Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the egg wash and coconut mix the night before, then just dip and cook in the morning. For seriously busy mornings, cook completely and reheat as directed above for almost-fresh results.

What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls?

No worries! Any soft, sweet bread will do. Brioche, challah, or even thick slices of white bread will give you that plush texture and slight sweetness.

Do I have to use sweetened coconut?

Sweetened coconut does caramelize better and gives that classic breakfast flavor, but unsweetened works too. If using unsweetened, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar to the custard mix.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Check your Hawaiian rolls—some brands offer gluten-free options. If not, swap in your favorite gluten-free soft rolls or bread, and ensure your almond flour is certified gluten free.

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: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs, whisked; 1 cup whole milk; 1/8 teaspoon fine salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1/3 cup almond flour; 12 Hawaiian rolls, sliced in half horizontally; 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil

There’s something almost magical about starting the day with French toast, but when you add sweet Hawaiian rolls and a coconut-almond crust, you lift it to a whole new level. This Coconut Crusted Hawaiian Roll French Toast is a total game changer—tender on the inside, crisped golden on the outside, and bursting with warm tropical flavor. It’s ridiculously simple, comes together fast, and is tailor-made for busy mornings when you crave something special but don’t want a pile of dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Quick: Truly, this recipe could not be easier! It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something decadent without having to think too hard or fuss with complicated steps.
Incredible Texture: Imagine the pillowy-soft Hawaiian rolls hugging a rich custard, then finished with a toasted coconut shell. The contrast is perfection.
No Fancy Ingredients: Everything here is simple, approachable, and pantry-friendly. If you’ve got eggs and milk, you’re halfway there.
Tropical Flavor: Coconut, a splash of vanilla, and lightly sweet Hawaiian rolls—each bite is like a sun-kissed morning in paradise.
Customizable: You can keep it classic or go wild with toppings and variations. This is a base recipe just begging you to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this French toast shine, plus a few tips on each ingredient:

Eggs: The backbone for a rich custard that gives the toast its classic flavor and texture.
Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and richness—feel free to use half-and-half for extra indulgence, or a non-dairy milk if you prefer.
Fine Salt: Just a pinch, but it wakes up all the other flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Absolutely essential for warmth and aroma. Don’t skip!
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This is the “crust”—it caramelizes beautifully in the pan, adding crunch and sweetness.
Almond Flour: Blended with the coconut, it creates a nutty, golden crust. Adds subtle richness and protein too.
Hawaiian Rolls: Super soft, delightfully sweet—these make the French toast irresistible. Slice in half for more surface area to soak up those flavors.
Unsalted Butter or Coconut Oil: For frying up the French toast, adding richness and that golden crisp edge. Use coconut oil if you want to double-down on coconut flavor.

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

There’s no limit to the fun you can have with this recipe:

Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk, swap in a flax egg or a ready-made egg replacer, and cook with coconut oil.
Nut-Free: Simply leave out the almond flour and press the rolls into the coconut alone, or sub in oat flour if you have it.
Change Up the Bread: Brioche or challah would work beautifully here if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls.
Flavor Add-Ins: Try adding orange zest or a dash of cinnamon to the custard for another layer of flavor.
Extra Crunch: Toss a handful of chopped macadamia nuts into the coconut mixture for a true Hawaiian twist.

How to Make Coconut Crusted Hawaiian Roll French Toast

Step 1: Make the Custard and Crust Mixtures

Grab two shallow bowls. In one, whisk your eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. In the other, blend the shredded coconut and almond flour together—breaking up any big coconut clumps for even coating.

Step 2: Dip and Coat

Working in batches (so the bread doesn’t get soggy before frying), dip the cut-side of each Hawaiian roll in the egg wash. Let the excess drip off, then gently press it into the coconut-almond flour mix, making sure both sides are well crusted.

Step 3: Preheat and Cook

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-low and add your butter or coconut oil. You want just enough to generously coat the bottom. When it’s hot (but not smoking), arrange the coated Hawaiian rolls in the pan, cut side down first if you like a toasty base.

Step 4: Toast to Golden Perfection

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, rotating as needed, and watch closely—the coconut can brown quickly. You’re looking for deep golden color and a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Stack your French toast high while it’s still warm! Add all your favorite toppings—extra butter, a swirl of whipped cream, a glug of good maple syrup, or even some fresh tropical fruit.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Sear: If the pan is too hot, the coconut will burn before the custard is set. Medium-low is your friend here.
Use Stale Bread if You Have It: Day-old rolls soak up the custard better and hold their shape when fried.
Crush the Coconut: Lightly crushing the shredded coconut will help it adhere to every nook and cranny of the bread.
Batch Cooking: Keep finished pieces warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest, especially if feeding a crowd.

How to Serve

This French toast is a stunner as is, but it pairs beautifully with:

Toppings: A dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, toasted coconut chips, or even a drizzle of honey.
On the Side: Serve with crispy bacon, chicken sausage, or a fresh fruit salad for a full breakfast experience.
For Brunch: Pair with a pineapple mimosa or strong cold brew for a café-worthy meal at home.
Tip: For a fun twist, turn these into sweet sliders with a layer of Nutella or sliced bananas!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French toast is best fresh, but leftovers keep surprisingly well. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Lay cooked French toast in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within a month for best flavor.

Reheating

Warm individual pieces in the toaster or on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Microwaving works, but you’ll lose some of the yummy crunch.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the egg wash and coconut mix the night before, then just dip and cook in the morning. For seriously busy mornings, cook completely and reheat as directed above for almost-fresh results.
What if I can’t find Hawaiian rolls?

No worries! Any soft, sweet bread will do. Brioche, challah, or even thick slices of white bread will give you that plush texture and slight sweetness.
Do I have to use sweetened coconut?

Sweetened coconut does caramelize better and gives that classic breakfast flavor, but unsweetened works too. If using unsweetened, consider adding a teaspoon of sugar to the custard mix.
How do I make this gluten-free?

Check your Hawaiian rolls—some brands offer gluten-free options. If not, swap in your favorite gluten-free soft rolls or bread, and ensure your almond flour is certified gluten free.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like this Coconut Crusted Hawaiian Roll French Toast to brighten up your morning. Quick to prepare, loaded with flavor, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe will instantly become a favorite for both busy weekdays and leisurely brunches. You owe it to yourself to try this sweet, crunchy, luscious twist on French toast—don’t wait for a special occasion, make breakfast special any day of the week!