Looking for an indulgent breakfast treat that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat? Allow me to introduce you to Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a breakfast feast, igniting joy on lazy weekend mornings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dreamy Texture: The Hawaiian rolls soak up just enough of the cinnamon-spiced custard to become deliciously soft and rich.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Each bite is enveloped in a delightful mix of sugar and spice that makes it both sweet and warmly aromatic.
- Perfect for Sharing: This dish transforms a simple breakfast into a feast that brings everyone together at the table.
- Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up a decadent breakfast treat without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how simple it is to create a delicious dish with these few essential ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in imparting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness.
- 3 large Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the French toast batter.
- ¾ cup Half n Half: Adds creaminess and depth to each bite.
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a touch of spice.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and aromatic profile.
- 3 tablespoon Salted Butter (divided): For frying the rolls to a perfect golden brown.
- 1 12 pack Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: The star ingredient, known for their soft and slightly sweet profile.
- ¼ cup White Sugar & ½ teaspoon Cinnamon: Mix for a sweet, spicy coating.
- ⅓ cup Salted Caramel or syrup: Adds a final touch of sweetness when dipping or drizzling.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your personal tastes or dietary requirements. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own special creation.
- Berry Bliss: Add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries into the batter for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to add a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top just before serving.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, half n half, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will be the fragrant base that soaks into every nook and cranny of your sweet rolls.
Step 2: Soak the Rolls
Separate the Hawaiian rolls into individual pieces. Immerse them in the custard mixture, ensuring each piece absorbs just the right amount of the mixture without becoming overly saturated. About 15–20 seconds should do the trick!
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
In a large frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Add half of the rolls and cook them until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color on all six sides. Repeat the process with the remaining butter and rolls.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Finishing Touch
For the ultimate touch, coat each roll in a mixture of white sugar and cinnamon. This adds a delightful crispy texture and a burst of sweet warmth with every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
- Optimal Soaking Time: Ensure the rolls soak just long enough for perfect absorption without losing their shape.
- Temperature Control: Cook your French toast over medium heat to achieve the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
- Batch Cooking: Cook in batches if needed; overcrowding the pan may lead to uneven cooking.
- Cinnamon Sugar Tip: Immediately coat the rolls in cinnamon sugar after frying to ensure the mixture adheres well.
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar
Garnishes
Serve your French toast rolls with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or slices of fresh fruit for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair it up with sides like crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad. They bring out the sweet-savory interplay that makes breakfast brilliant.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the rolls in a spiral pattern on a round platter, or serve them stacked with a mini skewer for a playful presentation at brunches or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover rolls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll be ready and waiting whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
To freeze, layer the cooled rolls between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month, ready to heat and enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat your French toast in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them deliciously crisp rather than soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweetness, any soft, pillowy bread will work well for French toast.
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How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
It’s all about the soaking time. Ensure you don’t leave the rolls in the custard mixture for too long—15 to 20 seconds is perfect.
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Can I make the recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the Hawaiian rolls with a gluten-free bread option to enjoy a gluten-free version while keeping all the deliciousness.
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Is there a vegan version?
To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter. Choose a suitable sweet roll that’s both vegan and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll find joy in making this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar as much as I do. It’s a comforting dish to share with loved ones and make mornings special. Go ahead, give it a try, and let it fill your kitchen with warmth and smiles!
Print
Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar offers a deliciously sweet and indulgent breakfast experience. Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are dipped in a flavorful cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, pan-fried until golden, then coated in a cinnamon sugar blend. Served with salted caramel or syrup for dipping, it’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or special occasion brunch menu.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Batter
- 3 large Eggs
- 3/4 cup Half n Half
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/4 cup White Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Salted Butter, divided
- 1 12-pack Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- 1/3 cup Salted Caramel or syrup for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, half n half, cinnamon, and vanilla until well combined.
- Soak the Rolls: Tear the sweet rolls into individual pieces and briefly submerge them in the batter for 15-20 seconds, making sure not to soak too long to prevent sogginess.
- Cook in Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Add half the soaked rolls and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and repeat with remaining butter and rolls.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow dish, combine the white sugar and cinnamon. Toss each fried roll in the cinnamon sugar until coated evenly.
- Serve: Plate the coated French toast pieces and serve immediately with salted caramel or syrup for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure that the rolls are torn into small enough pieces to soak up the batter quickly but not so long that they become overly soggy.
- You can prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture ahead of time for ease.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional cinnamon or powdered sugar atop before serving.
- Use high-quality salted caramel or homemade caramel for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of total recipe
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
