Do Share Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe | Sweet Tropical Breakfast

I recently made this fun twist on breakfast Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe and I have to say, it’s now one of my absolute favorites. I’m always looking for something a little different in the morning, and these sweet little rolls soaked in custard, browned in butter, and topped with fresh berries were just perfect.

The rolls turned into pillowy pockets of cinnamon-sugar joy with a golden crust and soft inside. I paired them with crisp bacon and fresh fruit for a brunch that felt both indulgent and effortless. If you love experimenting with new morning ideas, you might also enjoy my rotisserie chicken chili recipe for a hearty and flavorful meal later in the day.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need—each item with a quick tip on why it matters:

1 (12-pack) of sweet Hawaiian rolls – These soft, buttery rolls soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
3 large eggs – The heart of your custard mixture; they give the toast structure and a lovely golden color.
¾ cup half-and-half (or whole milk) – Half-and-half makes the custard rich and creamy. Milk works too, but it’s slightly lighter.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the flavor of the rolls.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Brings that cozy, classic French toast spice that pairs perfectly with the sweet bread.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds a hint of caramel flavor and helps create that slightly crisp outer layer.
A pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness and makes every flavor stand out more.
4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted) – Used for frying; gives the rolls a buttery crust and deep golden color.
Powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup for topping – Optional, but they make the final dish look and taste amazing.

Note: Serves several people (the quantities above make about 12 rolls).

Variations

Here are some fun ways to customize this recipe:

Dairy-free: Use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk instead of half-and-half, and replace butter with a vegan alternative.
Sugar-free: Skip the brown sugar or swap it with a sugar substitute. Sweeten naturally with fresh fruit or sugar-free syrup.
Extra flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest or a little shredded coconut to the custard for a tropical twist.
Savory version: Leave out the sugar and cinnamon, and pair with crispy bacon or ham for a sweet-and-salty combo.
Stuffed version: Slice the rolls and fill them with cream cheese or fruit jam before dipping them in the custard.

You can also enjoy similar comfort-food vibes with my rotisserie chicken crescent roll recipe — it’s savory, creamy, and absolutely delicious for brunch or dinner.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large bowl – For whisking together the custard mixture.
Toothpick or skewer – Helps poke holes in each roll so the custard soaks in evenly.
Non-stick skillet or frying pan – Ensures the rolls cook evenly and don’t stick.
Spatula or tongs – For gently turning the rolls while they cook.
Whisk – To mix the eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices smoothly.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Whisk the custard mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half (or milk), vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth and fully combined with no streaks of egg white left.

Prep the Hawaiian rolls

Use a toothpick or skewer to poke a few holes in the bottom of each roll so the custard can soak in evenly. Then dip a few rolls at a time into the egg mixture and let them soak for about 30 seconds. Avoid soaking too long, or the rolls may become soggy.

Cook the soaked rolls

Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the soaked rolls in the pan, a few at a time, and cook until each side is golden brown. Rotate them carefully so they brown evenly without burning.

Serve immediately

Once the rolls are golden on all sides, remove them from the pan and serve while warm. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh fruit. For a balanced brunch, serve with bacon or sausage on the side.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few things I learned while making this recipe:

I found that poking holes in the bottom of each roll helped the custard soak in perfectly without making the inside soggy.
Keeping the heat at medium-low was key; higher heat browned the outside too quickly while the inside stayed undercooked.
Cooking in small batches made it easier to turn the rolls evenly and control browning.
Letting the butter melt fully before adding the rolls gave them a smooth, even crust.
Serve them right away! They’re best hot off the skillet when the outside is crisp and the inside is fluffy.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Presentation makes all the difference with this breakfast treat. Arrange two or three rolls per plate and dust them lightly with powdered sugar for that “snow-kissed” look. Add a handful of fresh berries or sliced bananas for color and freshness. Drizzle maple syrup or a fruit compote over the top, and finish with a sprig of mint for a bright touch. If you want to go all out, serve with crispy bacon or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate brunch platter.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 273 kcal
Protein: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Fat: 12 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Make sure the rolls have cooled completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked rolls cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, reheat them straight from the freezer.

Reheating

I prefer reheating mine in a 350 °F oven for 5–7 minutes—it restores the crisp exterior while keeping the center soft. You can microwave them too, but the texture won’t be quite as crisp.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this Hawaiian Roll French Toast deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation:

Quick and easy – Only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy mornings.
Soft and buttery texture – The rolls stay tender inside while developing a golden, crispy shell.
Customizable – Works beautifully with different toppings, from fruit to whipped cream or syrup.
Great for gatherings – Perfect for brunch, holidays, or whenever you want to impress guests.
Kid-friendly – The mini size and slightly sweet flavor make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe is the kind of breakfast that makes an ordinary morning feel special. It’s quick, cozy, and just indulgent enough to make you smile. I love how easy it is to whip up yet how elegant it looks on the plate. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it every weekend like I do!

Ben Carraoli