If you’re on the lookout for a breakfast that feels both playful and utterly irresistible, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is bound to win you—and everyone at your table—over. Imagine soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls transformed into golden, custardy bites with tender centers and just the right hint of vanilla and cinnamon. What you get is the magic of classic French toast paired with the pillowy goodness of the rolls, all baked or skillet-toasted to perfection. This recipe comes together quickly but wows like you’ve devoted all morning to it. If you want a dish that’s equal parts fun, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast deserves a spot in your next brunch lineup.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hawaiian Roll French Toast lies in its simple, everyday ingredients—each one has a special part to play in achieving dreamy texture, flavor, and gorgeous color. Keep these on hand and you’re just moments away from a crave-worthy breakfast!

Hawaiian rolls: Their sweet, fluffy texture soaks up the custard and delivers the ultimate pillowy bite.
Eggs: The essential base for your custard, creating richness and the perfect structure for the toast.
Milk: Adds creamy moisture so every piece of Hawaiian Roll French Toast is soft (never dry!).
Vanilla: Just a splash lifts the whole dish, infusing every bite with cozy warmth.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle brings a gentle spice note and that classic French toast aroma.
Syrup for serving: No Hawaiian Roll French Toast is complete without this sweet, drizzly finish!

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture

Begin by grabbing a mixing bowl and whisking together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Take a moment to inhale—the vanilla and cinnamon kickstart that dreamy French toast scent! Beat until everything is completely smooth; this ensures each Hawaiian roll gets coated with flavor in every nook and cranny.

Step 2: Dip the Hawaiian Rolls

Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls (pull-apart style is part of the fun), but keep them clustered if you want a family-style bake. Dip each roll briefly in the eggy mixture, letting the bread soak up the custard but not turning soggy—work quickly for just-right texture. If you’re planning to bake, arrange the dipped rolls closely in a buttered baking dish.

Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection

Now, you have two winning options: for the classic skillet version, cook the rolls over medium heat until all sides are golden and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. For a more hands-off bake, place the dish into a 350°F oven for 15 minutes, letting the rolls puff up and fill your kitchen with the sweet scent of Hawaiian Roll French Toast goodness.

Step 4: Serve Warm with Syrup

Once cooked, serve your Hawaiian Roll French Toast hot and generous! Drizzle with warm syrup and watch those tempting bites disappear. The outsides should have a hint of crispness, while the insides remain irresistibly soft and rich.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Garnishes

Dress up your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a shower of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or a dollop of whipped cream. For a little crunch, try a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts. Each garnish adds its own burst of color and personality—so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Side Dishes

Balance the sweetness of the French toast with something bright alongside: think crisp bacon, sausage links, or a platter of seasonal fruit. A pitcher of fresh-squeezed orange juice or your favorite coffee is the perfect pairing for a morning that feels extra special but not fussy.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to dazzle your brunch crew? Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast as pull-apart bites on a big platter, drizzle the entire batch with syrup and scatter berries over the top. Or, try skewering mini pieces with fruit for a cute, family-friendly breakfast kabob. However you present it, those golden squares basically beg to be grabbed and devoured!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Hawaiian Roll French Toast cool completely before stashing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making breakfast all week a breeze.

Freezing

Want to stock up for future cravings? Freeze cooked and cooled Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just make sure to squeeze out excess air to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

From the fridge, you can rewarm French toast bites in the microwave for about 20 seconds per piece, or use a low oven (300°F) for 8 to 10 minutes to revive that just-baked texture. If reheating from frozen, pop them straight into the toaster oven or conventional oven until hot and crisp on the outside.

FAQs

Can I make Hawaiian Roll French Toast in advance for brunch?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls and custard the night before, cover tightly, and bake fresh in the morning. It’s a fabulous way to get ahead without sacrificing taste or that perfectly tender crumb.

What type of milk works best?

Whole milk will give you the richest texture, but 2% or non-dairy options like almond or oat milk work well if you want something lighter or dairy-free.

How do I keep the rolls from getting too soggy?

Dip the rolls individually and briefly—just a couple of seconds per roll—so they absorb enough custard without losing their shape. If you’re baking, don’t let them sit in the mixture for more than a few extra minutes before baking!

Can I add other spices or flavorings?

Definitely! Try a pinch of nutmeg, a splash of almond extract, or even a grating of orange zest for a refreshing twist on traditional Hawaiian Roll French Toast.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Classic Hawaiian rolls are not gluten free, but you can substitute with similar gluten-free sweet rolls if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions—just pay attention to soaking time as textures may vary.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says “treat yourself” like a warm plate of Hawaiian Roll French Toast, whether it’s a lazy Saturday or a celebratory brunch. Bake it once, and you’ll quickly see why it’s such a favorite—soft, golden, and simply bursting with inviting flavor. Grab a pack of rolls and dive in; your mornings are about to get a lot sweeter!