Remember Sunday mornings with sticky fingers and cartoons humming in the background? This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is THAT energy. It’s blowing up on TikTok for a reasonthose soft, pillowy rolls make every bite sing. You’ll need 10 minutes, a pan, and zero stress. No culinary degree required.
We’re talking sweet rolls, creamy eggs, a splash of vanilla, and magic from your fridge. It’s like diner-style French toast met a sweet Hawaiian vacation. Think golden and gooey, with a crisp edge and tender middle. Full details in the blog!
I made this with my daughter one lazy Tuesday after school drop-off and didn’t even smoke up the kitchen. It’s that foolproof. This is our spin on Grandma’s classic with a little extra sunshine. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Roll French Toast
This isn’t just any French toastit’s like a cozy hug from your childhood, but with an upgrade. Hawaiian rolls add that perfect touch of sweetness and softness, making every bite a heavenly combination of golden crispiness and cloud-like fluff. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes, so you can impress your family or scrape together breakfast magic even on busy mornings.
Nostalgic: It’s reminiscent of lazy weekend mornings with a warm, buttery aroma filling the house.
Beginner-Friendly: Minimal ingredients, simple steps, and no fancy kitchen gadgets required.
Customizable: Top with berries or enjoy with powdered sugarit’s flexible to your pantry and cravings.
Key Ingredients and Why They Work
The magic is truly in the ingredients hereeach one pulls its weight to create perfection. Don’t worry; nothing fancy is needed, just pantry staples and a trip to the bread aisle.
Ingredient
Why It’s Essential
King’s Hawaiian Rolls
Their signature sweetness and fluffy texture make them ideal for soaking up the custard.
Eggs
Creates the rich, custardy coating that crisps while cooking.
Half and Half (or Whole Milk)
Adds creaminess without overpowering sweetness.
Cinnamon & Vanilla
These give a warm, classic French toast flavor.
Butter
For that golden brown, crispy exterior with a buttery finish.
Pro Tip:
Poke small holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard seeps in just enough without making them soggy!
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast
The steps are low-stress and packed with those “I can do this!” vibes. You’ll feel like a pro in no time.
Step
What to Do
1
Whisk eggs, half and half, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt together in a bowl. This is your custard.
2
Poke a few holes in the bottoms of the rolls to help soak up the custard.
3
Dip each roll into the custard for about 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides.
4
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook rolls until golden brown on all sides (about 30–60 seconds per side).
5
Serve warm with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar or syrup.
Serving and Topping Ideas
Here’s where the fun happenscustomizing your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with toppings. Keep it simple with powdered sugar or go big with a breakfast bar of options!
Classic: A dusting of powdered sugar and drizzle of maple syrup.
Fresh: Add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a pop of tartness.
Decadent: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon.
Pro Tip:
These are best served immediately while warm and freshbut if you need to plan ahead, check out the storage section below.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If by some miracle you have leftovers (or make a double batch for meal prep), here’s how to keep that homemade magic alive.
Storage Method
How to Do It
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to crisp up.
Freezer
Let rolls cool completely, then freeze in a single layer in a resealable bag. Reheat straight from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Note: These rolls lose their crispness if microwaved, so avoid that if possible. A skillet or oven works best for reheating.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast offers a unique twist by combining the soft, slightly sweet texture of the rolls with the rich, custardy batter. This balance creates a tender, flavorful bite that elevates traditional French toast while maintaining perfect moisture and sweetness.
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A quick story from my kitchen
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast always brings back memories of Rachel and me sneaking extra rolls before breakfast. Somehow, the sweetness of the rolls turns every morning into a little celebrationeven when I’m juggling a chaotic kitchen and our smoke alarm’s on its last nerve!
FAQs ( Hawaiian Roll French Toast )
Why use Hawaiian rolls for French toast instead of regular bread?
Hawaiian rolls make exceptional French toast because of their naturally sweet flavor and incredibly soft, pillowy texture. The slight sweetness in the rolls means you can use less sugar in your custard mixture while still achieving that perfect balance of flavors. Their dense, tender crumb also absorbs the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart, creating French toast that’s crispy on the outside and wonderfully custardy on the inside. Plus, the rich, buttery taste of Hawaiian rolls elevates this breakfast dish to something truly special!
Should I slice Hawaiian rolls before making French toast?
Yes, you’ll want to slice your Hawaiian rolls into thick pieces, ideally about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. This thickness allows the rolls to soak up the egg mixture properly while maintaining their structure during cooking. If you slice them too thin, they might fall apart, and if too thick, the center won’t cook through evenly. For best results, let the sliced rolls sit out for about 30 minutes before dipping them in the custard – this slight drying helps them absorb the mixture even better.
Can I make Hawaiian roll French toast ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Hawaiian roll French toast the night before for an easy morning breakfast. Simply arrange the soaked roll slices in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just cook them as usual – the overnight soaking actually makes them even more flavorful and custardy. You can also cook the French toast completely and reheat it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, though fresh-cooked always tastes best.
What toppings pair best with Hawaiian roll French toast?
Hawaiian roll French toast is delicious with both classic and tropical toppings! Traditional maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar are always winners, but you can also embrace the Hawaiian theme with fresh pineapple chunks, toasted coconut flakes, or a drizzle of coconut syrup. Fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt work beautifully too. For an extra indulgent treat, try it with cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar while it’s still warm from the pan.
How do I prevent Hawaiian roll French toast from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy Hawaiian roll French toast, make sure your pan or griddle is properly preheated to medium heat before cooking – this creates that golden, crispy exterior that seals in the custard. Don’t oversoak the rolls; a quick dip on each side is usually enough since Hawaiian rolls are naturally tender. Cook them immediately after dipping rather than letting them sit, and if making multiple batches, keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack instead of stacking them on a plate where steam can make them soggy.
Wrapping Up Your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Adventure
Hawaiian Roll French Toast comes together in a flashabout 15 minutesand feels like a morning hug from your childhood kitchen. Soft, sweet rolls soak up the custard perfectly, giving you that golden, tender bite every time. You’ll love how effortlessly cozy and delicious this breakfast feels, even on your busiest days.
Feel free to mix in fresh berries or a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle twist. Leftovers? Store them airtight and reheat in a skillet to keep that crisp edgetrust me, a tip I’ve learned after many tries! This recipe’s flexibility means you can make it your own, whether feeding family or treating yourself.
Then, tell mewhat’s your favorite weekend breakfast comfort? Snap a pic, tag your pantry wins, or share how you spun this recipe your way. Pass it along, because food like this is made for sharing and savoring together.
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a deliciously sweet and fluffy breakfast treat featuring pillowy cinnamon-sugar rolls that soak in a rich custard and crisp perfectly golden in a pan. Perfect for a cozy morning.
Ingredients
Scale
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
4 tablespoons butter for cooking
Powdered sugar fresh fruit maple syrup for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half until fully combined.
Whisk in the vanilla cinnamon brown sugar and salt until incorporated.
Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in.
Working in batches, dip the rolls into the custard mixture and let soak for 30 seconds turning to coat all sides Don’t soak longer or they’ll get soggy.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
Cook the soaked rolls for 30-60 seconds per side until golden brown turning carefully with a spatula to get all sides crispy.
Serve the Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh berries and maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Do not over-soak the rolls
A quick dip is enough to absorb flavor without turning them mushy
Use medium-low heat to avoid burning the sugary exterior
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
