Hawaiian Roll French Toast Cubes

This sweet twist on classic French toast transforms ordinary Hawaiian rolls into golden bite-sized breakfast treasures. The pillowy soft sweetness of Hawaiian rolls creates the perfect canvas for a custard-soaked morning treat that cooks up in minutes.

I first made these for a lazy Sunday breakfast, and my family was immediately hooked. Now they specifically request Hawaiian rolls when they see French toast on our weekend menu plan.

Ingredients

• 1 or 2 packages of Sweet Hawaiian Rolls: Their subtle sweetness and soft texture create the perfect foundation
• 3/4 cup half and half: Creates the perfect richness without being too heavy
• 2 large eggs: Provides structure and helps create that golden exterior
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization process for deeper flavor
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Look for pure extract for the best aromatic quality
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon: Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate flavor if available
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter: European style butter has less water content for better browning
• Powdered sugar: Choose one without anti-caking agents for the smoothest dusting
• Maple syrup: Always opt for pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup
• Berries (optional): Fresh seasonal berries add brightness and color
• Whipped cream (optional): Use heavy cream with at least 36% fat content for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Custard:

Combine half and half, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform in color and texture. The custard should coat the back of a spoon when ready.

Heat the Pan:

Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter to coat the surface. Watch carefully as the butter melts to ensure it doesn't brown or burn. The pan is ready when the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble slightly.

Dip and Place:

Quickly dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, ensuring all sides get coated but not soggy. Immediately transfer to the heated pan. Continue with additional rolls until the pan contains a single layer without crowding.

Cook to Golden Perfection:

Cook the dipped rolls for approximately 2 minutes until the bottom develops a golden brown color. Using tongs or a spatula, carefully flip each piece and cook for another 2 minutes. Continue turning occasionally until all sides achieve a uniform golden-brown crispness.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the finished French toast cubes to serving plates. Dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer. Drizzle with maple syrup and add optional toppings like fresh berries and whipped cream if desired.

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I absolutely love using cinnamon in this recipe. My grandmother taught me that warming the cinnamon in the butter before adding the bread intensifies the spice flavor, but this quick-dip method works beautifully too.

Make Ahead Options

This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep. You can prepare the custard mixture the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. The cooked French toast cubes can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F) for up to 30 minutes before serving, making this ideal for staged breakfast service when hosting guests.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet little bites pair beautifully with savory breakfast elements. Consider serving alongside bacon or breakfast sausage to create a perfect sweet-savory balance. The contrast of the salty meat with the sweet French toast creates a memorable breakfast experience that satisfies all cravings at once.

Storage Solutions

Leftover French toast cubes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through. They also freeze exceptionally well. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.

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These French toast bites are sure to make your mornings feel special!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare Hawaiian Roll French Toast Cubes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these up to 24 hours ahead. Cook them completely, let cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again.

→ What can I substitute for half and half?

You can substitute whole milk, heavy cream, or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. For richness closest to half and half, mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream.

→ Do I need to use Hawaiian rolls specifically?

While Hawaiian rolls provide a signature sweetness and texture, you can substitute brioche, challah, or any enriched bread. The cooking technique remains the same, though flavor will vary slightly.

→ How do I prevent my French toast cubes from becoming soggy?

The key is a quick dip in the custard mixture—just 2-3 seconds per roll. Also, maintain medium-low heat to ensure the outside cooks to a crisp golden brown while allowing the inside to set properly.

→ What toppings pair well with Hawaiian Roll French Toast Cubes?

Beyond the classic maple syrup and powdered sugar, try fresh berries, banana slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, nut butters, honey, fruit compotes, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical twist.

→ Can I freeze these French toast cubes?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Cook completely, cool to room temperature, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.