If you’ve ever wondered what takes French toast from ordinary to absolutely unforgettable, let me introduce you to why Hawaiian Roll French Toast t Is the Perfect Weekend Breakfast Treat. This recipe uses those irresistibly soft and sweet Hawaiian rolls that soak up a cinnamon-vanilla custard to create a breakfast that is fluffy, rich, and bursting with flavor. With a golden crust and a tender inside, this dish balances sweetness and warmth effortlessly, making weekend mornings feel like a special occasion worth savoring.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients make this recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the buttery richness from the eggs and milk, or the signature sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls that add that perfect tender crumb and subtle tang to the flavor.

1 package (12 rolls) Hawaiian rolls: King’s Hawaiian is best for that soft, sweet texture that soaks up custard without falling apart.
4 large eggs: These bind everything together and give that custardy warmth.
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half: Adds creamy richness—half-and-half makes it decadently smooth.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture just right without overpowering.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings aromatic depth and warmth.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle, comforting spice that lifts the flavor.
Pinch of salt: Balances all the sweetness beautifully.
2 tablespoons butter: For cooking, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.
Powdered sugar: For a light dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
Maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream: Perfect toppings to bring freshness and more flavor layers.

How to Make t Is the Perfect Weekend Breakfast Treat

Step 1: Prepare the custard

Start by whisking the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This custard bath is where all the magic happens—it infuses the rolls with flavor and creates that rich, creamy interior you’ll fall in love with.

Step 2: Slice the rolls

Gently pull apart or slice the Hawaiian rolls thickly so the pieces remain pillowy and sturdy enough to handle the soaking process. Keeping them thick helps maintain their shape and absorb just the right amount of custard without collapsing.

Step 3: Soak the rolls

Place the rolls in a shallow dish and pour your custard over them. Let each side soak for about 30 seconds—not too long! This short soak is crucial because Hawaiian rolls are naturally soft and soak up liquid quickly, so you want a creamy texture, not soggy mess.

Step 4: Cook the rolls

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a tablespoon of butter until sizzling. Carefully add the soaked rolls to the pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. The medium heat prevents burning and ensures the custard sets just right inside.

Step 5: Serve it up

Stack the golden rolls on a plate, dust generously with powdered sugar, and drizzle with real maple syrup. Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to add a fresh or creamy contrast. This is where t Is the Perfect Weekend Breakfast Treat truly shines with all its comforting sweetness and contrasting textures.

How to Serve t Is the Perfect Weekend Breakfast Treat

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish! Dusting your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with powdered sugar adds a pretty snowy effect and a slight extra sweetness. Fresh berries provide color and a tart bite that balances the rich custard, while whipped cream offers an indulgent creaminess that makes each bite dreamy.

Side Dishes

To round out this breakfast delight, consider adding crispy bacon or fresh fruit salad alongside the French toast. The salty crunch from bacon contrasts beautifully against the soft, sweet bread, and a fresh, juicy fruit salad adds brightness and freshness—making the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just have fun, try stacking your French toast rolls in a staggered tower on the plate, or slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces and serve with skewers and dipping sauces like flavored syrups or chocolate. Presentation that brings a wow factor can make your brunch memorable, especially when t Is the Perfect Weekend Breakfast Treat is the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, you can store leftover Hawaiian Roll French Toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It holds up well, but try to enjoy it sooner to keep the custard texture delightful.

Freezing

If you want to preserve some for even longer, freeze individual portions by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Frozen, they stay good for up to a month and are easy to thaw for a quick breakfast fix.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat to keep that crispy exterior intact and warm the custard inside without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that fantastic texture that makes t Is the Perfect Weekend Breakfast Treat so special.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

While you can use regular bread, the unique softness and sweetness of Hawaiian rolls make this recipe truly exceptional. Regular bread won’t soak up the custard in quite the same way and may result in a different texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have half-and-half? Can I use milk only?

Absolutely! Whole milk works just fine, and using half-and-half simply adds extra richness. You could even try a little cream if you want it extra decadent.

How can I prevent the French toast from getting soggy?

The key is the soaking time—just about 30 seconds per side—to let the rolls absorb the right amount of custard without collapsing. Also, cooking on medium heat helps form a golden crust quickly to seal everything in.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan version, substitute eggs and milk with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might differ from the original but it can still be delicious.

What toppings pair best with Hawaiian Roll French Toast?

Classic maple syrup, fresh berries, and whipped cream are the top picks. You can also try toasted nuts, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of fruit compote for exciting variations that complement the sweet bread perfectly.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a warm, comforting, and downright scrumptious breakfast to make your weekend mornings extra special, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try why Hawaiian Roll French Toast t Is the Perfect Weekend Breakfast Treat. With its tender, sweet rolls soaked in rich custard and a golden crust that will make your taste buds soar, it’s a breakfast worth savoring again and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Hawaiian Roll French Toast

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a delightful weekend breakfast treat that combines the sweet, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls with a rich custard soak, creating a golden, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for family mornings or brunch gatherings.

Instructions

Prepare the custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined, creating a smooth custard base for soaking the rolls.
Slice the rolls: Carefully separate or slice the Hawaiian rolls apart, ensuring to keep them thick and pillowy to hold the custard well.
Soak the rolls: Place the rolls in a shallow dish and pour the custard over them. Let them soak for about 30 seconds per side — enough to absorb the mixture without becoming soggy.
Cook the rolls: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the soaked rolls and cook until golden brown on each side, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Serve: Stack the cooked rolls on a plate, dust generously with powdered sugar, and drizzle with maple syrup. Top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Don’t oversoak: Hawaiian rolls are soft and absorb liquid quickly; soak briefly to maintain a creamy center without falling apart.
Cook on medium heat: Avoid high heat to prevent burning the outside while ensuring the inside cooks properly.
Use fresh but slightly stale rolls: Day-old Hawaiian rolls hold up better to soaking without becoming mushy.
Butter wisely: Use enough butter to create a golden crust but avoid making the skillet greasy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American