Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast Recipe
Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast is a decadent twist on the traditional French toast recipe. The soft, fluffy, and sweet Hawaiian rolls take French toast to a whole new level. This recipe combines the sweet, buttery goodness of Hawaiian rolls with the crispy exterior and custardy interior of classic French toast. It’s an easy-to-make, irresistible breakfast dish that’s perfect for weekend mornings, brunch with friends, or holiday celebrations. Once you try this, you’ll never go back to ordinary French toast again!
Whether you enjoy it drizzled with syrup, topped with whipped cream, or garnished with fresh fruit, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences. It’s a sweet breakfast that feels special but is simple enough to make any day feel like a celebration.
Why Hawaiian Sweet Rolls Make the Perfect French Toast
1. Soft, Buttery Texture
Hawaiian rolls are soft, pillowy, and just a little bit sweet, which makes them ideal for soaking up the custard mixture without falling apart. This ensures your French toast comes out soft on the inside, while still achieving the crispy golden edges.
2. Sweetness and Flavor
The sweetness of the rolls brings a subtle contrast to the traditional French toast flavors, giving the dish a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from standard recipes. The buttery, sugary undertones of the rolls complement the vanilla and cinnamon in the egg batter perfectly.
3. Quick and Easy
While this recipe feels like a treat, it doesn’t take long to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you can have a batch of perfectly cooked, indulgent French toast ready to serve. You can even prepare the custard mixture the night before for a quicker breakfast the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast
Step 1: Prepare the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Start by slicing the Hawaiian sweet rolls into thick slices. Each roll can be cut into about 3 to 4 pieces, depending on how thick you want your French toast. If the rolls are on the smaller side, you may want to cut them into 3 pieces. If they are larger, you can cut them into 4 slices. Set the slices aside on a plate or cutting board.
If the rolls are very fresh and soft, it’s a good idea to let them sit for a few minutes to firm up slightly. This will allow them to better soak up the custard mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Mixture
In a large bowl, crack 4 eggs and whisk them until they are fully beaten. Add ¾ cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
If you want extra sweetness, you can add 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar to the mixture, but it’s totally optional. The sweetness of the rolls might be enough on its own.
Once your custard is prepared, it’s time to soak the bread.
Step 3: Soak the Hawaiian Sweet Roll Slices
Take each slice of Hawaiian sweet roll and dip it into the custard mixture. Be sure to coat each side thoroughly, but don’t leave the bread in the mixture for too long, as it could get too soggy. A quick dip on both sides is enough to ensure the bread soaks up the custard without falling apart.
If you’re working in batches, it helps to place the dipped slices on a clean plate or tray while you finish soaking the rest of the rolls.
Step 4: Cook the French Toast
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to the pan and allow it to melt, ensuring that the surface is evenly coated.
Once the pan is hot, place the soaked slices of Hawaiian sweet rolls onto the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. You should hear a gentle sizzling sound as they cook.
To check if they are done, lift one slice with a spatula. If the bottom is golden brown, flip it over and cook the other side until it’s equally crispy and golden.
Step 5: Keep French Toast Warm
If you’re making a large batch, it’s a good idea to keep the cooked French toast warm in the oven. Set your oven to 200°F (90°C) and place the cooked French toast slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. This will keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once all the French toast is cooked, it’s time to serve! Arrange the slices on a plate, and feel free to stack them high for a more dramatic presentation.
Top the French toast with your favorite toppings. Here are a few ideas:
- Drizzle with maple syrup for that classic, sweet touch.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
- Add fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas for some extra freshness and color.
- Top with whipped cream for an indulgent, creamy topping.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast
- Don’t Over-soak the Bread: Hawaiian sweet rolls are delicate, so it’s important not to let them soak in the custard mixture for too long. A quick dip on each side is sufficient to ensure they are perfectly custardy without becoming too soggy.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Since Hawaiian rolls are naturally sweet, you might find you don’t need to add much sugar to the custard mixture. Taste it before adding sugar, and adjust to your preference.
- Use a Non-stick Pan or Griddle: To prevent the French toast from sticking, a non-stick skillet or griddle is highly recommended. You can also use a bit of butter or oil for extra flavor and to ensure the toast doesn’t stick.
- Keep It Warm: If you’re serving a crowd, keep the cooked French toast warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) while you finish cooking the rest. This will ensure all of your French toast is warm when it’s time to serve.
- Don’t Skip the Toppings: While the French toast itself is delicious, the toppings take it to the next level. Fresh fruit, whipped cream, and maple syrup all pair perfectly with the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
- Make It Extra Indulgent: For an even richer version, you can add a dollop of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese between layers of French toast to create a stuffed French toast effect.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic version of Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast is delicious as is, you can make a few adjustments to fit your dietary preferences or get creative with flavors. Here are some ideas:
1. Gluten-Free Version
If you need a gluten-free version of this recipe, you can substitute the Hawaiian sweet rolls with gluten-free rolls or bread. Just make sure the bread you choose is soft enough to soak up the custard. Use the same custard recipe, ensuring the milk and heavy cream are also gluten-free.
2. Vegan Version
For a vegan-friendly version of this dish, use dairy-free milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed or chia seeds (1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals one egg). Use vegan butter for cooking, and skip the whipped cream or use a vegan alternative.
3. Cinnamon Roll French Toast
For a cinnamon roll twist, use cinnamon rolls in place of the Hawaiian sweet rolls. Slice the rolls into thick pieces and proceed with the same steps. The cinnamon and sugar in the rolls will give the French toast a deliciously spiced flavor.
4. Stuffed French Toast
To make stuffed French toast, spread cream cheese (or mascarpone) and your favorite jam (like strawberry or blueberry) between two slices of the soaked bread before cooking. This creates a rich, indulgent filling that will wow anyone you serve it to.
5. Add Nuts and Chocolate
If you love a bit of crunch and chocolate, consider sprinkling chopped nuts (like toasted pecans or walnuts) and mini chocolate chips over the French toast before serving. The chocolate will melt slightly when it touches the warm toast, adding an extra indulgent element.
Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast
- Brunch Parties: This dish is perfect for a brunch gathering. Serve it alongside a fruit salad, scrambled eggs, and bacon or sausage for a complete breakfast spread.
- Holiday Breakfast: Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast is a great choice for Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving morning. The vibrant color and sweetness make it feel like a special treat.
- Indulgent Weekends: If you’re looking for a fun and decadent weekend breakfast or brunch idea, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Add some sparkling juice or mimosas to make it even more festive.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast is the ultimate combination of sweetness, softness, and crispy perfection. This indulgent breakfast dish is incredibly easy to make but tastes like something special you’d find at a brunch spot. With just a few simple ingredients, you can elevate your French toast game and enjoy a truly delicious start to your day.
Hawaiian Sweet Roll French Toast Recipe

Ingredients
- 6 Hawaiian sweet rolls (or about 6 small rolls)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Fresh fruit (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Prepare the sweet rolls:
- Slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half, making sure each roll is cut into 2 pieces. If your rolls are on the larger side, you may want to cut them into quarters.
2. Make the custard:
- In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
3. Dip the rolls:
- Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, dip each piece of Hawaiian roll into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly on both sides.
- Tip: Don’t let the rolls sit in the mixture for too long to avoid sogginess. Just a quick dip will do!
4. Cook the French toast:
- Place the dipped rolls in the skillet or griddle. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside. You may need to adjust the heat if they’re browning too quickly.
5. Serve:
- Once cooked, transfer the French toast to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit, if desired.