Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a brunch masterpiece! This Hawaiian Roll French Toast transforms pillowy-soft Hawaiian sweet rolls into a luscious, custard-soaked bake that’s golden on top and wonderfully creamy inside. Each bite is a total treat, blending tropical sweetness, aromatic vanilla, and a cozy hint of cinnamon. Whether you serve it for a slow Sunday breakfast or a festive gathering, Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings pure joy to the table and never fails to impress both friends and family—trust me, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients—each one pulls more than its weight, from the signature flavor of Hawaiian rolls to the rich creaminess of eggs and dairy, and those warming spices that tie it all together. Don’t skip the little finishing touches either; they make every bite extra special!

• Hawaiian sweet rolls: The star ingredient! Their fluffy, slightly sweet nature soaks up the custard beautifully and bakes to perfection.
• Large eggs: Essential for creating that creamy, classic French toast custard base.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and helps give the custard its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Heavy cream: For extra decadence—trust me, it makes all the difference in flavor and silkiness.
• Granulated sugar: Brings just the right touch of sweetness to the custard.
• Vanilla extract: A fragrant boost that gives warmth and depth to every bite.
• Ground cinnamon: Invites coziness and just the right note of spice without overpowering the rolls.
• Nutmeg (optional): A subtle lift—use it if you love a hint of nutmeg’s old-fashioned, nutty flavor!
• Unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the top gets beautifully golden, adds flavor, and marries all the ingredients together.
• Brown sugar (for topping): Bakes into a lovely caramelized finish—this is the secret to that irresistible crust.
• Powdered sugar (for garnish): Gives a snowy, festive finish just before serving.
• Maple syrup (for serving): Nothing says French toast quite like a drizzle of real maple syrup at the table.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grab your trusted 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking dish and give it a generous greasing with butter or non-stick spray. This helps your Hawaiian Roll French Toast lift out easily and ensures those caramelized edges everyone loves.

Step 2: Cube the Hawaiian Rolls

Take your soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls and slice them into hearty 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes. Scatter them evenly across your greased baking dish. This is where all the magic starts—the cubes help the custard soak into every corner, making each bite delightfully fluffy.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Custard

In a large bowl, crack in your six eggs, then pour in the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk these together until they’re completely combined and smooth. The custard should smell warm and inviting, promising deliciousness ahead.

Step 4: Soak the Bread

Now comes the fun part: pouring the custard evenly over the cubed Hawaiian rolls. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently press down on the rolls, helping each piece soak up that luscious mixture. Let the whole thing sit for 10 to 15 minutes—it’s worth the wait for that custardy texture!

Step 5: Make and Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together your melted butter and brown sugar until you’ve got a silky, golden blend. Drizzle this generously over the top of your custard-soaked rolls. This caramelized topping creates those irresistible, gooey edges after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Carefully place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on things—if the top starts browning too quickly, a loose piece of foil will shield it. Your Hawaiian Roll French Toast is done when the center feels set and the top looks temptingly golden.

Step 7: Cool, Garnish, and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your bake cool for five minutes—just enough for the custard to settle. Shower it with a flurry of powdered sugar, slice, and serve warm with plenty of maple syrup. Gather everyone around—you’ve got something truly special to share!

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

This dish already shines, but don’t underestimate the power of beautiful garnishes! A dusting of powdered sugar is a must, looking like morning snow atop the golden crust. Fresh berries, banana slices, or even a dollop of softly whipped cream transform your Hawaiian Roll French Toast into a real showstopper. A drizzle of maple syrup, of course, is the crowning glory.

Side Dishes

For a hearty brunch spread, round things out with savory favorites like crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs. If you’d like something lighter, pair your French toast with a fruit salad or freshly squeezed orange juice. A hot mug of coffee or tea brings it all together—brunch perfection!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your Hawaiian Roll French Toast in individual ramekins for a personalized touch—everyone will feel extra special. Or, cut cooled slices into cubes and skewer them on sticks with fresh fruit for a playful brunch platter. For festive occasions, decorate with edible flowers or serve with a side of flavored whipped butter or nut butter for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast (lucky you!), let it cool completely before covering and refrigerating in an airtight container. It will stay delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for easy breakfasts later in the week.

Freezing

To freeze, cut your cooled French toast into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Just remember to label with the date, so you always know when it’s time for a reheat treat!

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual slices in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This crisps up the top again while keeping the inside tender. You can also microwave for a quick fix—just be careful not to overdo it, as microwaving can sometimes make things a little rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast the night before?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to soaking the rolls in custard, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just drizzle with the butter and brown sugar mixture and bake as instructed—perfect for overnight guests or lazy weekends.

What’s the best way to cut Hawaiian rolls for this recipe?

Slice the rolls into uniform 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes. If you want extra texture, you can let them sit out for a few hours to dry slightly, but they work beautifully fresh from the package too.

Is it possible to make this Hawaiian Roll French Toast dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk and heavy cream with your favorite unsweetened non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk or coconut milk, and use vegan butter. The flavor will shift slightly, but it’s still delicious and comforting.

Can I halve the recipe?

Definitely! Just halve all the ingredients and use a smaller baking dish. The baking time may be a little less, so check for doneness around the 20–25 minute mark.

What other toppings pair well with this dish?

Get creative! Try chopped toasted nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a swirl of fruit compote. Each adds its own personality to your Hawaiian Roll French Toast, so feel free to customize to your heart’s content.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fun, memorable brunch that’s both easy and impressive, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is your answer. It delivers on every level: sweet, pillowy, and downright irresistible. Give it a try—you’ll make mornings extra magical, one bite at a time!

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