Hawaiian Roll French Toast: A Tropical Twist on a Breakfast Classic

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional French toast recipe, combining the rich sweetness of Hawaiian rolls with tropical ingredients like pineapple juice, coconut milk, and toasted coconut flakes. The soft, buttery rolls create a perfect base for this indulgent dish, while the tropical flavors bring a refreshing taste that will transport you to a sunny beachside getaway.

Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or a weekend breakfast, this Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, detailed instructions, advanced techniques, and helpful tips to make the perfect tropical French toast.

For more tropical breakfast ideas, check out these links:

• Tropical Breakfast Ideas to Try This Weekend
• How to Make Perfect French Toast Every Time

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Making Hawaiian Roll French Toast is simple and quick, and the ingredients come together to create a rich, tropical experience that will start your day off with a smile.

Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe: A Tropical Twist on a Breakfast Classic

---

• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a tropical twist on a classic breakfast favorite. With the sweetness of pineapple juice, coconut milk, and maple syrup, this dish brings together fluffy Hawaiian rolls with a deliciously rich custard base, topped with toasted coconut and fresh orange zest. It’s perfect for a leisurely brunch or a fun family breakfast.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup pineapple juice (from a 6-oz. can)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 5 tsp. unsalted butter, divided
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated orange zest

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, maple syrup, eggs, coconut milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until fully combined. This will be your custard mixture.

2. Slice the Hawaiian Rolls:

   • Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half to form individual pieces (you should have 12 halves). If the rolls are too large, you can cut them into quarters for smaller pieces.

3. Soak the Rolls:

   • Dip each roll half into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Let them soak for about 10-15 seconds per side so that the rolls absorb the custard but don’t become too soggy.

4. Cook the French Toast:

   • Heat 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, place the soaked Hawaiian roll halves in the skillet.
   • Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

5. Toast the Coconut Flakes:

   • While the French toast is cooking, toast the unsweetened coconut flakes. Heat a small skillet over low to medium heat and add the coconut flakes. Stir them frequently to prevent burning until they turn golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

6. Serve:

   • Once the French toast is cooked, arrange the pieces on a serving platter.
   • Top with the toasted coconut flakes and a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest for an extra burst of citrus.
   • Drizzle with more maple syrup if desired.

7. Optional Garnishes:

   • Serve with fresh fruit, additional syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Notes

You can use fresh pineapple juice for a more vibrant flavor, or canned pineapple juice works perfectly well.

For added richness, top with whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt.

If you prefer, you can substitute the coconut flakes for chopped macadamia nuts for a more traditional Hawaiian twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Brunch, Breakfast
• Method: Soaking, Grilling, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Tropical / Hawaiian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3-4 pieces of French toast per serving
• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Instructions

Prepare the Custard

1. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, maple syrup, eggs, coconut milk, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. This will be the custard mixture for your French toast. The combination of pineapple juice and coconut milk gives this recipe a tropical flavor profile.

Slice the Hawaiian Rolls

1. Slice the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, slice the 12 Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. You’ll end up with 12 slices of sweet, soft bread that will soak up the custard mixture beautifully.

Prepare the Pan

1. Melt Butter: Heat 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and coat the pan.

Dip the Rolls in the Custard

1. Soak the Rolls: Dip each slice of Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, ensuring that both sides are soaked. Allow the bread to absorb the custard for 15-20 seconds per side, depending on how thick the rolls are.

Cook the French Toast

1. Cook the Toast: Place the soaked slices of Hawaiian roll onto the skillet or griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on the outside. Continue adding butter as needed to prevent the bread from sticking and to enhance the flavor.

Add Toppings

1. Toast the Coconut Flakes: While the French toast is cooking, place the unsweetened coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become golden brown and fragrant.
2. Top the French Toast: Once the French toast is cooked, plate the slices and sprinkle them with toasted coconut flakes. Garnish with finely grated orange zest for a burst of citrus flavor.

Serve

1. Serve with Syrup: Drizzle the French toast with additional maple syrup, if desired, and serve warm. For extra tropical flair, you can also add fresh pineapple slices or a dollop of whipped cream.

Advanced Techniques

For those looking to take their Hawaiian Roll French Toast to the next level, here are some advanced techniques and tips to elevate your dish.

Make a Fluffy French Toast

For extra fluffiness, use a hand mixer to beat the eggs and wet ingredients together until they are light and frothy before adding the sugar and salt. This will create a lighter, airier custard that will result in a fluffier texture for the French toast.

Add Tropical Fruit

To elevate the tropical theme, consider adding fresh fruit as a topping. Sliced pineapple, mango, or kiwi would pair perfectly with the coconut and orange zest in this recipe.

Flavor Infusions

You can infuse the custard mixture with additional flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for a more complex flavor profile. For a spicier variation, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the custard.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

While Hawaiian Roll French Toast is best served fresh, here are some tips for storing leftovers and ensuring the dish remains delicious.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover French toast in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The French toast will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Make sure to cool it down before storing to prevent condensation from making the bread soggy.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat, place the leftover slices of French toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a skillet with a little butter for added flavor and crispiness.

Freezing the French Toast

If you have leftovers or want to make this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the cooked French toast. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen French toast will last for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven for a quick breakfast option.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast recipe can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions.

Dairy-Free Option

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or oil, and use a non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk instead of coconut milk.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, replace the Hawaiian rolls with gluten-free bread. Many gluten-free bread varieties are available at stores, and you can find rolls or loaves that will hold up well in French toast recipes.

Low-Sugar Option

If you’re trying to reduce sugar intake, you can substitute the granulated sugar in the custard with a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You can also use sugar-free maple syrup to top the French toast.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Yes, you can use any bread for this recipe. However, the sweetness and softness of Hawaiian rolls make this dish unique. Regular white bread or brioche could also work well in place of the rolls.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the custard mixture and toast the coconut flakes ahead of time, but the French toast is best made fresh. However, leftovers can be stored and reheated as mentioned above.

How do I make this dish more decadent?

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the custard mixture. You could also top the French toast with whipped cream, chocolate chips, or caramelized bananas for extra decadence.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a fun, tropical twist on the traditional breakfast favorite. With its soft, sweet bread soaked in a coconut and pineapple-infused custard, and topped with toasted coconut flakes and orange zest, this dish brings a burst of tropical flavors to your morning. Whether you serve it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or just a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s a perfect way to start the day.

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is sure to become a go-to recipe for brunch or a weekend treat, adding a sunny, tropical flair to your breakfast table. Try it today and enjoy a little taste of paradise!