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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/hawaiian-roll-french-toast-recipe/