Ready for a breakfast that feels like a warm island breeze on your taste buds? Whether you’re planning a lazy Sunday brunch or surprising your family with something new, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is soft, sweet, and so incredibly easy to make. The moment these golden pillows hit the griddle and start to caramelize, your kitchen will smell like a tropical bakery. And yes, it tastes even better than it smells. 😍
This isn’t your average French toast. It’s made with those sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls everyone loves—and once you try it, you may never go back to regular bread again.
Let’s get right to it…
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Hawaiian French Toast couldn’t be simpler. You only need a few staple ingredients—most are probably already in your kitchen:
- 1 package of 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian is perfect)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for richness)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for greasing the skillet
- Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit (for topping)
🍳 How To Make French Toast With Hawaiian Rolls
Let’s transform those soft little rolls into golden, custardy perfection. Here’s how:
Step 1: Prep the Rolls
- Keep the rolls connected in the package—don’t pull them apart just yet.
- Slice the whole sheet of rolls horizontally (like a sandwich bun), creating a top and bottom half.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Mix until well blended but not frothy.
Step 3: Dip and Soak
- Place the bottom half of the rolls into the custard mixture. Let them soak for 20–30 seconds, flip, and soak the other side.
- Repeat with the top half.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Melt a little butter or oil, then add the soaked rolls cut-side down.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and slightly crisp.
Step 5: Serve Hot With Syrup
- Stack the top and bottom halves back together.
- Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and add fresh berries if you’re feeling fancy.
🌈 Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian French Toast
Here’s what makes this recipe a must-save for every brunch lover 👇 <!– BENEFITS TABLE (HTML excluded from word count) –>
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 🍞 Soft & Custardy | Hawaiian rolls soak up the egg mixture beautifully without falling apart. |
| 🍯 Naturally Sweet | No need for loads of sugar—the rolls bring sweetness all on their own. |
| ⚡ Quick & Easy | Made in under 15 minutes from start to finish. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Crowd-Pleasing | Kid-approved, brunch-perfect, and ideal for entertaining. |
💡 Tips for the Best Hawaiian French Toast
- Don’t oversoak! Hawaiian rolls are tender—let them absorb custard, but don’t leave them swimming.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to get that perfect golden crust.
- Make it fancy by adding a whipped cream swirl or toasted coconut flakes on top.
- Want it even easier? Make a baked version—layer the soaked rolls in a baking dish and cook at 350°F for 25 minutes.
🧠 Why Hawaiian Rolls Work So Well in French Toast
French toast is all about texture and absorbency. Hawaiian rolls check every box:
- Soft, but sturdy enough to hold the custard.
- Lightly sweet, which means you need less added sugar.
- Their petite size creates the perfect portions.
This makes it the ultimate Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe easy enough for busy mornings but special enough for brunch with guests.
🧂 Flavor Variations to Try
Feeling creative? Try these spins:
- Cream Cheese Stuffed: Add a layer of whipped cream cheese between the halves.
- Hawaiian French Toast with Syrup & Pineapple: Serve with caramelized pineapple rings.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix mini chocolate chips into the custard and top with chocolate syrup.
🍽️ How to Serve & Store
- Serve immediately with toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, bananas, or even a drizzle of coconut caramel sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.
- Freeze? Yes! Flash-freeze slices on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag. Great for busy mornings!
🧑🍳 Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You have two options:
- Soak overnight and griddle in the morning.
- Turn it into a Hawaiian French Toast casserole—soak, cover, refrigerate, and bake next day.
📝 FAQs
Can I use leftover Hawaiian rolls?
Yes! Slightly stale rolls actually soak up custard better. Just check for dryness or mold before using.
Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?
Totally. The custard might be a bit thinner, but it still works beautifully.
What’s the best syrup to pair with this?
Classic pure maple syrup, or try coconut syrup for an island-inspired twist.
✨ Final Thought: Let the Rolls Do the Work

This Hawaiian French Toast recipe isn’t just about breakfast—it’s about creating cozy, crave-worthy moments that feel extra special without the extra work.
With just a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes, you’re serving up something golden, custardy, and unforgettable. Whether it’s for a lazy weekend, a holiday brunch, or just a midweek treat, this recipe delivers.
Try it once—and you’ll never look at French toast the same again. 🍽️🍯
“Life’s too short for boring breakfast.”
Find more sweet brunch ideas on our Pinterest 🍓
🔗 More French Toast Recipes to Try Next
Explore our latest and most loved recipes — all cozy, sweet, and perfect for brunch:
- Blueberry French Toast Casserole
→ Baked to juicy perfection with fresh blueberries and a cinnamon glaze. - Brioche French Toast
→ A buttery twist on the classic, using rich, fluffy brioche slices. - Stuffed French Toast
→ Decadent and creamy with luscious fillings like fruit or cream cheese. - French Toast Casserole
→ Classic French toast flavors, oven-baked in one easy dish — ideal for meal prep or holidays.
Hawaiian French Toast
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is soft, sweet, and irresistibly fluffy — perfect for a lazy brunch or a quick weekend treat. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a tropical twist on a breakfast classic.
Ingredients
1 package of 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Butter or oil for greasing
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit (optional toppings)
Instructions
1. Keep the rolls intact; slice horizontally to create a top and bottom layer.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
3. Soak each roll layer in custard mixture for 20–30 seconds per side.
4. Heat skillet over medium; grease lightly with butter or oil.
5. Cook soaked rolls cut-side down, 2–3 mins per side until golden.
6. Reassemble rolls and serve with toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or berries.
Notes
Use slightly stale rolls for better custard absorption.
Make it ahead by refrigerating soaked rolls overnight.
To reheat, use skillet or air fryer for best texture.
For a baked version, layer soaked rolls in dish and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 roll pieces
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg







