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Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a fluffy, sweet twist on classic French toast using soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard with cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy recipe delivers a tender texture and caramelized exterior, complemented by optional toppings like maple syrup and fresh fruit. Customizable with variations such as chocolate chips, fruit fillings, or vegan and gluten-free alternatives, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 soft Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half horizontally
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)

Optional Toppings

  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh fruit (such as strawberries, bananas, or berries)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the custard mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk or cream, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and fragrant. This creates the custard base that will soak into the Hawaiian rolls evenly.
  2. Slice the Hawaiian rolls: Carefully cut each Hawaiian roll in half horizontally to achieve the ideal thickness for soaking and cooking, preserving the soft interior texture.
  3. Dip the rolls: Submerge each roll half into the custard mixture, allowing it to soak about 10-15 seconds per side. Be careful not to oversoak to prevent sogginess.
  4. Cook the French toast: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the soaked rolls on the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they become golden brown and have a crisp, caramelized exterior.
  5. Serve immediately: Stack the cooked French toast slices on a plate. Add your preferred toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or nuts. Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use day-old Hawaiian rolls for better custard absorption without becoming overly mushy.
  • Control soaking time to 10-15 seconds per side to maintain structural integrity when cooking.
  • Cook on medium heat to achieve a perfect golden crust without burning the sugars in the rolls.
  • Generously butter the pan to add flavor and help develop a caramelized, crispy exterior.
  • Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for seasonal variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, sweet breakfast, fluffy French toast, caramelized French toast, tropical breakfast, easy brunch recipe