Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Get ready to take your breakfast game to a whole new level with this delightful and indulgent recipe for Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar. These sweet, fluffy rolls transform into a golden, crispy bite with a cinnamon-sugar hug, making every morning feel like a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Irresistibly Sweet: The natural sweetness of Hawaiian rolls perfectly complements the cinnamon sugar coating.
  • Quick and Easy: In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a breakfast that’s way more fun than cereal.
  • Kid-Friendly: These bites are a hit with the little ones and make breakfast more enjoyable.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend treat or a fancy brunch, this dish never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate flavor and texture balance that makes this dish unforgettable.

  • 3 large Eggs: The backbone of any good French toast, bringing richness and structure.
  • ¾ cup Half n Half: Adds creaminess and depth to the batter.
  • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice into the toast.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds a sweet aromatic flavor that’s simply irresistible.
  • 3 tablespoons Salted Butter: A must for frying, offering a nutty, browned exterior.
  • 1 12-pack of King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: The star ingredient, providing a unique sweetness and soft texture.
  • ¼ cup White Sugar: Essential for the sweet cinnamon coating.
  • ½ teaspoon Cinnamon: Mixed with sugar for extra flavor in every bite.
  • ⅓ cup Salted Caramel or Syrup: For that extra drizzle of decadence.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

  • Chocolate Chip Delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocoholic’s breakfast dream.
  • Berry Bliss: Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a fruity twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free sweet roll alternative if you’re avoiding gluten.
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute half n half with almond or coconut milk and use a plant-based butter.

How to Make Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar

Step 1: Prepare the French Toast Batter

Start by whisking together the eggs, half n half, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized bowl until well combined. This will be the rich, flavorful foundation that gives your French toast that classic taste.

Step 2: Soak the Rolls

Tear the Hawaiian rolls into individual pieces and give them a good soak in your prepared batter for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to over-soak, or they might get too soggy and fall apart while cooking.

Step 3: Cook Them Up

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Once melted, add half of the soaked rolls to the pan, cooking them until golden brown on all sides. Repeat the process with the remaining rolls, adding more butter if needed.

Step 4: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Combine the white sugar and remaining cinnamon in a shallow dish. Toss each cooked French toast piece in this sweet mixture until fully coated, creating a delightful crunch in every bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, plate up your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar with a side of salted caramel sauce or syrup for dipping. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar

  • Batter Consistency: Ensure your batter is smooth and lump-free for an even coating on all your rolls.
  • Perfect Soaking: Just the right amount of soaking ensures the rolls are flavorful but not too mushy.
  • Even Frying: Rotate the rolls regularly to achieve a uniformly golden-brown crust on all sides.
  • Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot while the sugar coating is crisp.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar

Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Garnish your Hawaiian Roll French Toast with a light dusting of powdered sugar, some fresh mint for a pop of color, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a little more spice.

Side Dishes

Pair this delightful breakfast with a fresh fruit salad or some crispy bacon strips to complement the sweetness with savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a creative presentation, try stacking the rolls into a mini tower or arrange them in a playful fan on the plate, drizzling the caramel in a decorative pattern alongside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the French toast cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezing

If you wish to freeze them, place the cooled rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat your Hawaiian Roll French Toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and the exterior is crisp, or use a toaster oven for convenience.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

    While you can use regular bread, Hawaiian rolls add a special sweetness and texture that bread just can’t replicate.

  2. Is there a substitute for cinnamon sugar coating?

    For a different flavor, try coating with a mixture of nutmeg and sugar or even cocoa powder and sugar for a chocolate twist.

  3. Can this be made vegan?

    Absolutely! Swap out eggs for a vegan egg substitute, use plant-based milk instead of half n half, and choose a dairy-free butter.

  4. How do I prevent the rolls from getting too soggy?

    Ensure you only soak the rolls briefly in the batter. Around 15-20 seconds is ideal to maintain a firm texture that’s perfect for frying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a warm hug, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar is your answer. It’s a simple recipe that’s loaded with flavor and sure to become a favorite in no time. Give it a try, and enjoy the sweet moments of life, one delicious bite at a time!

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Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This delightful Hawaiian Roll French Toast with Cinnamon Sugar combines soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soaked in a rich custard, then cooked to golden perfection. Coated in a fragrant cinnamon sugar, and served with salted caramel or syrup for dipping, it’s an indulgent breakfast treat or brunch favorite that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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

Others

  • 3 tablespoon Salted Butter, divided
  • 1 12-pack Kings Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
  • 1/3 cup Salted Caramel or syrup for dipping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the batter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine eggs, half n half, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until thoroughly mixed and smooth.
  2. Soak the rolls: Tear the sweet rolls into individual pieces. Submerge each piece in the batter for about 15-20 seconds, ensuring they are well coated without becoming overly soggy.
  3. Cook the first batch: Heat a large fry pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter and let it melt. Place half of the soaked rolls in the pan and cook until golden brown on all six sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  4. Cook the second batch: Add the remaining butter to the pan, then the rest of the soaked rolls. Repeat the cooking process until all rolls are browned and cooked through.
  5. Coat in cinnamon sugar: In a shallow dish, mix together white sugar and cinnamon. Toss each cooked French toast roll in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
  6. Serve: Plate the coated French toast rolls and serve immediately with salted caramel or syrup for dipping. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • You can prepare the cinnamon sugar ahead of time for quick coating.
  • To keep rolls warm, place cooked pieces on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven while finishing the rest.
  • For extra richness, add a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
  • Adjust cooking time for a crispier crust or softer texture, based on preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 rolls (about 150g)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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