Picture this: golden-brown French toast with a hint of cinnamon, a creamy center, and just the right amount of crispiness. Now take it up a notch with soft, buttery, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls. Say hello to Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites—a fun, delicious spin on a breakfast classic!
These bite-sized delights are ideal for a lazy weekend brunch, a special family breakfast, or even as a showstopper centerpiece for your next gathering.
Get ready to enjoy this simple and delicious recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow, full of flavor, and feels like a real treat.
Why People Adore Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites aren’t your average breakfast fare—they’re an experience. Here’s why food lovers can’t get enough of them:
- Buttery and Soft Texture – Hawaiian rolls serve as the perfect base, with their subtly sweet and pillowy composition creating a French toast bite to rival all others.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Bliss – The perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar coats every piece, creating a heavenly flavor reminiscent of churros—soft on the inside, crispy on the outside.
- Quick and Simple – This recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for relaxing mornings or when you’re hosting brunch guests.
- Universally Loved – Whether served to kids, adults, or adventurous foodies, their approachable yet sophisticated flavor profile ensures everyone will be asking for more.
Prepare to fall in love with every bite.
Ingredients Needed for Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Here’s everything you need to whip up these delicious bites of indulgence. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to deliver the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
French Toast Ingredients
- 1 package (12 rolls) of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
Equipment Needed
To ensure a seamless kitchen experience, gather the following tools before starting the recipe:
- Bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or griddle
- Whisk
- Tongs or slotted spatula
- Shallow plate
Recipe for Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to bring this mouth-watering recipe to life.
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls into bite-sized cubes. If possible, allow them to sit out for a few hours to slightly dry out—this helps them absorb the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. The result should be a creamy, smooth custard with a fragrant cinnamon aroma.
Step 3: Dip and Coat
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with butter or non-stick spray. Dip each cube of Hawaiian roll into the custard, ensuring even coverage, then place them on the skillet. Work in small batches so the skillet isn’t overcrowded.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Cook the bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. The outside should have a hint of crispness, while the inside remains soft and airy.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow plate. While the bites are still warm, gently roll them through the mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Transfer the coated bites to a serving plate and get ready to dazzle your guests.
Serving Suggestions
Level up your presentation and flavors by pairing your Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites with the following accompaniments:
- A drizzle of rich, velvety maple syrup or honey for added sweetness.
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a touch of indulgence.
- Fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, to provide a burst of tangy freshness.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the visual appeal and flavor.
- A side of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for dipping, delivering a decadent twist.
- A refreshing glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of aromatic coffee to complete the experience.
Pro Tip: Serve these bites with hot coffee or a luxurious latte to complete the experience.
Storage Tips and Tricks
While these bites are best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to preserve and reheat them for later enjoyment:
- Storage: Let the bites cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Heat in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or use an air fryer for a crispy finish. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture.
Pro Tips for Making Perfect Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites
I know you’re eager to get cooking, so here are a few tips to ensure you get perfect results every time:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh Hawaiian rolls as their soft, fluffy texture is key to creating indulgently tender bites. Use high-quality cinnamon and pure vanilla extract for an elevated flavor profile.
- Cut Evenly: Slice the rolls into uniform pieces to ensure even coating and cooking, giving each bite a perfect consistency.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: Incorporating full-fat milk or cream in the custard mixture creates an irresistibly rich and luxurious texture.
- Don’t Over-Soak: Dip the bread just long enough to absorb the custard without making the pieces soggy. A quick flip on each side should suffice.
- Cook Low and Slow: For a golden-brown perfection, use medium-low heat, allowing the bites to cook and caramelize evenly without burning.
- Experiment with Toppings: Elevate your creation with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an opulent finish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely. Opt for thick, sturdy breads like brioche, challah, or even sourdough to ensure they hold up beautifully to the custard and deliver a luxurious texture.
Are these bites freezer-friendly?
Yes, these bites freeze wonderfully. Simply allow them to cool completely, store in an airtight container, and reheat them gently in the oven or toaster for a warm, indulgent treat.
What’s the best way to prevent crunching?
To keep your bites perfectly crisp, ensure they aren’t over-soaked in the custard mixture and cook them at the right temperature until golden and set.
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! These bites are a canvas for your culinary creativity. Add a hint of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a touch of citrus zest to the custard for an elevated flavor profile. You can also experiment with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey for a personalized indulgence.
What type of bread works best?
Opt for a high-quality, slightly stale bread for the ultimate results. Brioche, challah, or a rich sourdough are excellent choices, as they absorb the custard beautifully while maintaining their structure, resulting in a decadent yet sturdy bite.
How do I know they’re perfectly cooked?
The bites are ready when they reach a golden hue with slightly crisp edges, while the inside remains tender and luscious. Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth with luxurious perfection.
What’s the secret to an even bake?
Placing the bites in a well-greased dish or on parchment paper ensures they cook evenly and don’t stick. Arranging them with a little space in between allows for proper heat circulation, achieving that flawless golden finish.
Elevate Your Brunch Game
Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites aren’t just food—they’re a celebration of comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re treating yourself or wowing your brunch guests, this recipe captures the joy of elevated home cooking.
Hungry for more? Explore our collection of exclusive recipes that bring sophistication to your kitchen. Happy crunching!
Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon French Toast Bites Recipe
Equipment
- Bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet or griddle
- Whisk
- Tongs or slotted spatula
- Shallow plate
Ingredients
French Toast Ingredients
- 1 package 12 rolls of Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (such as King’s Hawaiian)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls into bite-sized cubes. If possible, allow them to sit out for a few hours to slightly dry out—this helps them absorb the custard mixture without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Make the Custard
- Whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. The result should be a creamy, smooth custard with a fragrant cinnamon aroma.
Step 3: Dip and Coat
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat with butter or non-stick spray. Dip each cube of Hawaiian roll into the custard, ensuring even coverage, then place them on the skillet. Work in small batches so the skillet isn’t overcrowded.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
- Cook the bites for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. The outside should have a hint of crispness, while the inside remains soft and airy.
Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow plate. While the bites are still warm, gently roll them through the mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
- Transfer the coated bites to a serving plate and get ready to dazzle your guests.
