Hey y'all! If you’re looking for a sweet and fluffy twist on classic French toast, you have got to try French Toast Hawaiian Rolls. These pillow-soft rolls are soaked in a rich, cinnamon-vanilla custard and cooked to golden perfection, making them irresistibly delicious for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dessert. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will be your new go-to! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep.
- Perfectly Fluffy: Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet and flavorful, great for feeding a group.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for endless variations.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prep this dish ahead for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the skillet)
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries (for serving, optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Hawaiian Rolls
Carefully separate the 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls and slice each roll in half horizontally.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, ½ cup whole milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
Dip each piece of Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring both sides are coated but not soggy. Let any excess drip off.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the pan. Add the soaked rolls, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Add more butter to the pan as needed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Transfer the cooked French Toast Hawaiian Rolls to a plate. Dust with powdered sugar and top with maple syrup and fresh berries, if desired. Serve warm!
Notes
- Use stale or day-old rolls for the best texture—they soak up the custard without getting too mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed for even browning.
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half for milk and cream.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the roll halves before dipping in custard.
- Stuffed: Add a smear of cream cheese and strawberry jam between halves for stuffed French toast rolls.
- Coconut: Mix shredded coconut into the custard and top with toasted coconut flakes.
Required Equipment
- Sharp bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
Storage Instructions
Store leftover French Toast Hawaiian Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. Freeze cooked French toast for up to 1 month; reheat from frozen until hot and crispy.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a sweet-and-savory combo.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and sliced bananas for an extra treat.
- Brew a fresh pot of coffee or pour fresh orange juice for the perfect breakfast pairing.
Pro Tips
- Don’t soak the rolls too long—10-15 seconds is plenty to avoid sogginess.
- Cook over medium heat to ensure the custard cooks through without burning the outside.
- Keep cooked French toast warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven if making a large batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the rolls and custard the night before. Just keep them separate and dip/cook fresh in the morning.
Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, but the sweet, fluffy nature of Hawaiian rolls makes this unique! Brioche or challah are good alternatives.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
Use slightly stale rolls, and don’t soak too long—just enough to coat evenly. Cook promptly after soaking.
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the skillet)
- Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries (for serving, optional)
Instructions
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1Carefully separate the 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls and slice each roll in half horizontally.
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2In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, ½ cup whole milk, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
-
3Dip each piece of Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring both sides are coated but not soggy. Let any excess drip off.
-
4Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the pan. Add the soaked rolls, working in batches if necessary, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Add more butter to the pan as needed.
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5Transfer the cooked French Toast Hawaiian Rolls to a plate. Dust with powdered sugar and top with maple syrup and fresh berries, if desired. Serve warm!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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