Hawaiian Roll French Toast The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is an indulgent and fun breakfast treat featuring sweet, soft Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard blend of eggs, milk, cream, and warm spices. Cooked to golden perfection in a skillet, this French toast offers a delightful combination of fluffy texture and sweet flavor, perfect for serving with classic toppings like maple syrup, berries, whipped cream, and nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (12 count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- Whisk Together the Custard: In a large bowl, crack all 6 eggs and add milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved, creating a flavorful custard base.
- Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls: Gently separate the Hawaiian rolls. If you prefer a fun presentation, keep them attached as a slab and carefully slice horizontally without cutting through the bottom, creating a pocket for the custard. For individual rolls, simply separate them without slicing.
- Soak the Rolls: For the slab, immerse both sliced halves into the custard, letting them soak 2-3 minutes per side to absorb the mixture. For individual rolls, dip each side into the custard for 1-2 minutes to ensure thorough coating and absorption.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter to coat the pan evenly, readying it for cooking.
- Cook the French Toast: Transfer the soaked rolls carefully to the skillet. Cook the slab or individual rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and cooked through, forming a crispy outer layer with a tender inside.
- Repeat with Remaining Rolls: Continue cooking the rest of the soaked rolls in batches, replenishing butter as needed to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Check for Doneness: Test the center by inserting a toothpick; if it emerges clean, the French toast is fully cooked. If wet custard remains, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes per side.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the French toast warm while it is still crispy and delicious; it may lose texture if left to sit too long.
- Add Toppings: Finish by adding your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Keeping the rolls as a slab creates a unique presentation and makes soaking and cooking easier.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for a richer custard and creamier texture.
- Adjust soaking times depending on whether you use individual rolls or the slab method to avoid sogginess or dryness.
- Cooking on medium heat helps achieve a golden crust without burning.
- The French toast is best enjoyed immediately to preserve its crispy exterior.
- Customize toppings based on preference to make each serving special.
Keywords: Hawaiian roll French toast, sweet roll breakfast, custard soaked French toast, easy breakfast recipe, holiday brunch recipe
