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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

4.4 from 69 reviews

Hawaiian Roll French Toast transforms pillowy soft King’s Hawaiian rolls into a decadent breakfast treat. Each roll soaks up a rich, cinnamon-vanilla egg custard, then cooks up golden and crisp on the outside—while staying luxuriously soft inside. Finished off with powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup, it’s a playful, irresistible twist on classic French toast that’s perfect for brunch or special mornings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Toast

  • 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

For Cooking

  • 4 tablespoons butter (for skillet)

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh fruit (such as berries)
  • Maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half (or whole milk) until completely smooth and combined.
  2. Add Flavorings: Whisk in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until well incorporated and the mixture is fragrant and slightly thickened.
  3. Prep the Rolls: Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This helps the custard soak in, making every bite extra flavorful.
  4. Soak the Rolls: Working in batches, gently dip the Hawaiian rolls into the custard mixture. Let them soak for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides evenly. Avoid soaking for too long to prevent sogginess.
  5. Heat the Skillet: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat. Make sure the butter is hot but not browned before adding the soaked rolls.
  6. Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for 30–60 seconds per side, turning carefully with a spatula to ensure all sides are golden and crisp. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
  7. Serve: Arrange the warm Hawaiian roll French toast on a platter. Dust generously with powdered sugar, and top with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Don’t over-soak the rolls, or they will fall apart and turn mushy.
  • Use low to medium-low heat to ensure the outsides crisp up without burning while the centers warm through.
  • Hawaiian rolls are slightly sweet; you can adjust the amount of added sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
  • Try other toppings like whipped cream, sliced bananas, or chopped nuts for extra flair.
  • If making a double batch, keep cooked rolls warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven until serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, brunch, easy French toast, sweet breakfast, King's Hawaiian, kid-friendly