Description
Transform your breakfast routine with this unbelievably decadent Hawaiian Roll French Toast! The iconic sweetness and fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls soak up a rich, cinnamon-vanilla custard, creating bites that are perfectly custardy on the inside and gloriously golden-brown on the outside. This quick and easy recipe feels incredibly indulgent, making it the perfect special treat for a weekend brunch, holiday morning, or even a fun weeknight breakfast-for-dinner.
Ingredients
1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls
3 large eggs
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 pinch of salt
4 tablespoons butter
Optional for serving:
powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit
Instructions
Whisk the Perfect Egg Custard
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform, with no streaks of egg remaining.
A Quick Soak for the Rolls
Gently dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides. This should be a quick dip, only about 15-20 seconds in total. The rolls are very absorbent and will become soggy if left to soak for too long.
Pan-Fry to a Golden Brown
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the soaked rolls in the skillet, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until each side is a deep golden brown and slightly crisp. Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the pan as needed.
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the hot French toast rolls to a serving plate. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and a side of fresh berries. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Avoid Soggy Rolls: The most important tip! A very quick dip is all these rolls need. Their airy texture absorbs the custard instantly.
Crispier Crust Secret: For an extra-crispy, caramelized crust, sprinkle a tiny pinch of granulated sugar onto the melted butter in the skillet right before adding the rolls.
Keep Them Warm: If you’re cooking for a crowd, preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Place the cooked French toast on a baking sheet and keep it in the warm oven until you are ready to serve.
Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is easily made dairy-free! Simply substitute the half-and-half with canned full-fat coconut milk or a creamy oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative for frying.
Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then place on a baking sheet to flash-freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 rolls
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 405 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian roll french toast, sweet roll french toast, easy breakfast recipe, brunch ideas, king's hawaiian recipe, quick french toast, custardy french toast, fluffy french toast