Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
Introduction
This Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast is a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Soft, sweet rolls soaked in a spiced pumpkin custard make for a warm, comforting morning treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, sweet start to your day.
Ingredients
- 2 packages 12-count King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: Poke each side of the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with a fork to help them soak up the custard evenly.
- Step 3: Dip each whole roll (top and bottom together) into the custard mixture, fully coating them. Let them soak briefly so they absorb some custard but remain intact.
- Step 4: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and spread butter evenly to coat the surface.
- Step 5: Place the soaked rolls in the pan in a single layer. Cook about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if needed.
- Step 6: While cooking, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon for rolling in a shallow dish.
- Step 7: Once cooked and still warm, roll each French toast in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly. Optionally, brush with melted butter before rolling for better adhesion.
- Step 8: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious King’s Hawaiian Pumpkin French Toast!
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old rolls for better custard absorption without falling apart.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the custard mixture.
- Serve with maple syrup, whipped cream, or toasted pecans for added texture and sweetness.
- Substitute dairy milk with any plant-based milk to make the recipe dairy-free.
Storage
Store leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to retain crispness. Avoid softening by reheating in a low oven for a few minutes if preferred.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the custard mixture and soak the rolls the night before, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. Cook them fresh in the morning for best texture and flavor.
What can I use if I don’t have King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls?
Any soft, sweet rolls or brioche buns will work well as a substitute. The key is using a bread that soaks up the custard without falling apart.
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Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings (based on 24 rolls) 1x
Description
This Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast recipe transforms classic sweet rolls into a decadent breakfast treat, infused with seasonal pumpkin spice flavors and a crispy cinnamon sugar coating. Perfectly golden and tender, these custard-soaked rolls make a delightful morning indulgence with warm autumn spices.
Ingredients
Custard Mixture
- 2 packages 12-count King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking and Coating
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the custard mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Poke the rolls: Use a fork to poke each side of the King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. This technique helps the rolls absorb the custard evenly without falling apart.
- Soak the rolls: Dip each whole roll, keeping the top and bottom together, into the custard mixture. Allow the rolls to soak briefly so they absorb some custard but remain intact for cooking.
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking.
- Cook the rolls: Place the soaked rolls onto the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook in batches depending on your pan size.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar: While the rolls are cooking, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow dish for rolling.
- Coat the rolls: Once cooked and still warm, roll each French toast roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture to evenly coat. For better adhesion, optionally brush the rolls with melted butter before rolling in cinnamon sugar.
- Serve warm: Serve your Hawaiian Rolls Pumpkin French Toast warm and enjoy the sweet, spiced flavors of this cozy breakfast treat.
Notes
- Use whole rolls without slicing to maintain a fluffy center.
- Adjust soaking time if rolls are very fresh or stale to prevent sogginess or dryness.
- The cinnamon sugar coating adds a delicious extra crunch and sweetness; don’t skip this step.
- For a buttery flavor, brush the rolls with melted butter before rolling in the cinnamon sugar.
- Serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness if desired.
- Make sure the skillet is at medium heat to avoid burning the exterior while keeping the inside warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hawaiian rolls, pumpkin French toast, pumpkin spice, breakfast rolls, cinnamon sugar French toast, sweet breakfast recipe
