Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a Brunch to Remember — Easy Brunch Recipe

There’s something magical about Sunday mornings in my kitchen: sunlight through the curtains, the smell of warm bread, and the sound of family laughing at the table. Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a Brunch to Remember became our go-to when we wanted something special but low-stress — soft, slightly sweet King’s Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard and make each bite pillowy and comforting. I first tried this twist at a neighborhood potluck where everyone kept asking for “just one more” slice. The recipe nods to the legacy of sweet Hawaiian-style bread — King’s Hawaiian was originally crafted in Hawaii in the 1950s and later popularized on the mainland — while fitting perfectly into modern brunch culture that loves an easy crowd-pleaser. If you like playful takes on classic pastries, you might also enjoy this Black Forest roll cake recipe I tried recently: Black Forest Roll Cake.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is for busy parents, brunch hosts, beginner cooks who want a forgiving recipe, and anyone who loves a sweeter, fluffier French toast.

Core ingredients overview:

• 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls — The star of the dish; their sweet, soft texture makes for irresistibly fluffy French toast.
• 4 large Eggs — Essential for creating the custard base that gives structure and richness.
• 1 cup Milk or Half-and-Half — Adds a creamy richness; consider using non-dairy milk if you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar — Provides deep sweetness and caramel notes.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract — Amplifies the overall sweetness and aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon — Infuses a hint of warmth and spice.
• 2 tablespoons Butter — For cooking, yielding a delicious golden crust.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar — A light dusting adds elegance and an extra touch of sweetness.
• 1 cup Fresh Berries — Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for brightness and acidity.
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup — Drizzle over the French toast to finish with classic brunch sweetness.

Tools & Ingredients

Cooking tools needed:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Shallow dish (pie plate or baking dish works well)
• Large nonstick skillet or griddle
• Spatula or tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter or fine-mesh sieve (for powdered sugar)
• Serving platter or plates
• Wire rack (optional, to keep toast crisp while warming)

Ingredients (with quick benefits):

• 1 package King’s Hawaiian Rolls — Soft, sweet rolls that create fluffy texture and hold custard well.
• 4 large Eggs — Provide structure and richness to the custard base.
• 1 cup Milk or Half-and-Half — Adds creaminess; half-and-half yields a richer custard.
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar — Deep, caramel-like sweetness that balances the bread.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract — Enhances aroma and rounds out flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon — Adds warmth and a cozy spice note.
• 2 tablespoons Butter — For frying; creates a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar — Elegant finish and light sweetness when dusted.
• 1 cup Fresh Berries — Brightens the dish with color, freshness, and tartness.
• 1/4 cup Maple Syrup — Classic finishing touch that complements the sweet rolls.

Instructions:

1. Gather your ingredients and tools, and set the skillet or griddle on the stove to preheat over medium heat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup milk or half-and-half, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
3. Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls horizontally (you can keep them as halves or slice into thicker pieces depending on preference). Place the roll halves or slices in a shallow dish for soaking.
4. Let each roll soak for about 20–30 seconds per side, allowing the custard to penetrate without falling apart — the goal is moist, not soggy. Work in batches if needed.
5. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the preheated skillet. When it foams and sizzles lightly, place the soaked rolls onto the skillet (do not overcrowd).
6. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisped. Use a spatula or tongs to flip gently. Add more butter between batches as needed.
7. Transfer finished French toast to a wire rack or baking sheet in a warm oven (about 200°F / 95°C) to keep warm while you finish remaining batches.
8. Before serving, dust with 1 cup powdered sugar using a sifter or fine-mesh sieve, top with 1 cup fresh berries, and drizzle with 1/4 cup maple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy.

FAQ:
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: You can freeze cooked Hawaiian Roll French Toast by letting slices cool completely, layering with parchment paper, and storing in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster oven or warm oven to restore crispness.

Q: What can I use instead of King’s Hawaiian Rolls?
A: If you don’t have Hawaiian rolls, brioche, challah, or even thick-cut brioche buns will work well because of their tender crumb and ability to absorb custard without falling apart.

Q: Can I make the custard the night before?
A: Yes — mix the egg-milk-cinnamon-vanilla mixture and refrigerate overnight. Whisk again before using. Soak the bread just before cooking for best texture.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Absolutely. Use almond, oat, or soy milk in place of milk or half-and-half and a dairy-free butter or neutral oil for frying.

Tips & Tricks:

• Don’t over-soak: Let rolls absorb custard but avoid leaving them so long they become mushy; 20–30 seconds per side is usually perfect.
• Medium heat is your friend: Too hot and the exterior burns before the center warms; too low and you won’t get that golden crust.
• Keep finished batches warm: Use a low oven (about 200°F / 95°C) to hold cooked pieces while you finish the rest. Also helpful: use a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them crisp. For other quick, crowd-pleasing recipes that save time on busy days, check out these juicy, flavor-packed keto pork chops ideas: Quick Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights.
• Prep toppings in advance: Wash berries and sift powdered sugar before cooking so you can plate and serve right away.

Conclusion

If you want to compare variations or see more takes on Hawaiian Roll French Toast, these recipe write-ups are great references: Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe – We are not Martha, Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Plain Chicken, and Hawaiian Roll French Toast – Recipe Review | The Kitchn. Each brings a slightly different technique or topping idea that can inspire your next brunch.

Enjoy this warm, sweet spin on a brunch classic — serve it up, share photos, and savor the smiles around your table.