There’s just something about breakfast that feels a little extra special when you add a sweet twist—and let me tell you, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast might just be your new favorite morning indulgence. Imagine that soft, buttery sweetness of classic Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, cinnamon-kissed custard, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Yep, it’s every bit as good as it sounds—and it’s surprisingly simple to make!
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or looking for something unique and kid-friendly on a weekday morning, this French toast hits the mark. And if you’re anything like me, you probably already have a pack of Hawaiian rolls sitting in the pantry just waiting for a delicious makeover.
One thing I love about this recipe is its flexibility. You can keep the rolls whole for a pull-apart presentation (which looks adorable on a brunch board), or slice them in half for a more classic French toast vibe. Either way, you’ll get that signature crispy edge with a soft, custardy center that just melts in your mouth.
I made this last weekend for a lazy Sunday brunch, and my family couldn’t get enough. I served it with a side of fresh berries and a drizzle of warm maple syrup—and let’s just say there weren’t any leftovers. Bonus? It makes the kitchen smell amazing. So let’s jump into it and get these rolls sizzling!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
3 large eggs
½ cup milk
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for cooking
Optional Toppings:
Maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
STEP 1: MAKE THE CUSTARD MIXTURE
Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and just a pinch of salt. You want the mixture to be smooth and well blended—this is the base of all that rich flavor that’s going to soak into your rolls.
Pro Tip: If you want to save time in the morning, you can mix this up the night before and store it in the fridge. It makes the next-day prep a breeze!
STEP 2: PREP THE ROLLS
You can choose your own adventure here. If you’re going for that pull-apart, crowd-pleasing look, leave the rolls connected. Want a more classic French toast feel? Gently pull them apart and cut each roll in half horizontally. Thinner slices will cook a bit faster and get a slightly crispier edge, while whole rolls stay super soft and decadent in the middle.
Another Tip: If your rolls are a day or two old, that’s actually a good thing. Slightly stale bread holds up better in the custard without getting soggy.
STEP 3: HEAT YOUR PAN
Place a nonstick skillet or griddle on the stove over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil—just enough to coat the bottom of the pan. You want the surface hot enough to sizzle when the rolls hit it, but not so hot that they burn before the inside cooks.
STEP 4: DIP AND COOK
Take each roll (or roll half) and dip it into the egg mixture. Be sure to coat all sides, but don’t let it soak too long—just a quick dip will do. Let the excess drip off, then place the roll in the hot pan.
Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If your rolls are thick or whole, you might need to give them a little extra time to heat all the way through. Work in batches if needed, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
How to Perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast: Finishing Touches and Pro Tips
Now that your kitchen is starting to smell like sweet, vanilla-spiced heaven, it’s time to finish cooking the rest of the rolls and turn this breakfast treat into something truly unforgettable. In this part, I’ll walk you through the final steps of the recipe and share a few helpful tips that make a big difference in the texture and flavor. Plus, we’ll talk about toppings—because let’s be honest, half the fun of French toast is dressing it up!
STEP 5: FINISH COOKING THE BATCH
Continue working through the rest of your Hawaiian rolls, dipping each piece in the custard and cooking them until golden brown. Keep the cooked ones warm by placing them on a plate and covering them with a clean kitchen towel, or pop them into a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish the rest. That way, everything stays warm and ready to serve at the same time.
If your pan starts to get dry, just add a little more butter or oil between batches. Don’t rush the process—letting each piece get that perfectly crisp edge is totally worth the few extra minutes.
STEP 6: PLATE AND TOP YOUR FRENCH TOAST
Once all your rolls are cooked, it’s time to plate them up. Whether you stack them high or serve them pull-apart style in the center of the table, this dish is made to impress.
Now for the fun part: toppings! Here are a few of my favorite ways to dress up Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
Maple Syrup: The classic. Warm it up slightly before serving for extra coziness.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds the perfect sweet finish and looks beautiful.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness.
Whipped Cream: Soft, fluffy, and indulgent—this is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Toasted Coconut or Nuts: For a tropical or crunchy twist, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans on top.
You can also mix and match. I personally love mine with warm maple syrup and a handful of blueberries on the side—simple, but it always hits the spot.
Helpful Tips to Elevate Your French Toast Game
If you want to take this recipe from “really good” to “can we have this every weekend?” here are a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way:
Toast Before Dipping: If your rolls are super fresh and soft, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes before dipping. This firms them up just enough to soak in the custard without falling apart.
Use Day-Old Rolls: Like many great French toast recipes, this one actually works best with slightly stale bread. So if you have leftover Hawaiian rolls from dinner, don’t toss them—transform them!
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. The next morning, just heat your pan and you’re good to go.
Switch Up the Flavor: Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist, or add a dash of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a deeper spice flavor.
Add a Filling: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can slice the rolls in half and add a little cream cheese or Nutella before dipping them. It turns them into a stuffed French toast experience.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Make This So Special
If you’ve ever had Hawaiian rolls on the side of a holiday dinner, you already know how incredibly soft and slightly sweet they are. That sweetness works so well in French toast—it balances the rich custard and adds an extra depth of flavor you don’t get from plain white bread. The small, roll-sized portions are also great for serving, especially if you’re hosting brunch or feeding kids who love grab-and-go options.
Even better? This recipe feels fancy but is honestly pretty forgiving. You don’t need to be a seasoned cook to pull it off. As long as you keep your heat at a medium level and don’t over-soak the bread, you’re going to end up with a delicious result.
Hawaiian Roll French Toast: FAQ and Final Thoughts
We’ve made it to the home stretch! At this point, your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is warm, golden, and probably being devoured by anyone within sniffing distance of your kitchen. But before you head off to enjoy the leftovers—or plan your next brunch—let’s tackle a few common questions that come up when making this sweet and satisfying dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast ahead of time?
Yes! While it’s best fresh off the skillet, you can absolutely prepare this ahead. Cook the French toast as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 8–10 minutes, or warm in a skillet for that fresh-made crisp.
2. Can I freeze the cooked French toast?
Definitely. Let the cooked rolls cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven—no need to thaw first.
3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem! You can substitute the ¼ cup of heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk or even half-and-half. The cream just adds extra richness, but the recipe still works great without it.
4. Can I bake this instead of frying?
While pan-frying gives you that golden, crisp edge, you can absolutely bake them. Arrange dipped rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a little softer but still delicious.
5. How do I keep the French toast from getting soggy?
A few tips: Use slightly stale or toasted rolls, don’t soak the rolls too long in the custard (just a quick dip), and cook them over medium—not high—heat so the inside has time to cook through.
6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and a plant-based cream or extra milk in place of the heavy cream. Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and you’re good to go.
7. What are some other topping ideas?
Aside from maple syrup and berries, try caramel sauce, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, banana slices, or a drizzle of honey. For a savory twist, serve alongside bacon or breakfast sausage.
Final Thoughts: A Sweet Start Worth Savoring
There’s something about this Hawaiian Roll French Toast that just feels special—like it was made for slow weekend mornings, holiday breakfasts, or any day you want to treat yourself and the people you love. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor thanks to the soft, slightly sweet rolls and that creamy vanilla custard.
What I love most is how customizable it is. Whether you go with a stack of perfectly golden slices topped with berries and whipped cream, or keep the rolls whole for a rustic, pull-apart feel, you really can’t go wrong. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but comes together with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Description
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a soft, sweet twist on the breakfast classic. Using fluffy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard and pan-fried to golden perfection, this dish delivers a delightful balance of crisp edges and pillowy centers. It’s ideal for brunches or holiday breakfasts and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
3 large eggs
½ cup milk
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for cooking
Optional toppings:
Maple syrup
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Instructions
1 In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2 Separate the Hawaiian rolls or keep them connected for a pull-apart style. Cut each roll in half horizontally if you prefer thinner pieces, or keep them whole for a more indulgent bite.
3 Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
4 Dip each roll (or half roll) into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated but not soggy. Let the excess drip off before placing on the skillet.
5 Cook the rolls for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary.
6 Transfer to a plate and repeat until all rolls are cooked.
7 Serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream.
Notes
For a crisper texture, toast the rolls lightly before dipping them in the custard. You can also prepare the custard mixture the night before for a quicker morning routine. This recipe works great with leftover rolls and makes a fun, kid-friendly breakfast option.
