Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Introduction

Hawaiian Roll French Toast offers a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. The soft, sweet rolls soak up a rich custard, creating a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 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. Step 1: In a large bowl, crack all 6 eggs. Add the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Step 2: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls. You may keep them attached as a whole slab or separate into individual rolls. If using a slab, carefully slice it horizontally without cutting all the way through to create a pocket for the custard.
3. Step 3: Soak the rolls in the custard mixture. For the slab method, dunk both halves for 2-3 minutes per side. For individual rolls, dip each roll and soak for 1-2 minutes per side, ensuring full coating.
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter.
5. Step 5: Carefully place the soaked rolls or slab into the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Repeat the cooking process with remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.
7. Step 7: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Cook longer if needed.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately while warm and crispy to prevent sogginess.
9. Step 9: Add your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, substitute half the milk with whole milk and the other half with heavy cream as suggested.
• Try adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the custard for a fresh citrus twist.
• If using individual rolls, pre-slicing them in half can help the custard penetrate more evenly.
• Use a non-stick skillet for easier flipping and less butter absorption.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with coconut milk and use a vegan butter alternative.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or toast them briefly in a toaster oven to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can make the toast soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the custard ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the custard mixture a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just whisk it again before soaking the rolls to ensure everything is well combined.

What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls? Can I use regular bread?

While Hawaiian rolls lend their signature sweetness and texture, you can use brioche or challah bread as alternatives for a similar soft, rich French toast. Adjust soaking times slightly based on bread thickness and density.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

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4.8 from 96 reviews

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into a rich, custardy breakfast treat. The rolls are soaked in a fragrant custard of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Whether served as a slab or individual portions, it’s a decadent twist on classic French toast, perfect for brunch or a special breakfast.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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French Toast Base

• 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 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 milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until smooth and ensure the sugar is fully dissolved. This custard base will soak into the rolls to create a rich, flavorful French toast.
2. Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls from the package. You have two options: keep them attached as a whole slab or separate into individual rolls. For the slab method, carefully slice horizontally through the entire slab like a sandwich, stopping before cutting through the bottom to create a pocket for the custard. If using individual rolls, no slicing is needed.
3. Soak the Rolls: For the slab, place the sliced slab into the custard mixture, making sure the custard soaks both the top and bottom halves. Let it soak for about 2-3 minutes on each side to absorb the custard well. For individual rolls, dip each one into the custard and coat all sides, soaking for around 1-2 minutes per side.
4. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add approximately 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely, coating the cooking surface to prevent sticking and add flavor.
5. Cook the French Toast: Carefully transfer the soaked Hawaiian roll slab or individual rolls to the hot skillet. If using the slab, gently place it in the skillet whole. If using individual rolls, arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Repeat with Remaining Rolls: Continue soaking, melting butter, and cooking the remaining rolls in batches as needed, maintaining even cooking and a buttery skillet surface throughout.
7. Check for Doneness: To ensure your French toast is cooked thoroughly internally, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean, without wet custard. If not, continue to cook for another minute or two on each side as required.
8. Serve Immediately: French toast tastes best right away, warm and with a slightly crispy outside. Leaving it to sit can cause sogginess, so serve promptly after cooking.
9. Add Toppings: Finish your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with your preferred toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes to add sweetness, texture, and freshness.

Notes

• The slab method offers a visually pleasing presentation and makes soaking and cooking easier, but the individual roll method allows for easy portion control.
• Use whole milk and heavy cream for a richer custard, but you can substitute with lower-fat milk and omit cream for a lighter version.
• Cook on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure the custard cooks inside without the outside getting too dark.
• Be gentle when handling the slab to avoid breakage, especially after soaking.
• Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or oven to retain some crispness.
• Try adding a splash of orange or pineapple juice to the custard for a tropical twist.

Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, sweet rolls French toast, custard soaked French toast, breakfast French toast, easy French toast recipe