Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Easy & Fluffy Recipe

If you love French toast but want to take it to the next level, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the game-changer you didn’t know you needed! This recipe transforms King’s Hawaiian Rolls into soft, pillowy bites with a golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior and a rich cinnamon-vanilla flavor.

I first stumbled upon this recipe in a TikTok video by Chef Candace, and I was instantly hooked. It looked simple, delicious, and like something my family would devour in minutes. The secret? Using Hawaiian rolls instead of traditional bread. Their slightly sweet and buttery taste makes them the perfect base for soaking up a creamy, spiced custard.

Whether you’re looking for an easy brunch idea, a quick morning breakfast, or a fun weekend treat, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to impress!

Why You Should Try Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

1. Incredible Taste & Texture

• Soft and fluffy inside, crispy on the outside.
• Infused with vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a comforting, slightly caramelized flavor.
• King’s Hawaiian Rolls add a natural sweetness that complements the custard perfectly.

2. Super Easy to Make

• Requires only a few basic ingredients.
• Cooks in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
• Great for meal prepping or making ahead.

3. Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing

• Kids love the mini, bite-sized portions.
• A fun way to introduce little ones to cooking.
• Easily customizable with different fillings and toppings.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

• Ideal for holidays, brunch gatherings, or weekend breakfasts.
• Can be made fancy with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or fresh fruit.
• Great for meal planning—store leftovers and reheat later!

Tips for Making the Best Hawaiian Roll French Toast

To ensure the best results, follow these simple expert tips:

1. Prep the Rolls for Maximum Flavor

• Poke holes in the bottom of each roll before soaking—this helps absorb the custard evenly without making them soggy. Use a toothpick or skewer to create small openings, ensuring that the liquid penetrates just enough to flavor the inside without making the rolls fall apart. Be careful not to poke too many holes, as excessive absorption could result in a mushy texture. This method also allows for even cooking and prevents undercooked sections in the center of the rolls. If you want extra indulgence, try stuffing the rolls with a little cream cheese or fruit before soaking for added richness and flavor.

• Cut rolls into halves or quarters for bite-sized French toast pieces. This makes them easier to cook evenly and allows for a perfect ratio of crispy exterior to soft, custardy center. For an even more indulgent experience, consider slicing them into smaller cubes to create mini French toast bites, which are ideal for dipping into syrup or chocolate sauce. If you’re serving a larger crowd, cutting the rolls into quarters ensures more portions while still delivering the same delicious flavors. Additionally, smaller pieces cook faster, making this an excellent choice for busy mornings when you want a quick yet satisfying breakfast.

2. Avoid Over-Soaking

• Dip each roll in the custard for 30 seconds max—any longer, and they’ll fall apart. Gently turn the rolls while dipping to ensure an even coating, but avoid pressing down too hard to maintain their fluffy texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can briefly let the rolls rest on a cooling rack after dipping to allow the custard to penetrate slightly before cooking. This method ensures a creamy interior without oversaturation, keeping the exterior crisp and golden brown.

• Let excess custard drip off before placing in the pan, ensuring the rolls don’t become overly saturated and cook evenly. Holding the roll above the bowl for a few extra seconds allows any extra liquid to drain off, preventing the toast from becoming soggy. For best results, lightly shake or tap the roll against the side of the bowl to remove excess custard while still keeping it fully coated. This small step helps maintain the perfect balance between a rich interior and a crispy, golden-brown exterior when cooked.

3. Cook Low & Slow

• Use medium-low heat for even cooking and to prevent burning. Cooking at a lower temperature ensures that the custard inside the rolls has enough time to cook through without the exterior burning too quickly. This method results in a perfectly golden-brown crust while keeping the center soft and fluffy. If the heat is too high, the outside will crisp up too fast, leaving the inside undercooked and soggy. Using a nonstick skillet can further help maintain an even temperature, and adding a small amount of butter or oil between batches prevents sticking while enhancing the flavor. Take your time, and allow each side to cook fully before flipping to achieve the best texture and taste.

• Flip every 30-60 seconds to ensure all sides get golden brown and crispy. Turning the rolls frequently allows them to cook evenly without burning, ensuring a deliciously crisp and caramelized exterior. Use tongs to gently rotate them, making sure each side gets equal heat exposure. If you’re cooking multiple batches, consider adjusting the flipping time slightly depending on how quickly they brown. For an extra crispy texture, lightly press down on the rolls with a spatula as they cook, helping them make full contact with the pan. This method enhances the caramelization process, bringing out even more depth in flavor.

4. Use Butter & Oil for the Best Texture

Butter adds flavor, while oil helps with crispiness. Use a mix of both for the perfect balance. The butter enhances the rich, indulgent taste, giving the French toast a golden-brown hue, while the oil prevents it from burning too quickly and helps maintain an even texture. If you prefer a deeper, nuttier flavor, try using browned butter, which adds an extra dimension of richness. You can also experiment with different oils, such as coconut oil for a subtle tropical note or avocado oil for a neutral taste with high heat stability. Adjusting the ratio of butter to oil allows you to tailor the crispiness and flavor intensity to your preference, ensuring the perfect bite every time.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Step-by-Step Guide

What you’ll need to make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• 12-pack King’s Hawaiian Rolls
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup half-and-half or whole milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tbsp butter (for cooking)
• Toppings: Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup

Instructions to make make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

• Whisk the Custard
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.

• Prepare the Rolls
  • Poke small holes in the bottom of each roll to help absorb the custard evenly.
  • Keep the rolls whole or slice them in half for smaller pieces.

• Soak the Rolls
  • Dip each roll into the custard mixture for no more than 30 seconds.
  • Let excess custard drip off before placing in the pan.
• Cook the French Toast
  • Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add the soaked rolls and cook for 30-60 seconds per side, flipping until all sides are golden brown.

• Serve & Enjoy
  • Transfer to a plate and dust with powdered sugar.
  • Add fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
  • Drizzle with maple syrup for the finishing touch!

Best Ways to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This French toast is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to take it up a notch:

Pair It With:

• Bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory balance.
• Scrambled eggs for a classic breakfast combo.
• Breakfast potatoes for a hearty, filling meal.
• Greek yogurt with honey for a refreshing contrast.
• A side of fresh fruit salad for a light and healthy addition.

Top It With:

• Whipped cream & chocolate drizzle for a decadent treat.
• Caramelized bananas & nuts for a gourmet touch.
• A dusting of cinnamon-sugar for extra sweetness.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like twist.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• A drizzle of honey or peanut butter for an extra layer of richness.

Common Questions About Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Final Thoughts on This Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipet

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate sweet breakfast treat—quick, easy, and bursting with rich cinnamon-vanilla flavor. Whether you’re making it for a lazy Sunday morning, a special occasion brunch, or just looking for a unique way to switch up your breakfast routine, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, pair it with a variety of side dishes, and even experiment with different flavor infusions. Want to make it extra special? Try adding a dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of caramel, or even a spoonful of homemade fruit compote.

This French toast isn’t just delicious—it’s also a great conversation starter! Whether you’re serving it to guests at a weekend brunch or making it as a treat for your family, it’s bound to become a new favorite.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Drop a comment below or tag me on social media with your creations. If you’re looking for more delicious breakfast inspiration, check out some of my other tried-and-true recipes:

• Crème Brûlée French Toast – A luxurious twist on a breakfast classic.
• Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes – More creative ways to make delicious morning treats.
• Breakfast Pizza Recipe – A savory alternative if you’re in the mood for something different.

Happy cooking!