Dessert

Hawaiian Rolls French Toast Recipe

ByIsabella Vance February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

Hawaiian rolls French toast is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast favorite, using sweet, fluffy King’s Hawaiian buns for an extra soft and flavorful treat. Perfect for a special weekend brunch or a cozy morning, this recipe is simple yet delicious.

A piece of golden-brown pastry is held by a woman's hand wearing a dark sleeve, topped with dark purple, glossy berry jam and sprinkled with white powdered sugar. The pastry has a light, flaky texture with some parts showing a slightly crispy edge. In the blurred background, several more pieces of the same pastry are arranged on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, with the vibrant dark berries contrasting with the soft, golden dough and white sugar. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 King’s Hawaiian Sweet Buns
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Butter or cooking spray for cooking
Maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 3: Slice the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Buns in half horizontally. Dip each half bun in the egg mixture, coating both sides but avoid soaking too long to prevent them from falling apart.
Step 4: Let excess liquid drip off, then place the coated buns on the heated griddle or skillet. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Repeat with the remaining bun halves. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, and maple syrup or jam if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use cream or half-and-half instead of whole milk for a richer custard.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the egg mixture.
Try topping with toasted coconut flakes to complement the Hawaiian rolls.
Gluten-free Hawaiian rolls can be used to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Storage

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet to keep the exterior crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the texture soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a pile of golden brown French toast pieces stacked on a white plate with a slightly rough texture. Each piece has a crispy outer layer with soft inside edges. On top of the toast, there is a dark, thick blackberry compote spread unevenly, adding deep purple and black colors with a glossy, chunky texture. The toast is lightly dusted with powdered sugar, creating a fine white layer that contrasts with the dark fruit and golden toast. In the blurred background, a white plate with more toast dusted with powdered sugar can be seen on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holds a white spatula with some toast crumbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, brioche or challah bread makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar sweet, soft texture perfect for French toast.

How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy when soaking?

Dip each half bun briefly in the egg mixture and allow the excess to drip off before cooking. Soaking too long will cause them to become too soft and fall apart.