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Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe

5.2 from 30 reviews

Experience breakfast bliss with Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a tropical twist on a classic favorite. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich, spiced custard and pan-fried to golden perfection create a melt-in-your-mouth morning treat. Perfect for quick breakfasts or special brunches, this recipe balances subtle sweetness with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, delivering a delicious escape every time you bite into it.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls

Custard

  • 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

Cooking

  • 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: Crack 6 large eggs into a large bowl. Add 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, and a pinch of salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a rich and flavorful custard that will soak into the bread.
  2. Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian sweet rolls from the package. To create a slab, carefully slice the whole cluster horizontally without cutting all the way through to keep the bottom intact, forming a sandwich pocket for custard absorption. If using individual rolls, no slicing is needed.
  3. Soak the Rolls: If using a slab, immerse it carefully in the custard, ensuring both halves are soaked thoroughly. Let it soak for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, enough to saturate without falling apart. For individual rolls, dip each one fully to coat all sides, soaking each side 1 to 2 minutes depending on roll freshness to absorb just the right amount of custard.
  4. Cook the French Toast: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Place soaked rolls or slab carefully in the skillet. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, adding the remaining butter as needed. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning while ensuring the inside is fully cooked.
  5. Serve with Toppings: Remove French toast from the skillet and serve immediately with optional toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes to enhance the tropical flavor and add delightful texture contrasts.

Notes

  • For a crowd, prepare the French toast as a slab for easy slicing and serving.
  • Use slightly stale Hawaiian rolls for better custard absorption without becoming soggy.
  • Adjust soaking time based on bread freshness; fresher rolls soak less to avoid falling apart.
  • Whole milk and heavy cream add richness but can be substituted with lower-fat options for a lighter version.
  • Experiment with toppings to customize sweetness and texture according to your preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, breakfast recipe, sweet French toast, brunch ideas, tropical breakfast