sure to become a weekend favorite. Perfect for a lazy brunch, a celebratory breakfast, or just when you want to treat yourself to something comforting and decadent. Pair with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup to take it over the top.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 12 Hawaiian rolls

• 4 large eggs

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

• Powdered sugar, for garnish

• Maple syrup or fruit compote, for serving

Directions:

1. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally to create top and bottom halves. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

3. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.

4. Dip each roll half (both top and bottom) into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated but not soggy.

5. Place coated rolls onto the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

6. Repeat with remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed for each batch.

7. Once cooked, stack rolls and dust with powdered sugar.

8. Serve warm with maple syrup or a fresh fruit compote for an irresistible breakfast or brunch treat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 265 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Decadent Twist on a Breakfast Classic

Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and for good reason. It fuels your body, awakens your senses, and sets the tone for everything that follows. But let’s be honest, not every morning feels worthy of a gourmet breakfast. That’s where easy, yet indulgent recipes come into play. One such dish is the ever-comforting Hawaiian Roll French Toast; a luscious, golden-brown upgrade to a traditional classic that’s surprisingly simple to make yet feels like something served in a cozy, high-end brunch café.

The Magic of Hawaiian Rolls

What makes this French toast variation so exceptional is the star ingredient: Hawaiian rolls. These sweet, fluffy buns offer the perfect balance between soft and sturdy, absorbing the custard mixture beautifully while maintaining their structure during cooking. Unlike traditional sandwich bread, Hawaiian rolls have a slightly sweet, buttery flavor and a rich, pillowy texture, making them ideal for French toast. The contrast between their lightly crispy crust and soft interior creates a bite that’s nothing short of blissful.

While many French toast recipes call for brioche or challah for their soft crumb, Hawaiian rolls take that richness one step further. Their subtle sweetness means you don’t need to overload the dish with sugar, a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup are often more than enough. But if you like going the extra mile, these rolls hold up to fruit compotes, flavored butters, and even whipped cream without falling apart.

The Custard Base: Flavor & Balance

A great French toast recipe lives and dies by its custard. For this version, a simple blend of eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt creates the base that gives these rolls their signature flavor and custard-like texture. It’s important not to skip the heavy cream, it adds a richness that elevates the dish from good to unforgettable.

The vanilla and cinnamon lend warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the sweet bread. As you whisk it together, you’ll notice the familiar aroma that signals something comforting and nostalgic is coming to life. The custard doesn’t just flavor the bread, it transforms it. Once cooked, the interior becomes almost soufflé-like, light and airy but satisfyingly creamy.

Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion

Whether you’re prepping breakfast for a special occasion, making a cozy Sunday brunch, or just looking to use up leftover rolls from dinner, Hawaiian Roll French Toast fits the bill. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it scales beautifully. You can make just a few rolls for a personal treat or prepare a large batch for a crowd with minimal extra effort.

This dish is particularly well-suited for holidays and celebrations. Think Mother’s Day breakfast in bed, a Valentine’s Day surprise, or even Christmas morning when you want something indulgent without spending all day in the kitchen. The rolls can be dipped and cooked in batches or prepped in advance and stored overnight in the fridge for a stress-free morning.

Topping Ideas to Customize

The beauty of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is its flexibility. You can keep it simple or dress it up depending on your cravings or what’s in season. Here are some creative topping options to enhance your dish:

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries add color and a tart contrast to the sweet toast.

• Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a creamy topping that makes it feel even more decadent.

• Maple Syrup or Honey: Classic additions that never fail to satisfy.

• Powdered Sugar: A simple sprinkle adds elegance and a touch of sweetness.

• Nut Butters: Almond butter or peanut butter offer richness and a protein boost.

• Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle: For dessert-like indulgence.

• Toasted Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch and texture.

No matter what direction you go in, the base of Hawaiian rolls guarantees the dish will be both delicious and comforting.

Tips for Best Results

Although this recipe is quite forgiving, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure the best outcome every time:

1. Use Day-Old Rolls: Slightly stale rolls absorb the custard more evenly and are less likely to become soggy.

2. Don’t Oversoak: Let each roll half sit in the custard for a few seconds just enough to soak it up without falling apart.

3. Cook Low and Slow: A medium heat ensures the exterior crisps up without burning while giving the inside time to cook through.

4. Use a Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle: It helps create a golden crust without sticking, especially when working with sugar-rich bread.

5. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh off the skillet when the outside is still crisp.

Make-Ahead & Storage Options

One of the best things about this recipe is its ability to be made in advance. If you’re planning for a busy morning or brunch party, prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. You can also pre-slice and store the Hawaiian rolls in an airtight container.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crisp exterior.

A Kid-Friendly Favorite

If you’ve got picky eaters at home, this is a go-to option. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is soft, mildly sweet, and easy to eat with fingers, especially when cut into small bites. Kids love the syrup drizzle, and you can sneak in healthy toppings like berries or banana slices. It’s also easy for little ones to help with the dipping or whisking process, making it a fun and engaging recipe for the whole family.

A Comfort Food Classic with a Tropical Twist

Comfort food doesn’t always have to be heavy or overly rich. With Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you get that nostalgic feel with a tropical edge; soft, fluffy, buttery, and kissed with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. It checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and presentation. Plus, it feels a little bit like a vacation on a plate, no matter where you’re enjoying it.

You can even experiment with flavor infusions like coconut milk instead of dairy, or a bit of pineapple compote on top to lean further into the island inspiration. Whether you’re staying traditional or adding a new twist, the base of Hawaiian rolls always shines through.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of weekend mornings, the joy of sharing food with family, and the indulgence we all deserve once in a while. Its soft, custardy texture paired with a crisp golden crust is comforting, craveable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or just a drizzle of maple syrup, one thing is certain: this dish will become a staple in your kitchen.

Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again not just for the flavor, but for the moments it helps create.