There’s something magical about transforming a simple breakfast into a memorable treat, and these Sweet Hawaiian French Toast are just that—pure magic on a plate. Imagine soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls infused with a warm, cinnamon-spiced custard, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a dish that turns ordinary mornings into special occasions.
The first time I made these for a weekend brunch, they disappeared so fast that I had to whip up another batch. My friend’s reaction—“These are like little clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss!”—still makes me smile. Since that day, this recipe has become a must-have at family breakfasts and cozy gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch, treating your family, or simply indulging yourself, these French toast bites are guaranteed to impress. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make and come together in just 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian French Toast
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the soft, sweet rolls, and you’ll love how easy it is to serve up a dish they’ll devour.
Tropical Twist: The slight sweetness of King’s Hawaiian rolls adds a unique flavor that sets these apart from traditional French toast.
Customizable: You can dress these up with your favorite toppings, from fresh berries to whipped cream or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bites are great for everything from lazy Sunday mornings to elegant brunches with friends.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 French toast bites
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Fresh fruit (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions of Sweet Hawaiian French Toast
Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and half and half (or whole milk) until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk again until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Prepare the Rolls
- Use a toothpick or skewer to poke several small holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll. This step helps the custard mixture soak into the rolls more effectively.
Soak the Rolls
- Working in batches, dip each roll into the custard mixture. Turn the rolls to coat all sides evenly, letting them soak for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to soak them too long, as they may become overly soft and fall apart.
Cook the French Toast Bites
- In a nonstick skillet or griddle, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
- Place the soaked rolls in the skillet and cook for 30–60 seconds per side, turning carefully with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Each roll should be golden brown on all sides.
- Repeat with the remaining rolls, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
Serve
- Arrange the cooked French toast bites on a serving plate. Dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
- Top with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas. Drizzle with warm maple syrup for the ultimate finishing touch.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Hawaiian French Toast
Avoid Sogginess: Don’t soak the rolls for more than 30 seconds in the custard mixture, as they can become too soft and fall apart during cooking.
Even Cooking: Use medium-low heat to ensure the rolls cook through without burning on the outside.
Prep Ahead: Prepare the custard mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making breakfast even quicker.
Flavor Variations: For an extra indulgent twist, try stuffing the rolls with cream cheese, Nutella, or even slices of banana before dipping them in the custard.
Keep Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked French toast bites warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven until ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
Coconut Delight: Add a tropical touch by sprinkling toasted coconut over the French toast bites before serving.
Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle the bites with chocolate syrup and top with mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Lemon Zest Brightness: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the custard mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
Savory Spin: Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and instead add a pinch of garlic powder and shredded cheese for a savory version.
Storing and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover French toast bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the bites in a toaster oven or on a skillet over low heat to maintain their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 120mg
Why These Bites Are a Must-Try
These Sweet Hawaiian French Toast Delights aren’t just breakfast—they’re an experience. The combination of soft Hawaiian rolls, warm cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla creates a flavor profile that’s comforting yet exciting. Perfect for mornings when you want to spoil yourself or your loved ones, they’re a guaranteed hit.
Whether you’re savoring them with a steaming cup of coffee or sharing them with friends over a leisurely brunch, these bites will always bring a smile. The best part? They’re easy enough for a weekday breakfast but impressive enough for a holiday feast.
Now it’s your turn to try this recipe and add a little tropical sweetness to your morning. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me—I’d love to see how your French toast bites turn out!
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about these Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bites. They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the suggested variations, you’re in for a treat. Now, grab your favorite toppings and get ready to enjoy these little clouds of cinnamon-sugar bliss!
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Sweet Hawaiian French Toast Delights
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 French toast bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Hawaiian French Toast Bites are soft, pillowy rolls soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, cooked to golden perfection, and topped with fresh fruit and maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you crave a tropical-inspired sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 pack (12 rolls) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
- Fresh fruit (for serving)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt.
- Poke small holes in the bottom of each Hawaiian roll to help absorb the custard.
- Dip each roll in the custard for 30 seconds, coating evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook rolls for 30–60 seconds per side until golden brown. Repeat with remaining rolls, adding more butter as needed.
- Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, and maple syrup.
Notes
- Don’t soak rolls for more than 30 seconds to avoid sogginess.
- Cook on medium-low heat to prevent burning.
- Customize with toppings like whipped cream, toasted coconut, or chocolate drizzle.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Hawaiian-inspired