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Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Hawaiian Roll French Toast

This Hawaiian Roll French Toast is the ultimate breakfast upgrade, combining the sweetness of tropical flavors with the classic comfort of a morning favorite. These bite-sized delights are soaked in a rich coconut custard and topped with a unique pineapple maple syrup.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 786

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

  1. In a small skillet over medium-high heat, cook the pineapple juice, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the liquid has reduced to about 2 tablespoons, which should take approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of the butter. Set aside.
    3/4 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 5 teaspoons unsalted butter
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, coconut milk, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. Separate the Hawaiian rolls and cut each one in half through the equator.
    2 large eggs, 3/4 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 12 Hawaiian rolls
  3. In a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, melt 2 teaspoons of the butter. Dip each roll half into the egg custard mixture and arrange them in the pan, cut side down. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
    5 teaspoons unsalted butter
  4. Cook the rolls, turning halfway through, until the custard mixture firms up and the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked rolls to a serving platter and repeat the process with the remaining butter and rolls.
    5 teaspoons unsalted butter
  5. In a small bowl, toss together the toasted coconut flakes and the orange zest. Sprinkle this mixture over the warm French toast and drizzle generously with the prepared pineapple maple syrup.
    1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Notes

Store your Hawaiian rolls in the refrigerator before preparation, as chilled rolls are firmer and easier to slice without squashing. Always opt for canned unsweetened coconut milk to allow control over sweetness while ensuring a rich, fatty consistency.