Description
Elevate your breakfast game with this irresistible Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe that transforms ordinary sweet rolls into an extraordinary morning treat. This isn’t your typical French toast – by using King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls, you’ll create a perfectly portioned, pull-apart breakfast that combines the buttery sweetness of these famous rolls with the classic cinnamon-vanilla flavors of traditional French toast.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the French Toast Base:
- 1 package (12 count) King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls, kept intact
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream
- Sliced bananas
- Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Make sure there are no streaks of egg whites visible and the mixture is smooth.
Step 2: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls
- Keep the Hawaiian sweet rolls connected in their original rectangular package shape.
- Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the entire block of rolls horizontally through the middle, creating a top and bottom half (like cutting a hamburger bun).
- Place the bottom half in a 9×13 inch baking dish that has been lightly greased with butter.
Step 3: Soak the Rolls
- Slowly pour half of the egg mixture over the bottom layer of rolls, allowing it to soak in completely.
- Place the top half of the rolls back on top.
- Pour the remaining egg mixture evenly over the top, making sure to get some in between the seams of the rolls.
- Gently press down on the rolls to help them absorb the custard mixture.
Step 4: Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the soaked rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 20 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 5: Serving
- Let the Hawaiian Roll French Toast rest for 5 minutes after baking.
- Cut along the roll separations to create individual servings.
- Serve warm with your choice of toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Don’t rush the soaking process – Allow sufficient time for the rolls to absorb the egg mixture for the most flavorful result.
- For make-ahead preparation, complete all steps up to baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
- For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the custard mixture.
- For a caramelized bottom, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar in the greased baking dish before adding the rolls.
- If the tops are browning too quickly during baking, simply place the foil back on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
Keywords: hawaiian roll french toast, king's hawaiian roll french toast, pull apart french toast, hawaiian bread french toast, easy breakfast recipe, sweet roll french toast, make ahead breakfast, hawaiian sweet rolls recipe