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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

4.9 from 7 reviews

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe transforms sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls into a rich and indulgent breakfast treat. Soaked in a creamy custard infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, these rolls are pan-fried to golden perfection and served warm with your choice of sweet toppings. Perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions, this recipe combines the tropical sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with classic French toast flavors for a delightful twist.

Ingredients

Scale

French Toast 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

French Toast Base

  • 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • 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 salt. Whisk until smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved to create a rich custard mixture.
  2. Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls. You can keep them attached as a whole slab or separate into individual rolls. If keeping as a slab, carefully slice horizontally without cutting all the way through to create a pocket for the custard.
  3. Soak the Rolls: For the slab, submerge both halves in the custard for 2-3 minutes per side, allowing thorough soaking. For individual rolls, dip and coat all sides, soaking 1-2 minutes per side to absorb the custard well.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  5. Cook the French Toast: Transfer the soaked rolls to the skillet carefully. For slab method, place the whole piece gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Repeat with Remaining Rolls: Continue cooking the remaining soaked rolls, adding more butter as needed to keep the pan greased and the toast golden.
  7. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the French toast; if it comes out clean, it’s fully cooked. If wet batter remains, cook an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve the French toast warm to maintain its crispy exterior and soft interior. French toast is best enjoyed fresh to avoid sogginess.
  9. Add Toppings: Finish by adding your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Using whole milk and heavy cream gives the custard a richer texture; you can substitute with milk alternatives for a lighter version.
  • If using individual rolls, be gentle when soaking to avoid them falling apart.
  • Butter can be substituted with oil or non-stick spray, but butter adds the best flavor.
  • To keep French toast warm while cooking, place cooked pieces on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) until all are done.
  • Customize toppings to your preference to create a unique and delicious finished dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, sweet roll French toast, breakfast recipe, brunch, easy French toast