If you’re looking for a breakfast treat that’s sure to impress, you’ve found it with Hawaiian Roll French Toast. Perfect for lazy weekends, this dish elevates the classic French toast experience with sweet, pillowy rolls that soak up a rich custard. It’s a delightful crowd-pleaser at brunch gatherings, holiday feasts, or even cozy weekday mornings when you need a little extra warmth. Follow along to learn how to create this scrumptious dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Ingredients
Method
- If your Hawaiian rolls are connected, separate them gently, keeping them whole. Let fresh rolls sit out for 15-20 minutes.
- In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. Gently dip each roll into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides, soaking for about 10-15 seconds on each side.
- Place soaked rolls in the skillet with space between them. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, adding more butter as needed.
- While cooking, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add milk until drizzle-able, then stir in vanilla.
- Stack the French toast on plates, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, and top with fresh berries or desired toppings.
Notes
Why Make This Recipe
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not just a breakfast option; it’s an experience. Here’s why you need to try it:
Easy and Indulgent: Imagine biting into soft, sweet bread soaked in a creamy custard, then cooked to golden perfection. It’s like dessert for breakfast and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special holiday breakfast, a weekend family brunch, or a simple weekday treat, this French toast adapts beautifully to any setting. A drizzle of warm maple syrup transforms it into a luxurious dish.
Kid-Approved: Kids love it. The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls combined with creamy toppings brings joy to their plates.
“Biting into this French toast transported me to a tropical paradise. It’s the perfect way to start the day!” – Happy Customer
Step-by-Step Overview
Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast involves straightforward steps that yield utterly delicious results. First, you’ll prep the rolls, then create a flavorful custard, soak the rolls, cook them to platonic perfection, and finish with optional adornments. Finally, serve and enjoy the delighted reactions!
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to create Hawaiian Roll French Toast:
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (the King’s Hawaiian ones are chef’s kiss)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for cooking (don’t be shy with it)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Pure maple syrup (warm it up, trust me)
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped macadamia nuts
- Caramel sauce
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Rolls
If your Hawaiian rolls are connected, separate them gently. Keep them whole; don’t slice them in half. The beauty lies in their pillowy thickness. Let fresh rolls sit out for 15-20 minutes. Slightly stale rolls absorb the custard better without falling apart, making day-old rolls perfect.
2. Make the Custard
In a large, shallow bowl (a pie dish works great), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix it really well until everything is combined and slightly frothy for evenly flavored French toast.
3. Soak Those Rolls
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a good pat of butter. Let it melt. Working in batches, gently dip each roll into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let each roll soak for about 10-15 seconds per side—long enough to absorb, but not so long that they get soggy.
4. Cook to Golden Perfection
Place the soaked rolls in the buttered skillet, ensuring they have space to become golden and beautiful. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they’re a deep golden brown. Add more butter as needed and adjust the heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze (If You’re Fancy)
While the French toast cooks, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add milk until you achieve a drizzle-able consistency, and stir in vanilla.
6. Serve and Watch Them Disappear
Stack the Hawaiian roll French toast on plates for an adorable presentation. Dust generously with powdered sugar, drizzle with warm maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, and top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or whatever your heart desires.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
While Hawaiian Roll French Toast is impressive on its own, here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Topped with Fresh Fruit: Add a mix of colorful berries, sliced bananas, or even tropical fruits like mango.
- Drizzled with Sauces: A swirl of caramel sauce offers wonderful contrast to the sweetness.
- Textural Toppings: Sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts or toasted coconut flakes for a decadent crunch.
- For Extra Indulgence: Whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream makes this feel even more like a celebration.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is rare with this dish), here is how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To regain that delicious texture, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet on low until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the rolls soggy.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Rolls: Use day-old Hawaiian rolls for the best absorption without falling apart. If using fresh rolls, be extra gentle during soaking and cooking.
- Butter is Key: Don’t skimp on the butter. It adds flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk, heavy cream, and butter with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, coconut cream, and vegan butter.
- Flavor Twists: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or coconut for the custard base.
- Stuffed French Toast: Cut a slit in the rolls and add cream cheese filling or Nutella for a fun twist.
FAQs
Can I use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls are sweet and perfect for this recipe, you can use brioche, challah, or even simple white bread.
How long does it take to prepare this French toast?
The total preparation and cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, making it relatively quick for a delightful breakfast.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Roll French Toast?
Yes, you can freeze cooked French toast for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely first and store it in an airtight container.
For more scrumptious breakfast inspiration, check out our articles on protein muffins or high-protein bagels!
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