King’s Hawaiian Rolls:

1 package

This is the star of the show. The original King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are the ideal choice. Their unique recipe, which includes a touch of pineapple juice, gives them their characteristic softness and sweetness. While you could technically use other brands of sweet dinner rolls, the texture and flavor of King’s Hawaiian are unparalleled for this specific recipe. It’s worth seeking out the name brand for the authentic experience. For best results, use rolls that are a day or two old. Slightly stale bread absorbs the custard more effectively without becoming overly saturated and mushy.

Eggs:

4 large

The eggs are the foundation of our custard. They provide the protein structure that cooks up to create the classic French toast texture, binding the liquid to the bread. Using large eggs ensures you have the right ratio of egg to milk for a rich but not overly “eggy” custard. For the best flavor and color, opt for fresh, high-quality eggs.

Milk:

1 cup

Milk thins the eggs, creating a smooth custard that can easily soak into the rolls. It adds moisture and creaminess, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor and texture. However, you can easily substitute it with 2% milk, half-and-half for an even more decadent version, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk if needed.

Vanilla Extract:

1 teaspoon

Vanilla is the essential aromatic that elevates the custard from simple to sublime. It adds a warm, floral sweetness that complements both the cinnamon and the inherent sweetness of the rolls. Using pure vanilla extract will provide a much more complex and robust flavor than imitation vanilla.

Cinnamon:

1/4 teaspoon

Cinnamon is the classic French toast spice. Its warm, woody notes are a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the dish. It creates that familiar, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as the French toast cooks. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can also be a wonderful addition.

Salt:

Pinch

Don’t skip the salt! Even in a sweet recipe, a small pinch of salt is crucial. It doesn’t make the dish salty; instead, it enhances all the other flavors. It balances the sweetness of the rolls and syrup and makes the vanilla and cinnamon notes pop.

Butter for Cooking:

As needed

Cooking French toast in butter is non-negotiable for the best flavor. Butter adds a rich, nutty taste and helps to create that perfectly golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the total salt content of the dish, but salted butter will also work in a pinch.

Maple Syrup for Serving:

As needed

The classic finishing touch. A drizzle of pure maple syrup ties all the flavors together. The earthy sweetness of the syrup is the perfect complement to the fluffy, cinnamon-infused rolls.