There’s something downright magical about transforming sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls into a decadent brunch treat that feels like a mini vacation on your plate. These rolls, with their soft texture and hint of tropical sweetness, soak up a vanilla-cinnamon custard like a dream, yielding French toast that’s crisp on the outside and tender in the middle. Every bite brings together a harmony of flavors: warm cinnamon, rich vanilla, and that unmistakable buttery edge, all crowned with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. I love how this recipe marries the comfort of classic French toast with an island-inspired twist, making any morning feel like a sunny getaway—no airfare required.
What I adore most is how approachable this recipe is. It takes just about 10 minutes to whip up the custard, and in 20 more minutes you’ll have a golden stack ready to serve. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed weekend brunch, surprising the kids with a sweet breakfast, or craving a dessert-worthy snack, these Hawaiian Roll French Toast slices fit the bill perfectly. With only a handful of pantry staples—eggs, milk, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon—you’ll be slicing into clouds of flavor in no time. From the moment you dip a roll into that frothy mixture to the second it sizzles on your skillet, you’ll feel like a gourmet chef crafting something truly special.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HAWAIIAN ROLL FRENCH TOAST
Before we dive into the fun of cooking, let’s get acquainted with the stars of the show. These simple, flavorful ingredients work together to create that irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and tender textures that make this recipe so memorable.
- Hawaiian rolls
Soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls that provide the perfect structure for soaking up the custard. Their pillowy interior turns golden and crisp when pan-fried, making every bite a delightful contrast of textures.
- Large eggs
The binding agent that brings richness and stability to the custard mixture. Fresh eggs help achieve that silky, custardy coating on each roll half.
- Milk
Adds creaminess and moisture to the egg mixture, ensuring the custard is smooth and yields a tender interior once cooked.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses a floral, aromatic sweetness that elevates the flavor profile and complements the tropical essence of the rolls.
- Ground cinnamon
Brings a warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the rolls and brown sugar, giving a classic French toast vibe with an island vibe twist.
- Brown sugar
Sweetens the custard and adds a hint of molasses depth. It caramelizes slightly during cooking, contributing to that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Unsalted butter
Used for cooking, it adds a rich, toasty flavor and helps achieve a crisp exterior on the French toast without overpowering the delicate sweetness.
- Powdered sugar
A light, decorative finish that adds a gentle sweetness and a snowy contrast against the golden toast.
- Maple syrup
The classic French toast companion that introduces a rich, woody sweetness and a luscious texture when drizzled over each serving.
- Fresh fruit (optional)
Adds brightness, color, and natural juiciness. Berries, banana slices, or tropical fruits like mango can elevate the presentation and flavor balance.
HOW TO MAKE HAWAIIAN ROLL FRENCH TOAST
Ready to turn those humble rolls into a show-stopping breakfast? Follow these steps for perfectly golden, custardy slices every time.
1. Begin by slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a sandwich-like structure with the top and bottom pieces separated. Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts and even surfaces that will brown uniformly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined and slightly frothy. This aerates the custard, ensuring it coats the rolls smoothly and cooks up light.
3. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt evenly and coat the surface. You should see gentle bubbling at the edges when it’s hot enough.
4. Dip each half of the Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated but not overly soaked—just long enough for the custard to cling. Let any excess mixture drip off before transferring to the pan.
5. Place the dipped rolls on the heated skillet, cut side down. Cook for about 2–3 minutes until you see a deep golden-brown color forming around the edges.
6. Carefully flip the rolls and add more butter if necessary. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes on the other side until equally golden and crisp.
7. Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed to maintain that gorgeous sear.
8. Once all the rolls are cooked, serve warm, dust with powdered sugar, and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Add fresh fruit as a topping if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HAWAIIAN ROLL FRENCH TOAST
When it comes to plating these sweet, custard-soaked rolls, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re aiming for an Instagram-worthy spread or a cozy family breakfast at the table, these serving ideas will make your Hawaiian Roll French Toast shine.
- Classic Maple Drizzle
Stack three to four slices on a wide plate, dust them lightly with powdered sugar, then pour warm pure maple syrup in a zigzag pattern. A sprig of fresh mint or a thin orange twist adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Berry Medley Crown
Pile sliced strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries around the toast, letting their bright juices mingle with melted butter on the plate. The tart sweetness of the berries balances the custard’s richness beautifully.
- Tropical Coconut Sprinkle
Toast a small handful of shredded coconut until golden and sprinkle it over the hot French toast for an extra layer of texture and a nod to island vibes. Add thin slices of fresh pineapple or mango for a sunny flavor boost.
- Whipped Cream Dream
Top each plate with a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For an indulgent touch, fold in a teaspoon of coconut rum or vanilla for an adult-friendly brunch treat.
HOW TO STORE HAWAIIAN ROLL FRENCH TOAST
Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or simply want to enjoy leftovers, proper storage will keep your French toast tasting nearly as good as fresh. Here are my favorite methods to maintain that balance of crispy edges and custardy centers.
- Short-Term Refrigeration
Allow the French toast slices to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days and reheat in a toaster oven to reclaim crispiness.
- Freezing for Later
Cool the slices completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to one month. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Reheating in Skillet
For best texture retention, reheat leftover slices in a lightly buttered skillet over medium-low heat. Press gently with a spatula until warm and crispy, then serve immediately with fresh syrup or fruit.
- Avoiding Sogginess
Never seal hot French toast in a container—that steam leads to sogginess. Always cool completely and use breathable materials like parchment or paper towels between layers to wick away excess moisture.
CONCLUSION
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe brings together fluffy, sweet rolls drenched in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, cooked to golden perfection, and dressed with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh fruit. We explored each component—from the soft Hawaiian rolls and aromatic cinnamon to the rich custard made with eggs, milk, and brown sugar. You’ve seen how straightforward steps—slicing the rolls, whisking the custard, dipping and pan-frying—turn everyday ingredients into a decadent brunch or dessert. With prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 20 minutes, this Beginner-friendly recipe is as accessible as it is impressive. Clocking in at around 300 calories per serving, it spans both Lunch and Dessert courses, making it versatile for any gathering. Remember, you can print this article and save it for future brunch parties or lazy Sunday mornings. Don’t forget to scroll down for a handy FAQ section if you need quick answers to common questions.
I hope you feel inspired to give this tropical twist on classic French toast a try. If you whip up a batch for family, friends, or just for yourself, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your own variations, any questions you might have, or just to share your experience. Whether you want help perfecting that golden crust or swapping toppings, I’m here to chat and support your culinary adventures. Happy cooking, and may your mornings always taste a little sweeter!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Description
Soft Hawaiian rolls soaked in a vanilla-cinnamon custard, pan-cooked until golden brown, then topped with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh fruit for a sweet, pillowy bite perfect for brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by slicing the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, creating a sandwich-like structure with the top and bottom pieces separated.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
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Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt evenly.
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Dip each half of the Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated but not overly soaked. Allow excess egg mixture to drip off.
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Place the dipped rolls on the heated skillet, cut side down. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
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Carefully flip the rolls and add more butter if necessary. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is also golden brown.
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Remove the cooked French toast from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.
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Once all the rolls are cooked, serve warm, dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup. Add fresh fruit as a topping if desired.
Note
- For a tropical twist, add coconut flakes to the egg mixture.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, for added warmth.
- This recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings and can be easily doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Consider adding whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
- Hawaiian rolls lend a sweet and soft texture, making this dish a popular favorite among kids and adults alike.
