If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like a tropical getaway without leaving your kitchen, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe is exactly what you need. These sweet, fluffy rolls soak up a luscious cinnamon-vanilla egg batter, then cook to golden perfection, creating bites that are soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. This recipe turns ordinary French toast into a fun and flavorful treat that’s perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or any day you want to brighten up with a little aloha spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and warmth in this dish. Each element plays a crucial role in building the texture and flavor profile that makes this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe stand out.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: Their softness and natural sweetness create the perfect base for absorbing the egg mixture without falling apart.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter, helping to coat the rolls evenly.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and lightens the egg mixture for a tender French toast custard.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that enhances the sweet rolls’ flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Offers a gentle spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to mimic classic French toast without overwhelming.
- Butter (for cooking): Adds a luscious, golden crust and prevents sticking in your skillet.
- Powdered sugar and maple syrup: Essential for finishing with a sweet, picturesque touch that invites indulgence.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rolls
Begin by carefully separating the Hawaiian sweet rolls. Whether you keep them whole or slice them in half is up to you, but remember that thinner pieces soak up the custard faster and cook more quickly. Keeping them intact preserves their pillowy texture.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk four large eggs, three-quarters of a cup of milk, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a tablespoon of sugar until the mixture is smooth and combined. This flavorful custard is what transforms the rolls into a delightfully tender treat.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat, then add a tablespoon or two of butter. The butter melts and sizzles, setting the stage for golden brown French toast that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside.
Step 4: Dip and Cook the Rolls
Gently dip each Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, making sure all sides get coated, but don’t let them soak too long to avoid sogginess. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the outside is beautifully golden and the inside is cooked through. Repeat this process with the remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed to keep the pan well-greased.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Garnishes
After piling your golden Hawaiian Roll French Toast on a plate, sprinkle some powdered sugar to add a snowy touch. Drizzle warm maple syrup generously for that classic sweet finish. For an extra Hawaiian vibe, top with sliced bananas, toasted coconut flakes, or juicy pineapple chunks to infuse every bite with tropical sunshine.
Side Dishes
This French toast pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salads to balance sweetness, crispy bacon for savory contrast, or creamy yogurt to add a cooling element. A cup of fresh brewed coffee or a tropical smoothie will round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the rolls, alternating layers with cream cheese or flavored mascarpone for a French toast “cake.” Or serve each roll split open with a scoop of ice cream and drizzled caramel for a decadent dessert twist. The sweet rolls’ small size makes this a fun finger food option for brunch parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for two to three days without losing too much moisture or flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked French toast rolls for up to a month by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to freezer bags. This makes them fantastic to prepare ahead and enjoy later with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the rolls in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, a toaster oven works beautifully to restore crisp exterior texture without drying the inside.
FAQs
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely, but Hawaiian rolls bring a unique sweetness and soft texture that makes this recipe special. Using regular bread will result in a more classic French toast experience, but it won’t quite have that tropical flair.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
Yes! Mixing the eggs, milk, and spices the night before saves time. Just cover and refrigerate the batter, then dip and cook the rolls fresh in the morning for the best texture.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
If you’re out of vanilla extract, a splash of almond extract or even a pinch of nutmeg can provide a different but delicious twist to the flavor profile of your French toast.
How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
Dip the rolls briefly, just until they are coated but not saturated. Soaking them too long causes sogginess when cooking. The key is quick yet thorough coverage.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe contains no meat or fish, making it a perfect option for a vegetarian breakfast or brunch.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe enough for a breakfast that feels both comforting and a little exotic. Its effortless preparation and unforgettable flavor make it a true winner in my kitchen. Next time you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to start the day!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast featuring sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls dipped in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to golden perfection on a skillet. Serve warm with powdered sugar and maple syrup for a tropical-inspired brunch treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the rolls: Separate the Hawaiian rolls, keeping them whole or halving them if desired for smaller portions.
- Make the egg mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface.
- Dip the rolls: Dip each roll into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly but avoiding soaking them for too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook the rolls: Place the dipped rolls on the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat as needed: Continue dipping and cooking the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the skillet as necessary to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup. Optionally, add tropical toppings like sliced bananas or toasted coconut for extra flavor.
Notes
- Add a tropical twist by topping with sliced bananas, toasted coconut, or pineapple for extra flavor.
- This recipe is ideal for brunch or holiday breakfasts.
- You can make the French toast in advance and reheat it gently in the oven before serving.
