There’s something magical about Hawaiian rolls—that soft, slightly sweet, golden bread that practically melts in your mouth. Now, imagine turning them into French toast, where each bite is infused with warm vanilla, a hint of cinnamon, and a rich, custardy center.
That’s exactly what this recipe delivers—a decadent, caramelized, buttery indulgence that’s dangerously easy to make. This is the kind of French toast that doesn’t need a special occasion—but when you serve it, every morning feels like one.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or an over-the-top brunch, these pillowy bites soak up the eggy custard perfectly, crisping up beautifully in butter while staying soft inside. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and warm syrup, it’s pure breakfast bliss.
And if you really want to take things up a notch? Pair this with a slice of Strawberry Icebox Pie for a refreshing contrast or whip up a batch of Cowboy Cookies to keep the sweet vibes going all day.
French toast is always a classic, but Hawaiian rolls make it next-level good—giving you that bakery-style texture with zero effort. Trust me, once you try this, you won’t go back to regular bread.
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try?
- It’s ridiculously easy but feels fancy: No need for day-old bread—Hawaiian rolls have the perfect texture right out of the package!
- The flavor is unreal: Slightly sweet, buttery, and custardy, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite.
- Perfect for brunch (or dessert): Add ice cream, Nutella, or even a drizzle of caramel for a show-stopping treat.
- Works with any topping: Whether you love classic maple syrup or want to get creative with tropical fruits, this recipe is endlessly customizable.
- Great for sharing! This is a crowd-pleaser that turns any breakfast table into an instant celebration.
Delicious Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 1 12 pack of Kings sweet Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup half and half or whole milk if that’s all you have
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 small pinch salt
- 4 tablespoons butter salted or unsalted is fine
- Powdered sugar fresh fruit, and syrup for topping
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Slice Hawaiian rolls in half and dip each piece into the mixture, coating both sides.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the soaked rolls onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from heat and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm with fresh fruit, syrup, or your favorite toppings.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with honey or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy immediately while warm and fluffy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 140kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Sodium | 130mg |
Variations to Elevate Your Hawaiian Roll French Toast!
- Brûléed Crunch: After cooking, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top and torch it until caramelized for a crisp, brûlée-style crust. No torch? Use a broiler for a minute!
- Stuffed with Mascarpone & Honey: Slice the rolls in half, spread a mascarpone-honey filling, then dip and cook as usual. The filling melts into the rolls, making every bite extra creamy and indulgent.
- Savory Twist – Herb & Cheese Version: Skip the cinnamon and sugar, and instead, add parmesan, fresh herbs, and a pinch of black pepper to the egg mixture. Serve with crispy bacon or smoked salmon.
- Coconut Macadamia Delight: Coat the soaked rolls in shredded coconut and crushed macadamia nuts before cooking. The crispy, nutty crust adds a tropical crunch.
- Boozy Brunch Vibes: Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon to the custard mixture for an adults-only brunch upgrade. A drizzle of buttered rum syrup takes it over the top!
- Chocolate Croissant Inspired: Melt dark chocolate inside the rolls before dipping. The warm, gooey center will remind you of a pain au chocolat—but easier and even more decadent.
- Gingerbread Spiced Holiday Version: Swap cinnamon for a mix of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves and add a touch of molasses for that warm, festive flavor. A must-try for cozy mornings!
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
