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Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

5.2 from 11 reviews

Experience a tropical twist on a classic breakfast favorite with this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe. Made with pillowy soft sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard of eggs, whole milk, and cream, and flavored with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this french toast is golden, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfect for an indulgent breakfast or crowd-pleasing brunch, it’s simple to prepare yet irresistibly flavorful, topped with maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream for an unforgettable start to your day.

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast Base

  • 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided

Optional Toppings

  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Whipped cream
  • Chopped nuts
  • Coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Whisk Together the Custard: In a large bowl, crack all 6 eggs. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved, ensuring a creamy custard base for soaking the rolls.
  2. Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls from the package. Decide if you want to keep them attached as a slab for a dramatic presentation or use individual rolls. If using the slab, carefully slice it horizontally without cutting all the way through to create a pocket for custard absorption.
  3. Soak the Rolls: For the slab method, place the sliced slab carefully into the custard, making sure both halves are well coated. Let soak for 2-3 minutes per side until saturated but still intact. For individual rolls, dip each roll into the custard, coating all sides and allowing them to soak 1-2 minutes per side, adjusting soaking time based on freshness.
  4. Cook the French Toast: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully transfer the soaked rolls or slab to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Add more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm. Top with your choice of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a richer custard, whole milk and heavy cream are recommended, but you can substitute with lower-fat options if desired.
  • Adjust soaking time based on the freshness of the Hawaiian rolls to avoid sogginess.
  • Keeping the rolls attached as a slab makes for an impressive presentation and easier flipping.
  • Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for best cooking results and to prevent sticking.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain softness.
  • Optional toppings can be mixed and matched based on personal preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian Roll French Toast, sweet rolls, breakfast recipe, tropical french toast, brunch recipe, easy french toast