French toast is a beloved breakfast staple—crispy on the outside, soft and custardy on the inside, and perfectly paired with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar. But if you’re looking to elevate your morning routine and impress your family or guests, try swapping the usual bread for something a little sweeter and fluffier: Hawaiian rolls.
The result? Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a delightfully sweet, tender, and tropical-infused twist on classic French toast that transforms your breakfast into a mini vacation. The soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard mixture beautifully, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture with just the right hint of tropical flavor.
What Makes Hawaiian Rolls Special for French Toast?
Hawaiian rolls are known for their pillowy texture and subtle sweetness, thanks to the addition of pineapple juice or crushed pineapple in the dough. This unique ingredient combo gives the bread a soft crumb and a gentle tropical note that pairs perfectly with traditional French toast flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, and eggs.
When you dip Hawaiian rolls in the custard base—usually a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sometimes a touch of sugar—they absorb the flavors deeply, making each bite rich and satisfying. Once cooked on a griddle, the outside forms a golden, caramelized crust, while the inside remains tender and sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast is simple and requires just a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian is a popular brand)
- Eggs – for the custard base
- Milk – whole milk or cream for extra richness
- Vanilla extract – to add depth and sweetness
- Ground cinnamon – classic French toast spice
- Sugar or maple syrup – to sweeten the custard mixture
- Butter – for cooking and flavor
- Optional: Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup for serving
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast
1. Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined. This mixture will soak into the Hawaiian rolls, giving them their custardy texture.
2. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Cut the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally or into thick slices, depending on the size and your preference. The soft texture means you don’t need very thick slices—the rolls themselves are already fluffy and full-bodied.
3. Soak the Rolls
Dip each slice of Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak for about 10-15 seconds per side. Make sure the bread absorbs enough liquid without becoming too soggy.
4. Cook on the Griddle
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt some butter. Place the soaked rolls onto the hot surface and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. The exterior should be crispy and caramelized, while the inside stays soft.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast warm with powdered sugar, fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or your favorite syrup—maple, honey, or even a tropical fruit syrup like passion fruit or mango.
Why Hawaiian Roll French Toast Is a Game-Changer
Switching to Hawaiian rolls makes your French toast uniquely sweet and soft, elevating a simple dish into something special. It’s especially great for:
- Weekend brunches that need a wow factor
- Kids’ breakfasts because the sweetness is naturally appealing
- Holiday mornings when you want something comforting yet festive
- Tropical-themed parties or gatherings that call for island-inspired flavors
The subtle pineapple flavor and soft texture are perfect complements to classic breakfast toppings, making it a versatile base for endless creative twists.
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast
- Don’t rush soaking: Allow enough time for the rolls to absorb the custard but avoid soaking them until they fall apart.
- Use fresh Hawaiian rolls: The softer and fresher the rolls, the better the texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Depending on your preference and toppings, you can reduce or increase the sugar in the custard.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or cardamom for an exotic touch.
- Keep warm: To serve a crowd, keep cooked French toast warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.
Variations to Try
- Stuffed French Toast: Spread cream cheese or fruit jam between two halves of a Hawaiian roll before dipping and cooking.
- Coconut Hawaiian French Toast: Add shredded coconut to the custard or sprinkle on top before serving for extra island vibes.
- Savory Twist: For a brunch option, add a pinch of salt to the custard and serve with bacon or sausage.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free Hawaiian rolls for a special diet.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the perfect way to turn an ordinary breakfast into a delicious tropical treat. The soft, sweet rolls soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard create a delightful texture and flavor combination that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish invites you to savor every bite like a mini getaway to the islands.
Give this recipe a try and watch your mornings get a little brighter and a lot tastier!