This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the perfect combination of light and fluffy sweetness, elevated with the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and a drizzle of rich maple syrup, this dish is a delightful way to start your weekend.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. The soft, pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls gives the French toast a unique flavor, and you can easily customize it by adding your favorite fruit or even a dollop of whipped cream. This recipe will quickly become your go-to for a cozy and satisfying breakfast everyone will rave about.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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6 Hawaiian rolls, cut into cubes
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4 large eggs
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1 cup whole milk
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon butter
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Maple syrup for serving
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Fresh berries for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth.
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Add the cubed Hawaiian rolls to the mixture, stirring gently to coat each piece. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soak in the mixture.
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the soaked Hawaiian roll cubes and cook for about 4-5 minutes, flipping gently until they are golden brown on all sides.
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Transfer the cooked French toast to a baking dish and place in the oven for an additional 5 minutes to ensure it’s fully set.
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Serve warm with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh berries on top.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a twist on the classic French toast, using sweet and soft Hawaiian rolls for a flavor-packed breakfast treat. The gentle sweetness of the rolls, combined with the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, creates a breakfast dish that is both indulgent and comforting. It’s a fantastic choice for special occasions like family gatherings, brunches, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extra delicious. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy a warm, comforting meal with your loved ones, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Hawaiian Rolls Work Perfectly for French Toast
One of the key elements that make this recipe stand out is the use of Hawaiian rolls. These rolls are soft, sweet, and slightly buttery, which makes them perfect for French toast. Traditional French toast is made using thick slices of bread that soak up the egg mixture and cook to a golden, crispy perfection. However, the naturally sweet flavor and pillowy texture of Hawaiian rolls bring a new dimension to this dish. The rolls hold just the right amount of moisture without becoming soggy, and they caramelize beautifully when cooked, creating a perfectly crisp exterior with a soft, tender interior.
Additionally, the sweetness of the rolls means that you don’t have to add as much sugar to the batter. This results in a more balanced flavor profile, where the natural sweetness of the rolls shines through without being overpowering. If you’ve never tried Hawaiian Roll French Toast, it’s a must-try variation of this classic breakfast dish.
Perfect for Special Occasions
While French toast is a beloved breakfast dish, it’s often reserved for special occasions because of the extra effort involved. Hawaiian Roll French Toast takes this indulgence to the next level, making it ideal for those times when you want to treat yourself or your family to something extraordinary. Whether it’s a special holiday, a birthday, or just a weekend breakfast, this dish brings joy to the table.
The warm, golden toast topped with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The vibrant colors of the berries and the glossy syrup create a beautiful plate that is perfect for any special occasion. Add in some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert-like breakfast that will be the highlight of your day.
A Family-Friendly Breakfast
This recipe is ideal for families as it can easily be scaled to serve a large group. Hawaiian Roll French Toast can be made in one large batch, and with the simplicity of the recipe, kids and adults alike can get involved in the preparation. Whether it’s helping to whisk the egg mixture, tearing the rolls into pieces, or adding toppings, it’s a great way to make breakfast a fun family affair.
Moreover, Hawaiian Roll French Toast is easily customizable. You can top it with a variety of fresh fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, and even drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce for added indulgence. The versatility of this dish means you can cater to different tastes and preferences within your family. You could also try adding a dash of nutmeg, orange zest, or even some cocoa powder to the batter for a unique twist.
How to Make Your Hawaiian Roll French Toast Extra Special
While the base recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways you can elevate this dish even further to make it your own. Here are a few ideas to take your Hawaiian Roll French Toast to the next level:
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Add a Splash of Liquor: For an adult twist, you can add a splash of rum, bourbon, or even Grand Marnier to the egg mixture. This will infuse the French toast with a subtle but intriguing flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.
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Add a Streusel Topping: To create a crunchy texture contrast, sprinkle a simple streusel topping made from butter, sugar, and flour over the French toast before baking. The topping will crisp up in the oven and add a delicious, buttery crunch.
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Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the French toast for an exotic, tropical flair. The coconut adds an extra layer of texture and enhances the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls.
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Use Flavored Syrups: While maple syrup is a classic choice, you can also try different flavored syrups, such as cinnamon syrup, chocolate syrup, or even a fruit-infused syrup made from strawberries or blueberries. This adds a new dimension of flavor and makes each bite a little more exciting.
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Whipped Cream and Nuts: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream and some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to your French toast for a rich and satisfying finish.
The Benefits of Hawaiian Roll French Toast
This dish isn’t just delicious—it also offers several benefits that make it a perfect breakfast option. The main ingredient, Hawaiian rolls, is made with simple, high-quality ingredients, ensuring that the French toast will be rich in flavor without needing too many artificial additives. The use of eggs and milk in the batter adds protein, which helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, you can swap out regular milk for almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. You could also use whole wheat Hawaiian rolls for an extra boost of fiber, or opt for a low-sugar version of the bread to reduce the overall sugar content.
Additionally, the toppings you choose can further boost the nutritional value of your meal. Fresh berries add vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, while nuts provide healthy fats and protein. A drizzle of pure maple syrup (not the artificially flavored kind) will give you that classic sweet finish without being loaded with high-fructose corn syrup.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is best served immediately after it’s cooked, while it’s still warm and crispy. Serve it on a large platter with all the toppings on the side, so everyone can customize their French toast to their liking. For a more indulgent breakfast, you can serve it with a side of scrambled eggs or bacon. The savory elements of eggs and bacon balance the sweetness of the French toast and create a complete meal.
If you’re serving this dish for a brunch or a family gathering, consider setting up a toppings bar where everyone can add their favorite fruits, syrups, whipped cream, and nuts. This interactive element makes it more fun for everyone involved, and it ensures that each person’s French toast is exactly how they like it.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a simple yet decadent breakfast dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weekends to special family celebrations. With its soft, buttery texture and perfect balance of sweetness, it’s sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Whether you enjoy it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of syrup, this dish offers endless possibilities for customization. So, the next time you’re looking for an indulgent breakfast or brunch idea, give Hawaiian Roll French Toast a try—it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!