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Imagine waking up and smelling something sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls transforming into the perfect French toast—crisp on the outside, soft inside, and dripping with maple syrup. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is my go-to for weekend brunches, especially after discovering it during a family breakfast experiment. In this post, I’ll share the recipe, tips, and variations to make it your own, plus nutritional info and serving ideas to impress your guests.
Table of contents
What is Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a special kind of French toast that uses Hawaiian sweet rolls instead of regular bread. These rolls are sweet and made with pineapple juice, which gives the French toast a tasty tropical flavor. It’s great for brunch with friends and family, holiday meals, or any time you want to surprise your loved ones with something new. I remember making it for Mother’s Day brunch for the first time, and everyone really loved it! They even asked for more!
Ingredients for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
| Ingredient Name | Quantity | Special Notes |
| Large eggs | 4 | Use fresh for best results |
| Milk | ½ cup | Whole milk for creaminess, can substitute with almond milk for vegan option |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tbsp | Pure extract for flavor, not imitation |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp | Adds warmth, can increase for more spice |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Enhances sweetness, don’t skip |
| Ground nutmeg | ⅛ tsp | Optional, for extra warmth |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | For cooking, can use vegan butter |
| Hawaiian rolls | 12 (24 pieces) | Slice horizontally for dipping |
| Powdered sugar | For topping | Optional, for dusting |
| Maple syrup | For serving | Optional, for drizzling |
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: Use a big bowl to whisk the custard. It should be large enough to dip the rolls.
- Whisk: This is for mixing the ingredients well. If you don’t have one, you can use a fork.
- Cutting board and knife: You need these to cut the Hawaiian rolls. A serrated knife is the best choice.
- Frying pan or griddle: This is for cooking the rolls. A non-stick pan is the best option, so the rolls don’t stick.
- Spatula: Use a flat spatula to flip the rolls easily.
- Plate: Use a plate to serve the rolls. A platter is nice if you are serving many people for brunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls:
Slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally in half to create two thinner sections. This method of slicing allows the bread to absorb more custard, resulting in a soft and creamy center.
- How to Make the Custard:
In a large bowl combine eggs and half and half in a whisk. Mix in the vanilla flavor, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I also like to stir in a little bit of nutmeg for extra warmth, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.
- Cook the French Toast:
Warm up a flat cooking surface or large frying pan on medium-low heat, melt a tablespoon of butter, dip each roll half in the egg mixture for 30 seconds per side, then cook until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). I find using a non-stick pan helps prevent sticking, especially if you’re cooking in batches.
- Serve:
Put the food on a plate and serve it while it’s warm. You can add toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries. I also like to add a spoonful of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t soak the rolls too long to avoid sogginess; a quick dip is best.
- Cook on low heat. This helps to cook evenly and prevents it from burning on the outside.
- Use a toothpick to poke holes in the rolls for better custard absorption.
- For expert insight, ensure your pan is hot but not smoking to get crispy edges without overcooking.
Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Serve with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color, or pair with a side of scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a special look, or pour maple syrup over them for more sweetness. Stack them up on a plate to make it look nice, which is great for family get-togethers.
Nutritional Information
Per piece (based on 24 servings):
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 3.5g
- Protein: 2.7g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- This lighter calorie count makes it surprisingly healthy for a sweet breakfast, aligning with health-conscious trends.
Variations & Alternatives
Try adding cinnamon sugar for a churro-like twist, or stuff with a cream cheese filling for a decadent version, For vegan options, use almond milk and vegan butter, and for gluten-free, ensure the rolls are gluten-free. Experiment with toppings like fruit compotes or nut butters for variety.
FAQ Section
Yep, You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream to make it taste richer and better. Non-dairy milk can also be used for a lactose-free version.
To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat Hawaiian rolls if available, or reduce the amount of sugar in the egg mixture. Adding fresh fruits on top can also increase the nutritional value.
Yep, you can prepare the egg mixture and slice the rolls the night before, storing them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply dip and cook the rolls as needed.
Besides the classic powdered sugar and maple syrup, try toppings like honey, nut butter, sliced bananas, or even a little bit of cocoa powder for a tasty chocolate flavor.
Yep, you can freeze the cooked French toast. After cooling, place the pieces in a freezer and store for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw in refrigerator overnight and heat in oven or toaster oven.
Who Should Skip This Recipe?
If you have gluten intolerance, egg allergies, or follow a low-carb diet, this recipe might not suit you. Those with milk allergies can try the vegan version, but it’s best to consult a dietitian. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other breakfast options out there for you!
What Do You Think?
What’s your favorite way to serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast? Share your tips or variations in the comments below! For more breakfast ideas, check out our posts on Breakfast or Brunch Recipes.
Personal Touch – My Experience with Hawaiian Roll French Toast
I first tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast during a nice Sunday brunch with my family, and it changed everything for me. My kids really liked how sweet it was, and I loved how easy it was to make. One time, I added cinnamon sugar on top, and it felt like having dessert for breakfast—such a happy moment!
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Equipment
- Mixing bowl: Use a big bowl to whisk the custard. It should be large enough to dip the rolls.
- Whisk: This is for mixing the ingredients well. If you don’t have one, you can use a fork.
- Cutting board and knife: You need these to cut the Hawaiian rolls. A serrated knife is the best choice.
- Frying pan or griddle: This is for cooking the rolls. A non-stick pan is the best option, so the rolls don’t stick.
- Spatula: Use a flat spatula to flip the rolls easily.
- Plate: Use a plate to serve the rolls. A platter is nice if you are serving many people for brunch.
Ingredients
- 4 Large eggs Use fresh for best results
- ½ cup Milk Whole milk for creaminess can substitute with almond milk for vegan option
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract Pure extract for flavor not imitation
- ½ tsp Ground cinnamon Adds warmth can increase for more spice
- ¼ tsp Salt Enhances sweetness don’t skip
- ⅛ tsp Ground nutmeg Optional for extra warmth
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter For cooking can use vegan butter
- 12 Hawaiian rolls 24 pieces Slice horizontally for dipping
- Powdered sugar For topping Optional for dusting
- Maple syrup For serving Optional for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Rolls:
- Slice each Hawaiian roll horizontally in half to create two thinner sections. This method of slicing allows the bread to absorb more custard, resulting in a soft and creamy center.
- How to Make the Custard:
- In a large bowl combine eggs and half and half in a whisk. Mix in the vanilla flavor, brown sugar, and cinnamon. I also like to stir in a little bit of nutmeg for extra warmth, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to.
- Cook the French Toast:
- Warm up a flat cooking surface or large frying pan on medium-low heat, melt a tablespoon of butter, dip each roll half in the egg mixture for 30 seconds per side, then cook until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). I find using a non-stick pan helps prevent sticking, especially if you’re cooking in batches.
- Serve:
- Put the food on a plate and serve it while it’s warm. You can add toppings like powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh berries. I also like to add a spoonful of whipped cream for an extra special touch.
