Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is what breakfast dreams are made of Soft and fluffy rolls turn golden on the outside while staying perfectly tender inside so every bite tastes like a little bit of vacation I promise this will be a crowd favorite at any brunch or lazy weekend morning

The first time I made this for my family we all agreed it tasted even better than those fancy brunch spots Now everyone asks for it on birthdays and holidays and I love that it never fails to bring big smiles

Ingredients

• Kings Hawaiian Rolls: Grab a fresh pack for maximum softness Slightly sweet and airy their texture is unbeatable
• Large eggs: These give the French toast its classic custard base Choose fresh eggs for a richer taste
• Half and half or whole milk: This adds creaminess and helps the rolls soak up flavor Go for half and half if you want even more indulgence
• Vanilla extract: Pick pure vanilla for deeper flavor It warms up the whole dish
• Ground cinnamon: This brings warmth and coziness Use freshly ground if possible
• Brown sugar: It melts and caramelizes while cooking Choose soft brown sugar for better blending
• Pinch of salt: This balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors
• Butter for cooking: Make sure it is unsalted and fresh for the best golden crust on the toast
• Powdered sugar fresh fruit and maple syrup: These are perfect toppings Pick ripe berries and real maple syrup for the best finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Custard:

Whisk together large eggs and half and half until completely combined in a spacious mixing bowl This ensures you get a silky smooth coating on every roll

Add Flavor:

Stir in vanilla extract ground cinnamon brown sugar and a pinch of salt Keep whisking until everything is dissolved and looks even

Prep the Rolls:

Poke several holes into the bottom of each Hawaiian roll using a toothpick or skewer This little trick lets the custard seep in so every bite soaks up fabulous flavor

Soak the Rolls:

Dip each roll in the custard mixture Let it sit for about thirty seconds rotating so all sides are covered Do not leave them longer or they will get too soggy and fall apart

Preheat Pan and Add Butter:

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet or on a griddle over medium low heat Wait until the butter is bubbling gently but not browned

Cook the Rolls:

Place your soaked rolls on the hot skillet Cook each side for thirty to sixty seconds Gently turn them to get all edges nicely golden and crisp Use a small spatula to help and avoid squishing them

Serve Warm:

Stack the French toast rolls onto a platter Sprinkle with powdered sugar Add fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup Serve immediately for the best texture

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You Must Know

• Perfect for using leftover sweet rolls
• Adaptable to many toppings like whipped cream or tropical fruit
• A great make together recipe for kids to help with soaking and dusting the rolls

One thing I truly love about this recipe is the way brown sugar and cinnamon come together to make the whole kitchen smell like a bakery My daughter still remembers making these together on her birthday and how the first taste felt extra special because she helped

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers keep them in an airtight container in the fridge They will stay fresh for up to two days Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to bring the crisp back Avoid microwaving as it will make the rolls too soft

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the half and half with dairy free milk if needed Almond or oat milk work well For a richer flavor try adding a splash of coconut milk If you do not have brown sugar white sugar with a drop of molasses can mimic the taste

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Serving Suggestions

Pile these up on a big platter for weekend brunch and let everyone sprinkle their own toppings They pair beautifully with coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice If you want a real island experience add some pineapple and a sprinkle of toasted coconut

Cultural and Historical Context

French toast probably goes back hundreds of years and every culture has a spin on it This sweet Hawaiian Roll version combines classic French technique with the tropical softness of Hawaiian baking I like to think of it as a bridge between homey comfort food and vacation memories

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of milk works best?

Both half and half or whole milk create a rich, creamy custard. Choose based on your preferred texture and richness.

→ Can I prepare the custard mixture ahead?

Yes, you can whisk the custard in advance and refrigerate until ready to use. Give it a stir before dipping the rolls.

→ How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?

Soak the rolls for no more than 30 seconds, turning to coat all sides, to keep them pillowy but not soggy.

→ What toppings go well?

Powdered sugar, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a drizzle of maple syrup all pair deliciously with the warm rolls.

→ Is it possible to use different bread?

Sweet, soft breads like brioche or challah work nicely, but the unique flavor of Hawaiian rolls is especially tasty.

→ Can the rolls be cooked ahead of time?

For best texture, enjoy right after cooking, but leftovers can be reheated on a skillet to regain crispiness.