🍍🍞Hawaiian Roll French Toast For Lazy Morning

Sweet, buttery, and absolutely irresistible—this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is your new brunch bestie!

You guys… this Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is what weekend dreams are made of. Think soft, fluffy rolls soaked in vanilla custard, kissed with cinnamon, and pan-fried until golden and crisp on the outside, yet tender and pillowy inside. I’m not even exaggerating when I say this might be the best French toast I’ve ever made at home.

What makes this recipe extra special? We’re using sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls—yes, those iconic little clouds of joy—which take the flavor and texture to a whole new level. It’s like bread pudding and classic French toast had a delicious brunch baby. 😂 Perfect for Sunday mornings, holidays, or whenever you want to spoil yourself (or impress someone without breaking a sweat).

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Roll French Toast

🌟 Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, start to finish!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly – Kids devour it, adults pretend they’re only having one piece.
💰 Budget-Friendly – Made with pantry staples and a pack of Hawaiian rolls.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need (and yes, it’s all pretty simple and totally worth it):

• 320g Hawaiian sweet rolls (12 rolls) – These are the star of the show! Buttery, soft, and slightly sweet—they soak up the custard perfectly.
• 3 large eggs (150g total) – Acts as the base of your custard and gives that rich texture.
• 240g whole milk (1 cup) – Whole milk gives the custard a creamy body, but you can sub with half-and-half or a dairy-free milk.
• 60g heavy cream (¼ cup) – Adds extra indulgence to the custard. If you’re skipping it, just increase the milk slightly.
• 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar – Just a touch of sweetness to balance the egginess.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5g) – Adds warmth and depth—pure vanilla is best here!
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (1g) – Optional but recommended. It adds a cozy flavor.
• Pinch of salt (just a few flakes) – Enhances all the flavors.
• Butter for frying (about 15g per batch) – Don’t skip this. Butter = flavor + crisp edges.
• Optional toppings – Maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of coconut cream if you’re feeling tropical! 🍓🥥

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1 – Prep the rolls.
Gently pull apart your Hawaiian rolls but don’t slice them in half. Keep them whole (they’re the perfect size already!). Set aside.

Step 2 – Make the custard.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined and smooth. We want this silky!

Step 3 – Dip those rolls.
Dip each roll into the custard mixture and let it soak for about 5–10 seconds. Don’t let them get soggy—we want them custardy, not collapsing.

Step 4 – Fry to golden perfection.
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a knob of butter. Place the soaked rolls in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden and slightly crisp. Flip gently with tongs!

Step 5 – Serve and shine!
Serve immediately, warm and glorious. Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, add fruit—go wild. Hawaiian Roll French Toast is not the time to hold back. 💁‍♀️

Expert Tips & Variations

🔁 Try different custards – Add a splash of coconut milk or a dash of nutmeg for tropical or festive vibes.
🔥 Make it in the air fryer – Yep! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
🌱 Dairy-free? No problem! – Use almond or oat milk + coconut cream. It still turns out amazing.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Tips

✅ DO use slightly stale rolls for better custard absorption (fresh is fine, but day-old is 👌).
✅ DO fry on medium heat to avoid burning the outsides before the center is warm.
✅ DO pair with fruit or a tart jam to cut the richness—it’s dreamy.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast DON’TS

❌ Don’t oversoak—Hawaiian rolls are soft and can fall apart easily.
❌ Don’t skip the salt—it seems small, but it really boosts the flavor.
❌ Don’t use margarine for frying. Trust me, use real butter or ghee!

What to Serve With Hawaiian Roll French Toast

🥓 Crispy bacon – The salty/sweet combo is heavenly.
🍳 Scrambled eggs or omelets – Add protein and balance out the sweetness.
🍊 Fresh citrus salad – Brightens the whole meal and gives contrast.

Storage & Reheating

🧊 Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
🔥 Reheat: Best warmed in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but may lose the crisp edges.

Common Questions (FAQ Section)

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the custard and soak the rolls the night before. Just store them covered in the fridge and cook fresh in the morning.

❓ Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Totally. Arrange in a greased baking dish, pour extra custard on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and set.

❓ What can I substitute for Hawaiian rolls?
Brioche buns or challah rolls work beautifully. Even thick Texas toast slices can be used if you’re in a pinch.

📝Printable Recipe Card

Call to Action

📢 Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment & rating below—I love hearing from you!
📸 Don’t forget to tag @RecipesByAbbie on Instagram so I can obsess over your French toast creations!

Ready to brunch like a champion? 😍 This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is everything sweet mornings should be. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a birthday breakfast-in-bed, it never disappoints.

Want more sweet brunch recipes like this? Let me know—I’m already dreaming up the next one! 🥞✨