Sweet Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Fluffy, Buttery & Easy to Make
Island-Style Heavenly Roll French Toast
Savor a delicious spin on classic French toast with these whole, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Instead of slicing them into pieces, keeping the rolls whole preserves their pillowy texture while allowing the custard to magically infuse every bite. Paired with a drizzle of your favorite syrup, this breakfast delight is both indulgent and exotic.
Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Buttery Goodness: Hawaiian rolls offer a unique combination of silky softness and natural sweetness ideal for French toast.
- Flawless Texture: The whole-roll method keeps the inside custardy and the exterior perfectly golden and caramelized.
- Syrup Versatility: Enjoy with a variety of syrups. My personal favorite is a homemade coconut buttermilk syrup that adds an extra island flair, though traditional maple or even a spicy cinnamon syrup work just as well.
Cooking Technique: Whole Roll Dipping
After testing both slicing the rolls and dunking them whole, I’ve found that a full rollover dip allows the custard to soak in without turning the bread too soggy. For those who like an ultra-custardy experience, slicing works too, but I prefer the distinctive texture of the whole roll method.
Ingredients Needed
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup half & half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra as needed)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh berries (for serving)
- Your choice of syrup: Maple, or a homemade coconut buttermilk syrup
How to Make Island-Style Heavenly Roll French Toast
- Whisk It Up: In a medium bowl, combine 3 large eggs, ½ cup half & half, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. Whisk until the custard is smooth and evenly blended.
- Melt and Sizzle: Warm a large nonstick frying pan over medium-low heat. Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, allowing a gentle sizzle to signal it’s ready.
- Dunk and Delight: One by one, immerse each whole Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Place each roll in the skillet and cook for about 1 minute per side until a beautifully crisp, golden crust forms.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the golden rolls to a serving platter, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh berries. Drizzle generously with your choice of syrup—be it classic maple or the irresistible coconut buttermilk variety.
Special Tip
For an extra indulgent twist, briefly toast the rolls in a preheated oven (at 350°F) for 2-3 minutes after cooking in the skillet. This additional step enhances the crunchy exterior without sacrificing the soft, custardy interior.
Leftover Roll French Toast
- Storage: Enjoy best when fresh, but any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm leftover toast in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or crisp them up in a toaster oven for a quick re-crisp.
