Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Fluffy Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe: A Tropical Twist

Crafting a delectable Hawaiian roll French toast demands creativity and a playful kitchen spirit.

Sweet pineapple-infused bread transforms ordinary breakfast into a tropical morning adventure.

Soft rolls absorb rich custard, promising decadent bites that dance with flavor.

Unexpected ingredients elevate this classic dish beyond traditional expectations.

Quick preparation means minimal effort for maximum satisfaction.

Delightful aromas will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Prepare to experience breakfast magic that feels like a mini vacation.

Why Hawaiian Roll French Toast Is a Treat

  • Transform simple Hawaiian rolls into a decadent breakfast treat with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or spontaneous sweet cravings with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
  • Easily personalize with toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar to match any taste preference.

Ingredients for Hawaiian French Toast

Bread Base:
  • Hawaiian Rolls: Soft, sweet rolls that create a delightful base for French toast.
Main Custard Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a rich, creamy coating.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth custard mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor to the custard.
Spice and Seasoning:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Cooking and Serving Ingredients:
  • Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when cooking.
Topping Options:
  • Maple Syrup, Powdered Sugar, Fresh Fruit: Delicious accompaniments to add sweetness and freshness.

How to Make Hawaiian French Toast

How to Make Hawaiian French Toast

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Custard

In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended, creating a luxurious base for your French toast.

Step 2: Prepare Delightful Rolls

Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half, or keep them whole if you prefer a thicker, more indulgent French toast experience.

The choice is yours for a personalized breakfast treat.

Step 3: Soak Rolls in Custard Magic

Gently dip each roll into the prepared custard mixture, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

Let each side soak for 15-20 seconds, ensuring the rolls are thoroughly coated and ready to transform into a delectable breakfast delight.

Step 4: Sizzle on Buttery Skillet

Warm a skillet over medium heat and melt butter to create a golden, non-stick cooking surface.

The butter will add a rich, comforting flavor to your French toast.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the soaked rolls onto the heated skillet.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy, slightly caramelized edges that promise a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked rolls to a serving plate.

Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh seasonal fruits.

Your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Tips for Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Cut Hawaiian rolls horizontally or keep whole for varying thickness and texture preferences.
  • Allow rolls to absorb custard mixture thoroughly, ensuring each bite is rich and flavorful without falling apart.
  • Use butter generously in the skillet to create golden, crispy edges and prevent sticking for perfect caramelization.
  • Maintain medium heat to achieve even browning without burning the delicate rolls.
  • Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the breakfast experience and add visual appeal.

Storing Hawaiian Roll French Toast

  • Place cooled Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Warm individual pieces for 20-30 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating. Add a small splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
  • Arrange French toast on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Uncover during the last minute to crisp edges slightly.

What to Serve with Hawaiian French Toast

  • Tropical Fruit Medley Topping: Elevate the Hawaiian roll French toast with a vibrant mix of diced pineapple, mango, and passion fruit for a burst of tropical sweetness that complements the rich, buttery rolls.
  • Coconut Rum Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a homemade caramel sauce infused with coconut rum to add depth and a luxurious island-inspired flavor that perfectly matches the Hawaiian theme of the dish.
  • Macadamia Nut Crunch: Sprinkle crushed macadamia nuts over the French toast for a delightful textural contrast and a nutty flavor that echoes the Hawaiian essence of the recipe.
  • Passion Fruit Mimosa Pairing: Serve alongside a light and refreshing passion fruit mimosa that brings out the tropical notes of the French toast while providing a crisp, celebratory breakfast drink.

French Toast Variations with Hawaiian Rolls

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free bread or rolls, using a certified gluten-free option to maintain the same texture and flavor.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use keto-friendly cloud bread or almond flour bread instead of Hawaiian rolls, and replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Choose lactose-free milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for cooking, keeping the recipe creamy and delicious.

FAQs

  • Why use Hawaiian rolls for French toast?

Hawaiian rolls have a soft, sweet texture that absorbs the custard beautifully, creating a richer and more indulgent French toast compared to traditional bread.

  • Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg up to 24 hours in advance. Store the mixture covered in the refrigerator and whisk again before using.

  • How do I prevent the rolls from falling apart when soaking?

Gently dip the rolls and don’t oversoak them. Fifteen to twenty seconds per side is perfect to absorb flavor without making the rolls too soggy or fragile.

  • What's the best way to get a crispy exterior on the French toast?

Use medium heat and butter in the skillet. This allows the outside to caramelize and turn golden brown while keeping the inside soft and custardy.

Print
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Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings tropical breakfast magic straight to your morning table. Sweet, pillowy rolls soak in rich custard before golden-brown griddling, promising a luxurious start that whisks you to island paradise with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 Hawaiian rolls (halved or left whole)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk or heavy cream

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Cooking and Serving Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter (for cooking)
  • Maple syrup (for serving)
  • Powdered sugar (for serving)
  • Fresh fruit (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Craft a luxurious custard blend by whisking eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until silky and uniform.
  2. Carefully slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally or keep whole for a more substantial breakfast treat.
  3. Immerse each roll into the fragrant custard mixture, allowing 15-20 seconds of absorption on each side to guarantee maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Preheat a skillet to medium temperature and generously coat the surface with melted butter to prevent sticking.
  5. Gently transfer the saturated rolls onto the hot skillet, creating a rhythmic sizzle as they make contact.
  6. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, monitoring the development of a golden-brown exterior with crispy, caramelized edges.
  7. Once perfectly toasted, transfer the rolls to serving plates, presenting them while warm and inviting.
  8. Enhance the experience by drizzling with pure maple syrup, dusting with powdered sugar, or garnishing with vibrant fresh berries for a delightful finishing touch.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, well-blended custard mixture that coats the rolls evenly.
  • Slice rolls horizontally for a traditional French toast texture or keep whole for a more substantial, pillow-like breakfast treat.
  • Customize the spice blend by adding a pinch of cardamom or replacing nutmeg with ground ginger for a unique flavor profile.
  • Opt for gluten-free Hawaiian rolls or alternative bread to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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