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 with friends or a cozy family breakfast, this dish stands out with its unique sweetness and soft texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
- Deliciously Sweet: The use of King’s Hawaiian Rolls adds an incredible sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup to customize your breakfast experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a weekend treat, this French toast fits right in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 servings, it’s great for feeding a group or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process and perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Toothpick or skewer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Nonstick skillet or griddle: This is crucial for achieving that golden-brown crust without sticking.
- Large mixing bowl: It allows ample space to whisk together your custard mixture without any spills.
- Whisk: A good whisk ensures everything is well combined for a smooth custard.
- Spatula: Essential for flipping the rolls gently without breaking them apart.
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.
- Whisk in the vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until incorporated.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
- Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in.
- Working in batches, dip the rolls into the custard mixture and let soak for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides. Be careful not to soak longer as they may become soggy.
Step 3: Cook the Rolls
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Cook the soaked rolls for about 30–60 seconds per side until golden brown. Turn them carefully with a spatula to get all sides crispy.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm, dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.
With these simple steps, you’ll create an unforgettable breakfast that everyone will love! Enjoy your delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Serving Hawaiian Roll French Toast is all about enhancing its deliciousness. This sweet treat can be dressed up in many ways, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Classic Toppings
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzling warm maple syrup brings out the flavors and adds a delightful sticky element.
Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries not only add color but also a refreshing tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Banana Slices: Add some sliced bananas for extra creaminess and a flavor boost.
Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates this dish into a truly decadent experience.
Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert twist, serve warm Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nut Butter
- Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: Spread on top for added protein and a nutty flavor that complements the rolls.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Perfecting your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is key to achieving that ideal texture and flavor. Here are some tips to ensure every bite is heavenly.
- Choose Fresh Rolls: Use fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls for the best taste and texture; they should be soft yet slightly stale for optimal soaking.
- Don’t Over-Soak: Limit soaking time to 30 seconds per roll to avoid sogginess. You want them moist but still holding their shape.
- Use Medium-Low Heat: Cooking at medium-low heat allows the custard to set without burning the outside, ensuring golden perfection.
- Mix Up Your Custard: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Add Spice Variations: Try adding nutmeg or cardamom along with cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth in flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy them fresh off the skillet while they are warm and crispy for the ultimate experience.
Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Pairing side dishes with your Hawaiian Roll French Toast can create an unforgettable meal. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon balances the sweetness perfectly, making it a classic pairing.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links provide heartiness that complements the fluffy french toast well.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side that adds creaminess.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich french toast.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and savory flavor that rounds out your breakfast plate.
- Eggs Any Style: Scrambled or poached eggs add protein and help balance out the sweet flavors of the french toast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the outcome. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the soaking time: It’s crucial to soak the rolls long enough for them to absorb the custard mixture. A quick dip won’t provide the rich flavor you want.
- Using stale rolls: Freshness matters! Stale Hawaiian rolls won’t soak up the custard properly. Always use soft, fresh rolls for the best texture.
- Overcooking the toast: Cooking the rolls too long can lead to dry French toast. Aim for a golden brown color while keeping them soft inside.
- Ignoring toppings: The right toppings can elevate your dish. Don’t skip on powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or syrup; they add sweetness and texture.
- Not using a nonstick surface: Without a nonstick skillet or griddle, the rolls may stick and break apart. Use quality cookware to ensure easy flipping.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- It can last up to 2 months when properly wrapped.
Reheating Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Quickly reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast unique?
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is distinct due to its sweet, fluffy bread that enhances traditional French toast flavors, creating a delightful breakfast experience.
Can I use any type of rolls for this recipe?
While you can experiment with different sweet rolls, King’s Hawaiian Rolls are recommended for their perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
How do I customize my Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Feel free to add ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or flavored extracts to tailor it to your taste preferences!
Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is great for meal prep; simply store portions in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat when ready to enjoy.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute half and half with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter for cooking without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as breakfast or dessert, allowing customization based on your taste. Whether topped with fresh fruit or enjoying it plain, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and experience the joy of this sweet treat!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful breakfast treat that combines the soft, sweet texture of King’s Hawaiian Rolls with a rich custard mixture. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for brunch or cozy family gatherings, offering a deliciously sweet flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Each bite is a heavenly experience, especially when topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or warm maple syrup. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in a comforting breakfast, this recipe is sure to please.
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)
- Powdered sugar (fresh fruit, maple syrup for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard by whisking together eggs, half and half, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Poke holes in each roll using a toothpick. Dip rolls into the custard mixture for about 30 seconds, ensuring they are coated but not soggy.
- Heat butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook soaked rolls for 30–60 seconds on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar and toppings of your choice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg