Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a breakfast classic with this delectable Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. Transforming ordinary King’s Hawaiian rolls into a mouthwatering treat, this dish marries the buttery sweetness of the rolls with a cinnamon-spiced custard, resulting in a symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for lazy Saturday mornings or impromptu brunches, this recipe elevates your breakfast game effortlessly.

I stumbled upon the magic of Hawaiian Roll French Toast while hosting a spontaneous brunch, and it quickly became a family favorite, especially with the kids eagerly requesting it for special occasions like birthday mornings. The warm aroma of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen never fails to draw everyone to the table, and those caramelized edges are always the first to disappear, courtesy of little fingers eager for a bite. This recipe not only promises a delightful experience for your taste buds but also brings loved ones together, creating cherished memories around the breakfast table.

Quick Benefits

• Utilizes King’s Hawaiian rolls for a unique, sweet, and fluffy texture
• Quick and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients
• Can be customized with different toppings like powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup
• Custard can be prepared in advance for convenience

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe Recipe

• The unique combination of using King’s Hawaiian rolls for French toast adds a sweet and fluffy texture that elevates the traditional breakfast dish into something truly special.
• The aroma of cinnamon in this recipe is irresistible and brings the family running to the kitchen every time, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• The caramelized edges of the French toast made with Hawaiian rolls are a delightful treat that add a crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy insides.
• Quick and easy to make, this recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special birthday morning treat that will leave everyone satisfied.
• Versatile and adaptable, you can customize this dish with different toppings like cocoa, lemon curd, vanilla whipped cream, or chocolate chips to suit your preferences.
• The make-ahead option allows you to prepare the French toast rolls in advance, making it a convenient choice for busy mornings or when hosting a brunch.
• The minimal stress preparation makes this dish a hassle-free option for bringing the family together at the table for a joyful meal.
• The option to use almond milk for a dairy-free version makes this recipe accessible to those with dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor.
• The tropical flavor of Hawaiian rolls adds a unique twist to the classic French toast, creating a delightful balance with the warm cinnamon and vanilla custard.
• The complementary toppings of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and pure maple syrup enhance the warm, spiced flavors of the French toast, creating a delicious harmony of sweet and savory notes.

Ingredients for Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Base

• 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls

Custard

• 180 millilitres half and half or whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch fine sea salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

For Frying

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

To Serve

• Fresh berries
• Pure maple syrup
• Powdered sugar

Pro Tips for Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

For the perfect Hawaiian Roll French Toast, allow the rolls to soak in the custard for just about 30 seconds per batch to prevent sogginess while ensuring they absorb the flavors well. This will result in a delightful balance of crisp edges and creamy centers when frying.

Consider using half and half instead of whole milk for a richer custard that adds depth to the flavor profile of the French toast. The slight increase in fat content will contribute to a more luxurious texture that enhances the overall indulgence of the dish.

To elevate the presentation and taste of your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, top it off with a sprinkling of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. These additions provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that complement the warm, spiced essence of the dish, creating a truly delightful breakfast or brunch experience.

How to Make Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare custard mixture

Whisk eggs and half and half in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add flavourings

Whisk vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, light brown sugar, and sea salt into the egg mixture until well combined.

Step 3: Pierce rolls

Poke several holes in the base of each roll using a toothpick or skewer for even custard absorption.

Step 4: Soak rolls in custard

Dip rolls in custard mixture in batches for 30 seconds, ensuring all sides are coated. Be careful not to oversoak to avoid sogginess.

Step 5: Preheat cooking surface

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat until foaming stops.

Step 6: Cook rolls

Cook the soaked rolls in batches for 30–60 seconds per side until golden and crisp, rotating to brown all surfaces. Add more butter as needed between batches.

Step 7: Serve

Place warm rolls on a platter, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and top with fresh berries and maple syrup to taste.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Hawaiian Roll French Toast, allow any extra rolls to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate the French toast rolls, and they will keep well for up to two days. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a toaster oven to bring back their crisp edges and creamy centers. If you prefer to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the cooled rolls on a tray, transfer them to a bag, and reheat them straight from the freezer for a convenient breakfast option.

It’s recommended to let the rolls soak in the custard for about 30 seconds per batch to avoid making them soggy. When serving the Hawaiian Roll French Toast, consider dusting them with powdered sugar, topping them with fresh berries, and drizzling them with pure maple syrup for a delightful combination of flavors. Additionally, you can prepare the custard a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until needed for dipping, making the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have King’s Hawaiian rolls on hand, you can use regular dinner rolls as a substitute. While the flavor and texture may vary slightly, regular dinner rolls will still work well for this recipe. Keep in mind that the unique sweetness and softness of Hawaiian rolls contribute to the overall special taste of the French toast.

For a dairy-free version of this Hawaiian Roll French Toast, you can substitute almond milk for the half and half or whole milk. While the flavor may be slightly different, almond milk will still provide a creamy base for the custard. Additionally, you can add a splash of heavy cream to whole milk as an alternative to half and half for a richer taste and texture.

If you prefer a different type of sweet bread, you can swap the King’s Hawaiian rolls for brioche in this recipe. Brioche will also offer a soft and buttery texture that works well for French toast. Additionally, using vanilla paste instead of vanilla extract can provide extra rich vanilla notes to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try layering the Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a generous dollop of vanilla whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a delightful dessert twist. The combination of warm, sweet French toast with the creamy whipped cream and decadent chocolate creates a delicious and indulgent treat that is sure to impress your guests.

Another fun idea is to create a French toast sandwich using the Hawaiian rolls. Fill the rolls with a layer of crispy bacon and scrambled eggs for a savory breakfast option that is both comforting and satisfying. Drizzle with a little maple syrup for a touch of sweetness and serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

FAQs for Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Can I use regular dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls for this French toast recipe?

Yes, you can use regular dinner rolls, but the sweet, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls adds unique flavor and softness.

How long should I let the rolls soak in the custard?

Let the rolls soak in the custard for about 30 seconds per batch to avoid making them soggy.

What toppings go well with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup complement the warm, spiced flavor perfectly.

Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?

Yes, the custard can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated until needed for dipping.

Conclusion

I hope this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe brings as much joy and warmth to your family gatherings as it does to mine. The soft, pillowy texture of the King’s Hawaiian rolls paired with the cinnamon-spiced custard is a match made in breakfast heaven. Whether you’re serving this up for a special occasion or simply a leisurely weekend brunch, these French toast rolls are sure to delight everyone at the table.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and flavors to make this recipe your own. From a dusting of cocoa to a dollop of lemon curd, the possibilities are endless. And remember, the convenience of making these ahead or freezing them for later means you can enjoy the deliciousness of Hawaiian Roll French Toast whenever the craving strikes. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and vanilla as you whip up this delectable dish!