Hawaiian Roll French Toast

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Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a game-changer when it comes to breakfast and brunch. The soft, slightly sweet rolls soak up the custard mixture beautifully, creating a rich and fluffy texture with a perfectly golden crust. Every bite is packed with a delicious balance of buttery, vanilla-infused goodness and a hint of tropical sweetness, making this an irresistible morning treat.

I love how versatile this recipe is—whether I’m making a simple weekend breakfast or hosting a brunch, it never fails to impress. Topped with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup, it’s pure comfort on a plate. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, which means you can whip it up anytime a craving strikes.

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Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Soft and fluffy texture – The rolls absorb the egg mixture perfectly, giving them a custardy inside with a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
• Slightly sweet and buttery – Hawaiian rolls naturally have a hint of sweetness, enhancing the classic French toast flavor.
• Easy to make – No complicated steps, just a simple soak and fry process that delivers big results.
• Perfect for brunch – Looks elegant but is incredibly simple, making it a great choice for special occasions or lazy weekends.
• Customizable toppings – Fresh fruit, syrups, whipped cream, or even coconut flakes—so many ways to make it your own!

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What Kind of Bread Works Best for Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Hawaiian sweet rolls are the star of this recipe, but if you don’t have them on hand, you still have options. The key is to use a bread that’s slightly sweet and has a soft, fluffy texture. Brioche or challah can work as a substitute, but they won’t have the same signature Hawaiian roll flavor. If you’re using Hawaiian rolls, opt for the standard-sized ones instead of the mini versions—they’re easier to soak and cook evenly. Slightly stale rolls are even better, as they absorb the custard without becoming too soggy.

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Options for Substitutions

If you need to tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences, here are some simple swaps:

• Dairy-Free – Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk, and swap butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
• Gluten-Free – Look for gluten-free sweet rolls or use gluten-free brioche for a similar effect.
• Lower Sugar – Reduce the sugar in the custard mixture or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia.
• Egg-Free – Replace eggs with a mixture of mashed banana or flaxseed mixed with water for a vegan-friendly version.
• Flavor Boost – Add a splash of coconut extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the custard mixture for extra depth.

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Ingredients for This Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hawaiian Rolls – Their soft, slightly sweet texture makes them ideal for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
• Eggs – The base of the custard mixture, eggs help bind everything together and create a rich, creamy texture.
• Milk – Adds moisture to the custard and keeps the French toast soft inside. Whole milk works best, but you can use any milk of your choice.
• Heavy Cream – For an extra creamy and luxurious custard. If you want a lighter version, you can skip this and use all milk.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and warmth of the dish.
• Cinnamon – A touch of spice adds depth and warmth to every bite.
• Salt – A small pinch balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
• Butter – Used for frying, butter adds richness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Maple Syrup – The perfect finishing touch to complement the sweetness of the rolls.
• Powdered Sugar & Fresh Fruit (Optional) – For garnish, powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while fruit like strawberries, bananas, or pineapple brings a refreshing contrast.

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Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is well combined, creating a smooth and slightly thick custard. This mixture will soak into the rolls, giving them a rich, flavorful interior.

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Step 2: Slice and Soak the Rolls

Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half, separating the tops from the bottoms. If they are extra thick, you can slice them further to ensure even soaking. Dip each piece into the custard mixture, letting them absorb the liquid for about 10–15 seconds per side. Be careful not to soak them too long, or they may become too soggy to handle.

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Step 3: Preheat and Butter the Pan

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a generous amount of butter, allowing it to melt and coat the surface. The butter not only prevents sticking but also adds a rich, golden-brown crust to the French toast.

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Step 4: Cook Until Golden Brown

Place the soaked rolls onto the heated pan. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy. Avoid pressing them down too much, as you want to keep the fluffy interior intact. Work in batches if needed, adding more butter as necessary.

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Step 5: Serve with Toppings

Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or pineapple. Serve warm and enjoy!

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How Long to Cook the Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Cooking time is key to achieving the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and soft inside. Hawaiian Roll French Toast should be cooked over medium heat for about 2–3 minutes per side. If your pan is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside stays undercooked. Keep an eye on the toast and adjust the heat as needed to get an even golden-brown color.

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Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Use slightly stale rolls – Fresh rolls can become too soft when soaked. If your rolls are very fresh, let them sit out for a few hours or toast them lightly before soaking.
• Don’t oversoak – Dip the rolls just long enough to absorb the custard without becoming mushy. About 10–15 seconds per side is ideal.
• Cook on medium heat – Too high, and the outside burns before the inside cooks. Too low, and the French toast won’t develop that golden crust.
• Use butter for richness – Butter gives the toast a rich, crispy exterior. Add more to the pan as needed between batches.
• Let them rest for a minute before serving – This helps the custard set and prevents them from feeling too wet.
• Customize with flavors – A sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, or even a splash of coconut extract can enhance the tropical flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though Hawaiian Roll French Toast is easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

• Soaking the rolls too long – If they absorb too much custard, they’ll turn mushy and difficult to cook properly. A quick dip is all you need.
• Cooking on high heat – This will burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Stick to medium heat for even browning.
• Not preheating the pan – A properly heated pan ensures the toast gets that golden, crispy exterior. If it’s too cool, the toast will stick and absorb too much butter.
• Skipping the butter – Butter not only adds flavor but also helps create the perfect caramelized crust.
• Using fresh, too-soft rolls – Slightly stale rolls hold up better. If your rolls are fresh, let them dry out a bit before using.
• Overcrowding the pan – Too many pieces at once will lower the temperature and cause uneven cooking. Work in batches for the best results.

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What to Serve With Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Pairing Hawaiian Roll French Toast with the right sides can take your breakfast to the next level. Here are some delicious options:

🍓 Fresh Fruit

Sliced strawberries, bananas, pineapple, or mango add a refreshing contrast to the rich toast.

🥓 Crispy Bacon

The salty crunch of bacon balances the sweetness of the toast perfectly.

🍳 Scrambled Eggs

A side of creamy scrambled eggs makes for a well-rounded, protein-packed breakfast.

🥥 Coconut Whipped Cream

For an extra tropical touch, top your French toast with coconut-flavored whipped cream.

🍯 Honey or Agave Syrup

If you want a natural sweetener alternative to maple syrup, drizzle some honey or agave over the top.

🥜 Nut Butter

A spread of almond butter, peanut butter, or even Nutella adds extra richness and protein.

🍨 Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn this into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.

☕ Hot Coffee or Iced Latte

A cup of coffee—hot or iced—complements the sweet and buttery flavors of the toast beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case with this delicious French toast!), you can store them properly to enjoy later.

• Refrigeration: Let the French toast cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Place the cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or skillet over medium-low heat. For frozen French toast, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or pop them in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

The following is an approximate breakdown per serving (without additional toppings):

• Calories: ~250-300
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~7g
• Fat: ~10g
• Saturated Fat: ~4g
• Sugar: ~10g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~200mg

Keep in mind that toppings like syrup, whipped cream, or Nutella will increase the calorie count!

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Frequently Asked Questions

🥞 Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and cook the French toast in advance, then store it in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat in a toaster oven, skillet, or air fryer for the best texture.

🥛 Can I use a different kind of milk?

Absolutely! Whole milk provides a rich texture, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

🥖 Can I use a different type of bread?

While Hawaiian rolls are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread if needed.

🍯 How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat rolls (if available), reduce the sugar in the custard, and swap out the heavy cream for more milk or a dairy-free alternative.

🍳 Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes! Place the soaked rolls in a single layer in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.

🏝 How can I enhance the tropical flavors?

Add a splash of coconut extract to the custard, top with toasted coconut flakes, or serve with pineapple and mango.

❄️ Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Yes! Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a bag. When ready to eat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes.

🥄 What’s the best way to serve it?

With powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even a drizzle of honey. You can also turn it into a decadent dessert with a scoop of ice cream!

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Conclusion

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate breakfast treat—soft, sweet, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a weekday indulgence, it’s sure to impress. Save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with your friends and family, and let me know how you customize it!

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