Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! This coating works beautifully on regular bread slices too. Just note that you'll lose some of that signature sweetness that Hawaiian rolls provide. Brioche or challah would be delicious alternatives that maintain the richness.

Is there a way to make this less sweet?

Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened and control the sweetness with your toppings. The Hawaiian rolls themselves do have some sweetness, so keep that in mind when making adjustments.

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Arrange the coated rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or drizzle with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

My coconut is browning too quickly but the inside isn't cooked. What should I do?

This is a common issue with coconut-crusted items. Lower your heat further and consider covering the pan with a lid for a minute or two to help the inside cook through without burning the outside. You can also finish particularly thick pieces in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.

Coconut Crusted Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe

Name: Coconut Crusted Hawaiian Roll French Toast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired
Ingredients: For the Egg Wash; 2 large eggs, whisked; 1 cup whole milk; 1/8 teaspoon fine salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Coconut Coating; 2/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1/3 cup almond flour; Bread; 12 Hawaiian Rolls, sliced in half horizontally; For Cooking; 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil, for frying

This Coconut Crusted Hawaiian Roll French Toast transforms ordinary breakfast into a tropical getaway! Imagine pillowy Hawaiian rolls coated in a sweet coconut crust, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served warm with your favorite toppings. This delightful twist on traditional French toast comes together in minutes, making it perfect for both lazy weekend brunches and special holiday mornings when you want something impressive without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: The entire dish comes together in about 15 minutes – perfect for those mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of sweet Hawaiian rolls and tropical coconut creates a breakfast that both kids and adults will devour. It’s familiar enough to satisfy picky eaters but unique enough to impress guests.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a decadent breakfast, an indulgent brunch centerpiece, or even a dessert when topped with ice cream.
Built-In Portion Control: Using Hawaiian rolls creates perfect individual servings that are easier to manage than traditional bread slices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet, fluffy rolls create the perfect base for French toast. Their slight sweetness complements the coconut beautifully.
Eggs: They provide structure and richness to the custard base that transforms the rolls.
Milk: Helps create that classic custardy texture inside. Whole milk works best for richness, but you can use what you have.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Creates a tropical flavor and adds a delightful crunchy texture to the outside.
Almond Flour: Works with the coconut to create a crispy coating while adding subtle nutty notes.
Butter or Coconut Oil: For cooking – either one works beautifully, though coconut oil enhances the tropical theme.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Citrus Zest: Add orange or lime zest to the egg mixture for a bright, citrusy note.
Spiced Version: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the egg mixture for warmth.
Coconut Extract: Add a drop to the egg mixture to amplify the coconut flavor.

Dietary Adaptations

Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of whole milk and stick with coconut oil for cooking.
Gluten-Free: This recipe works with gluten-free Hawaiian-style rolls if you can find them.

Topping Ideas

Tropical Flair: Top with diced mango, pineapple, or bananas.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle with toasted macadamia nuts for an extra Hawaiian touch.
Coconut Cream: Swap traditional whipped cream for coconut whipped cream.

How to Make Coconut Crusted Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Prepare Your Stations

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and vanilla in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded coconut and almond flour. Having these stations ready makes the process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Prep the Rolls

Slice your Hawaiian rolls horizontally. Their small size makes them perfect for quick cooking and easy flipping.

Step 3: Dip and Coat

Dip each roll half into the egg mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds (but not so long that it falls apart). Next, press it into the coconut-almond mixture, ensuring good coverage on all sides.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Melt butter or coconut oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. This temperature is crucial – too hot and the coconut will burn before the inside cooks. Place the coated rolls in the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Transfer to plates and serve immediately with your favorite toppings while the outside is still crispy and the inside is warm and custardy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch Your Heat: Coconut can burn quickly, so medium-low heat is essential. Look for a gentle sizzle when you place the rolls in the pan.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches rather than crowding the pan, which would lower the temperature and lead to soggy results.
Press Firmly: When coating the rolls in the coconut mixture, press gently to help the coating adhere better.
Keep Warm Technique: If making a larger batch, keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain their crispiness.
Even Coating: If the coconut mixture starts getting clumpy from the egg mixture, wipe your fingers clean occasionally and fluff up the coating mix.

How to Serve

Sweet Toppings

Serve with warm maple syrup, honey, or coconut syrup for drizzling. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this into a dessert-like treat.

Fruity Companions

Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or tropical fruits like mango and pineapple complement the coconut flavor beautifully.

Savory Balance

Balance the sweetness with a side of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a complete meal.

Beverage Pairings

This rich dish pairs wonderfully with coffee, especially a coconut or vanilla flavored brew. For a special brunch, try serving with tropical mimosas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Ahead

You can prepare the egg mixture and coconut coating the night before and refrigerate separately. The rolls can be sliced ahead of time too, but don’t soak them until you’re ready to cook.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The coconut coating won’t stay as crispy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing

These freeze surprisingly well! Place cooled French toast pieces on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat from refrigerated or frozen in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will make the coconut coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Absolutely! This coating works beautifully on regular bread slices too. Just note that you’ll lose some of that signature sweetness that Hawaiian rolls provide. Brioche or challah would be delicious alternatives that maintain the richness.
Is there a way to make this less sweet?

Yes, you can use unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened and control the sweetness with your toppings. The Hawaiian rolls themselves do have some sweetness, so keep that in mind when making adjustments.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Arrange the coated rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or drizzle with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
My coconut is browning too quickly but the inside isn’t cooked. What should I do?

This is a common issue with coconut-crusted items. Lower your heat further and consider covering the pan with a lid for a minute or two to help the inside cook through without burning the outside. You can also finish particularly thick pieces in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Coconut Crusted Hawaiian Roll French Toast brings a little tropical sunshine to your breakfast table, no matter the season. It’s one of those special recipes that feels like a treat but comes together quickly enough for even busy mornings. The contrast between the crispy, coconut exterior and the soft, custardy inside makes every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family breakfast or serving it to guests, this recipe is sure to become a requested favorite. Give it a try this weekend – your breakfast routine will never be the same!