Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe for a Sweet Breakfast Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a breakfast that tastes like a warm hug on a plate? This Hawaiian Roll French Toast delivers just that—and so much more. Whether you’re cooking for holiday guests, making a special weekend brunch, or just craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser.

Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Ultra-soft, buttery texture: Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard beautifully and form a melt-in-your-mouth interior with a crisp golden exterior.

Quick and easy: Prep in under 10 minutes, cook in 15. Simple enough for a weekday splurge, but elegant enough for brunch hosting.

Kid-approved: Sweet, pillowy rolls with cinnamon and vanilla are always a winner with the little ones.

Customizable: Dress it up with fruit, syrups, or whipped cream—or keep it simple and classic!

You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to impress the whole table. This is comfort food made simple.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Nothing too fancy needed here! Just your kitchen basics will work perfectly.

Large bowl – for mixing the custard mixture
Whisk or fork – to beat the eggs into the milk
Non-stick skillet or griddle – for even cooking and easy flipping
Tongs or spatula – to turn the French toast without breaking it
Baking sheet (optional) – to keep cooked pieces warm in the oven

Optional but helpful:

Sifter – if you’d like to dust powdered sugar on top
Maple syrup warmer – a small saucepan to heat your maple syrup for extra coziness

Preparation Tips

Want your Hawaiian Roll French Toast to turn out like something from your favorite brunch café? Try these smart tips:

Use day-old rolls: Slightly stale rolls hold their shape better and soak up more custard without getting soggy.
Don’t oversoak!: Dip quickly—just enough to coat. Hawaiian rolls are soft and absorb fast.
Preheat your skillet: Make sure it’s hot before adding the rolls to get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Keep them warm: As you cook batches, place finished pieces in a 200°F oven to stay warm until serving.
Make custard the night before: Combine the custard mixture, cover, and refrigerate for stress-free mornings.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this morning magic:

1 package of Hawaiian sweet rolls (12-count)
3 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk (or half and half for creamier texture)
1 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 Tbsp butter (for the pan)

Optional toppings:

Powdered sugar – for a pretty dusting
Maple syrup – warmed for serving
Fresh berries – strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
Whipped cream – for a decadent finish

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to dive into cooking? Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen.

Prep your rolls: Cut each Hawaiian roll in half, creating top and bottom halves like a sandwich bun.
Make the custard mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Preheat your pan: Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, and add about 1 Tbsp of butter to melt and coat the surface.
Dip and coat: Working in batches, dunk the roll halves just briefly into the custard—about 2–3 seconds each side.
Cook until golden: Lay the soaked rolls onto the hot skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp. Flip carefully with a spatula or tongs.
Keep them warm: Move cooked pieces to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
Serve and enjoy: Once all pieces are cooked, stack them on a platter, sprinkle powdered sugar, and drizzle with warm syrup. Add berries or whipped cream if you like!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s dodge some pitfalls so your breakfast turns out dreamy every time.

Over-soaking: Hawaiian rolls are delicate. A fast dip is all you need. Too long and they’ll fall apart before hitting the pan.
Scorching the pan: Cooking on too-high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Stick with medium heat.
Skipping the butter: A dry pan = dull toast. Butter adds flavor and crispness. Add more between batches if needed.
Under-seasoning the custard: That pinch of salt is tiny but mighty—it balances the sweetness beautifully!

Best Side Dishes

Pair your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with these tasty sides for a balanced meal:

Crispy bacon or sausage links: The salty-savory flavors balance the sweetness perfectly.
Fresh fruit salad: Add a refreshing note with melons, berries, and citrus.
Greek yogurt parfaits: Layer with granola and honey for creaminess and crunch.
Scrambled eggs: Keep it classic! Fluffy eggs are always a welcome addition.

Expert Recipe Tips

Let’s take your French toast game to grand-champion level:

Try it stuffed: Slice a pocket into the roll and fill with cream cheese, peanut butter, or Nutella before dipping.
Add zest or spice: A bit of orange zest or a dash of nutmeg in the custard adds extra flair.
Dairy-free option: Swap milk for almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Turn it into a bake: Layer dipped rolls in a casserole dish, pour over remaining custard, and bake at 350°F for 25–30 mins.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Don’t worry—this French toast reheats like a champ.

To store:

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze:

Place cooled pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keeps for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

Microwave: Heat individual pieces for 30–45 seconds.
Oven: Reheat at 325°F for about 10 minutes.
Toaster: For a crisper exterior, reheat in a toaster oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this French toast ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the custard mixture and slice the rolls the night before. In the morning, just dip and cook. You can also make a baked French toast version if you’re cooking for a crowd.

Do I need to use Hawaiian rolls?

Not necessarily—but Hawaiian rolls provide a super soft texture and a subtle sweetness that really makes this special. Brioche or challah would be your next best options.

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Absolutely. Almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk all work great. Just choose an unsweetened version to keep the sugar levels in check.

Why is my French toast soggy?

Too much custard and not enough cook time! Dip quickly, and make sure your pan is hot before cooking.

What toppings go best with this French toast?

Maple syrup, whipped cream, berries, powdered sugar, cinnamon butter, caramel drizzle… the list goes on. Customize it to your heart’s content!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about French toast—especially when it starts with sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re gathering the family for a Saturday morning treat or looking to upgrade your usual breakfast routine, this recipe hits all the right notes: cozy, easy, flavorful, and fun.

So go ahead—treat yourself! You deserve a warm, syrupy bite of happiness.

Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out—or snap a pic and tag us on social media. We’d love to see your breakfast creations!

And if you’re looking for more indulgent starts to the day, check out our other breakfast ideas like Brioche French Toast Casserole or Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

Happy cooking, friends! 🍞💛🥞