If you love French toast, get ready to take it to the next level! Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate breakfast treat—fluffy, sweet, and packed with tropical vibes. 🍍🥥 Imagine soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard, perfectly golden on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. Sounds amazing, right?
This recipe is perfect for lazy weekends, brunch with friends, or even a quick “breakfast for dinner” moment. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and with a few expert tips, you’ll have the perfect batch every time. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Is Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a twist on the classic French toast recipe. Instead of using regular bread, we swap it with King’s Hawaiian Rolls or any other soft, slightly sweet dinner rolls. These rolls absorb the custard beautifully, giving you a pillowy-soft center and a lightly crisp exterior.
It’s not just about the texture—Hawaiian rolls bring a subtle sweetness that makes every bite extra special. Pair it with syrup, fresh fruits, or even a sprinkle of coconut, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy breakfast made right in your kitchen. 🍽️
“This dish is the perfect combination of indulgence and nostalgia—just like grandma’s French toast but with a tropical twist.”
Why Use Hawaiian Rolls for French Toast?
1. Perfect Softness & Sweetness
Hawaiian rolls are naturally sweet and buttery, which means you don’t need to add as much sugar to your recipe. Their soft texture ensures that each bite is light and fluffy, not dense or dry.
2. Superior Custard Absorption
Unlike regular sliced bread, Hawaiian rolls act like sponges, soaking up all that rich, eggy custard without falling apart. This gives your French toast a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Caramelization Perfection
When cooked, the sugar in the rolls caramelizes beautifully, giving you a slight crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside luxuriously soft.
4. Fun to Serve & Easy to Eat
Since they’re smaller than traditional bread slices, Hawaiian roll French toast can be served whole, halved, or even skewered for a fun, bite-sized brunch idea!
What Makes This French Toast Different?
So, what sets Hawaiian Roll French Toast apart from the traditional version? Let’s break it down:
| Feature | Traditional French Toast | Hawaiian Roll French Toast |
|---|---|---|
| Bread Used | White bread, brioche, challah | Sweet Hawaiian rolls |
| Texture | Slightly firm, dense | Soft, fluffy, pillowy |
| Flavor Profile | Mildly sweet, buttery | Naturally sweet, tropical |
| Caramelization | Moderate | Higher due to sugar content |
| Serving Style | Large slices | Small, bite-sized rolls |
If you’re looking for a fresh take on French toast, this is it! The unique balance of sweetness, softness, and richness makes it a total game-changer.
Ingredients Needed for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Let’s talk ingredients. The best part? You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect French Toast
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian sweet rolls | 12 rolls | The star of the dish! Soft, sweet, and perfect for absorbing custard. |
| Large eggs | 4 | Gives structure and richness to the custard. |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | Makes the custard creamy. Can substitute with almond or oat milk. |
| Heavy cream | ¼ cup | Adds extra richness and thickness. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances the sweet, warm flavor. |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds a cozy spice element. |
| Nutmeg (optional) | ½ tsp | Gives an extra depth of warmth. |
| Maple syrup | 2 tbsp | Slightly sweetens the mixture naturally. |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | For cooking—adds flavor and golden crispness. |
| Powdered sugar | For garnish | Adds a light, sweet dusting. |
| Fresh fruit (optional) | As desired | Strawberries, bananas, or berries for topping. |
Pro Tip: Use day-old Hawaiian rolls for the best results! Slightly stale bread absorbs custard better and prevents sogginess.
Best Toppings and Variations
Once your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is ready, it’s time to dress it up! Here are some delicious topping ideas:
Classic Toppings
✅ Powdered sugar – A simple yet elegant touch.
✅ Maple syrup – The OG topping that never fails.
✅ Whipped cream – Light, airy, and delicious.
Tropical Vibes 🌴
✅ Toasted coconut flakes – Brings a lovely crunch and island flavor.
✅ Caramelized pineapple – Adds natural sweetness and a bit of tang.
✅ Macadamia nuts – A little crunch never hurts!
Indulgent Twists 🍫
✅ Nutella drizzle – Because chocolate makes everything better.
✅ Peanut butter – A salty-sweet combo that’s irresistible.
✅ Caramel sauce – Adds a buttery richness to every bite.
Feeling fancy? Try stuffing the rolls with cream cheese or jam before dipping them in the custard!
Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions
No need to skip out if you have dietary restrictions! Here are some easy swaps to make this French toast fit your needs:
- Dairy-Free? Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk instead of dairy. Replace butter with coconut oil.
- Gluten-Free? Swap out Hawaiian rolls for a gluten-free sweet bread alternative.
- Vegan? Replace eggs with a flaxseed egg mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk and butter.
Craving more dairy-free ideas? Check out our article on Almond Milk Benefits, Nutrition & Uses.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Now that we know what makes Hawaiian Roll French Toast special, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this fluffy, golden, and irresistibly sweet breakfast dish. If you follow these steps carefully, you’ll achieve the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside. Let’s get cooking!
Preparing the Hawaiian Rolls
Before we start, let’s make sure our bread is prepped correctly. Unlike regular sliced bread, Hawaiian rolls are smaller and softer, so we need to handle them with care to avoid breaking them.
1. Use Slightly Stale Rolls
Fresh Hawaiian rolls can be too soft and absorb too much liquid, leading to soggy French toast. To avoid this, use day-old rolls or leave them out uncovered for a few hours to dry slightly.
2. Keep Rolls Whole or Slice in Half
You can make two versions of this recipe:
✅ Whole Rolls: This creates mini, bite-sized French toast pieces, perfect for serving family-style.
✅ Halved Rolls: Cutting the rolls in half creates more surface area for that crispy, golden-brown finish.
3. Arrange for Easy Dipping
Place the rolls on a large plate or baking sheet so they’re ready to be dunked into the custard without creating a mess.
Pro Tip: If your rolls are too fresh, toast them lightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to firm them up.
Creating the Custard Mixture
The custard mixture is the heart of French toast. It’s what gives it that rich, slightly sweet, and creamy texture. Here’s how to make it right:
1. Whisk Together the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
- 4 large eggs (beaten well)
- 1 cup whole milk (or a non-dairy alternative)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (adds richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (warm, cozy spice)
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, but adds depth)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (slightly sweetens the custard)
Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The eggs should be fully incorporated to avoid clumps.
2. Transfer to a Shallow Dish
Pour the custard mixture into a wide, shallow dish—this makes it easier to dip the rolls evenly without over-soaking them.
Did you know? Adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness!
Cooking the French Toast to Perfection
Now comes the most exciting part—cooking! Follow these steps to get perfectly golden, caramelized Hawaiian Roll French Toast every time.
1. Heat the Pan Properly
Set a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tbsp butter. You want the pan hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that it burns the toast before cooking the inside.
2. Dip the Rolls in the Custard
Working in small batches, dip each roll quickly into the custard. Don’t let them soak for too long—1-2 seconds per side is enough. They should be coated but not dripping.
3. Cook Until Golden Brown
Place the dipped rolls onto the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
4. Flip Gently
Use a spatula or tongs to gently flip the rolls. Be careful not to squish them! Once both sides are beautifully golden, transfer to a plate.
5. Keep Warm While Cooking the Rest
Place cooked rolls on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest.
Pro Tip: Cooking in butter adds flavor, but if you prefer extra crispiness, try using a mix of butter and oil!
Serving Suggestions for a Decadent Breakfast
Your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is now hot and ready to serve! But before you dig in, let’s make it extra special with delicious toppings.
Classic Serving Ideas
✅ Dust with powdered sugar – A simple, elegant touch.
✅ Drizzle with warm maple syrup – Because syrup is a must!
✅ Add fresh fruit – Sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries add freshness.
Creative Twists
🔥 Top with toasted coconut for a tropical kick.
🍫 Drizzle with chocolate or Nutella for a dessert-like experience.
🥜 Add a scoop of peanut butter for a sweet-and-salty balance.
Want to pair your French toast with something savory? Serve it with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for an amazing sweet-and-savory combo!
Craving more brunch ideas? Check out our recipe for Cheesy Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce—a perfect side dish for a hearty brunch!
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even the best cooks run into issues sometimes! Here are some common French toast mistakes and how to fix them like a pro.
Why Is My French Toast Soggy?
Problem: The rolls absorbed too much custard.
Solution: Dip the rolls quickly instead of soaking them. Also, make sure your heat is high enough to cook the inside properly.
How to Avoid Overcooked or Burnt French Toast
Problem: The outside is too dark while the inside is still raw.
Solution: Keep your heat on medium, not high. If your pan is too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Ensuring the Perfect Texture and Flavor
Problem: The French toast is too bland.
Solution: Add more vanilla, cinnamon, or a touch of brown sugar to the custard for extra depth.
Delicious Variations and Flavor Enhancements
Now that we’ve mastered the classic Hawaiian Roll French Toast, let’s explore some exciting variations to keep things fun and flavorful! Whether you love tropical flavors, nutty crunch, or gooey fillings, there’s a twist for everyone.
Stuffed Hawaiian Roll French Toast
If you want to take this dish to the next level, try stuffing the rolls before dipping them in the custard. This adds an extra surprise inside each bite!
How to Make It
- Slice each Hawaiian roll halfway through, creating a small pocket.
- Fill the inside with your choice of spread:
- Cream cheese + strawberry jam 🍓
- Peanut butter + banana 🍌
- Nutella + chopped hazelnuts 🍫
- Seal the roll lightly by pressing the edges together.
- Dip in custard and cook as usual!
This method creates a French toast “truffle” effect—crispy on the outside, creamy inside!
Caramelized Pineapple Topping
Want to embrace Hawaiian flavors? 🍍 Try topping your French toast with caramelized pineapple for an extra burst of sweetness.
How to Make It
- Slice fresh pineapple into small chunks.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the pineapple and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pineapple turns golden and caramelized.
- Spoon over your French toast and enjoy!
This topping pairs beautifully with coconut whipped cream!
Coconut and Macadamia Nut Version
Want a tropical crunch? Try this Hawaiian-inspired version.
How to Make It
- Toast ½ cup shredded coconut and ¼ cup crushed macadamia nuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle over your cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast.
- Drizzle with honey or coconut syrup for extra flavor.
This combo brings a crunchy, nutty contrast to the soft and fluffy texture of the rolls!
Can You Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Ahead of Time?
Short on time in the morning? Don’t worry—you can prep this dish ahead and still enjoy a fresh, delicious breakfast!
Best Storage and Reheating Methods
- Refrigerate: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a toaster oven or on a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
- Keep Warm: If making for a crowd, keep cooked French toast in a 200°F (95°C) oven while preparing batches.
Tip: Store leftovers separately from toppings to maintain texture.
Freezing and Meal-Prepping Hawaiian Roll French Toast
If you want a quick breakfast option, this French toast freezes beautifully!
How to Freeze
- Allow the cooked French toast to cool completely.
- Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours (prevents sticking).
- Transfer to a ziplock bag, squeezing out excess air.
- Label and store for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat from Frozen
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Toaster Oven: Toast on medium until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Now you can enjoy Hawaiian Roll French Toast anytime, even on busy mornings!
Healthier Alternatives for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
French toast doesn’t have to be overly indulgent—you can make it healthier while keeping it delicious!
Reducing Sugar Without Sacrificing Taste
- Use unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Swap maple syrup for honey or mashed bananas.
- Reduce sugar in the custard—Hawaiian rolls are naturally sweet!
- Skip powdered sugar and use fresh fruit for natural sweetness.
Looking for more healthy swaps? Check out our guide on Almond Milk Benefits, Nutrition & Uses.
Using Whole Wheat or Low-Carb Hawaiian Rolls
If you’re watching your carbs, try these alternatives:
✅ Whole wheat Hawaiian rolls (for more fiber)
✅ Keto-friendly sweet rolls (low-carb option)
✅ Gluten-free Hawaiian-style bread (for gluten-free diets)
These swaps keep the flavors intact while making the meal more nutritious.
Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
While French toast is the star, pairing it with the right sides and drinks makes for a well-balanced meal!
Best Drinks to Complement Your Breakfast
🥤 Iced coffee – A smooth, slightly bitter contrast.
🥭 Fresh mango smoothie – A tropical burst of flavor.
🍊 Freshly squeezed orange juice – Light and refreshing.
Side Dishes That Elevate the Experience
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Scrambled eggs 🍳 | Adds a savory balance to the sweetness. |
| Crispy bacon 🥓 | The sweet & salty combo is irresistible! |
| Greek yogurt with granola | A fresh, creamy contrast. |
| Breakfast potatoes | Adds a hearty, filling element. |
Looking for the perfect side? Try our Breakfast Potatoes Recipe—crispy, golden, and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make This Recipe Without Eggs?
Yes! For an egg-free version, replace eggs with:
- ½ cup mashed banana
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (let sit for 5 minutes)
What Type of Milk Works Best for the Custard?
Whole milk and heavy cream give the richest texture, but you can also use:
✅ Almond milk (lighter option)
✅ Coconut milk (adds a tropical taste)
✅ Oat milk (great dairy-free alternative)
Can I Make This in the Oven Instead of a Skillet?
Yes! To bake Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange rolls in a buttered baking dish.
- Pour the custard over and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and set.
Baked French toast is perfect for meal-prepping or making for a crowd!
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Hawaiian Roll French Toast Today
Hawaiian Roll French Toast isn’t just breakfast—it’s an experience. The soft, buttery rolls, rich custard, and golden caramelization create the ultimate comfort food. Whether you make it classic, stuffed, or tropical, you’ll have a dish that’s easy, delicious, and unforgettable.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and bring a taste of the islands to your breakfast table! 🌴🥥🍍
Love trying new recipes? Check out our Classic Buttery Rugelach with Sweet Fillings for another delicious treat!