Sweet Bread French Toast from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant features thick slices of soft, fluffy Hawaiian sweet bread soaked in a cinnamon-spiced egg batter, then grilled to golden perfection and topped with powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, offering a rich, sweet, and comforting breakfast experience.
Equipments
- Bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Shallow dish or pie pan
- Spatula
- Griddle or large nonstick skillet
- Tongs or fork
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)
- Serving plates
Ingredients
- 1 loaf King’s Hawaiian sweet bread
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
- Powdered sugar (for topping)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Using King's Hawaiian sweet bread is essential for authentic Sweet Bread French Toast, providing the signature soft and fluffy texture. Choose whole milk and heavy cream for a rich, creamy egg batter that soaks the bread evenly. Ground cinnamon and pure vanilla extract enhance the warm, sweet flavors, balancing the richness of the eggs and dairy. Unsalted butter is recommended for cooking to control the saltiness and achieve a golden, crisp exterior. Your final dish will closely match the Sweet Bread French Toast from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant, delivering a true copycat breakfast experience.
Instructions
- Slice King’s Hawaiian sweet bread into thick slices using a bread knife.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture into a shallow dish or pie pan.
- Preheat griddle or large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a portion of unsalted butter to the griddle/skillet and allow to melt.
- Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly without soaking too long.
- Place soaked bread slices on the hot griddle/skillet.
- Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown, flipping with a spatula and using tongs or a fork if needed.
- Transfer cooked French toast to serving plates.
- Use a sifter or fine mesh strainer to dust French toast with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with maple syrup.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Sweet Bread French Toast from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant copycat menu uses thick slices of King's Hawaiian sweet bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture and cooked to a golden brown. If you don't have King's Hawaiian bread, any soft, slightly sweet brioche or challah bread can be substituted to achieve a similar texture and flavor. Whole milk and heavy cream create a rich custard base, but you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or additional milk for a lighter version. Freshly ground cinnamon enhances the batter, though ground nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can be used for a different warm spice profile. Be sure your griddle or skillet is adequately buttered to prevent sticking and develop that characteristic golden crust.
Tips
Use thick slices of King's Hawaiian sweet bread to ensure the French toast absorbs the cinnamon-spiced egg mixture without becoming soggy or falling apart. When dipping the bread, coat both sides thoroughly but avoid soaking for too long to maintain the ideal texture. Cooking on medium heat allows the toast to achieve a golden brown crust while ensuring the inside cooks through without burning. Your final touch of powdered sugar sifted evenly and a drizzle of maple syrup enhances the rich, sweet flavor for a comforting breakfast experience.
Nutritions
Sweet Bread French Toast from King's Hawaiian Bakery combines thick slices of soft, sweet Hawaiian bread with a protein-rich egg batter made from whole eggs, milk, and heavy cream, providing a balanced blend of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The addition of cinnamon and vanilla adds negligible calories but contributes antioxidants and flavor without adding sugar. Toppings like powdered sugar and maple syrup increase the overall sugar and calorie content, so portion control can help manage your intake. Your choice to enjoy this dish can deliver a comforting breakfast while offering energy from natural sugars and fats essential for a fulfilling start to the day.
Storage
Store any leftover Sweet Bread French Toast in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its softness and prevent drying out. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore its golden crispness and warm the cinnamon-spiced flavors. If you want to keep your French toast fresh longer, you can freeze the slices individually wrapped in parchment paper and sealed in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk and heavy cream with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version while maintaining a creamy texture in the batter. Instead of using granulated sugar, try maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness that complements the cinnamon. For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or orange zest to the egg mixture before soaking the bread. Using a cast-iron skillet instead of a nonstick skillet can help achieve a crispier crust on your French toast.
Allergies
Sweet Bread French Toast contains common allergens such as eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, and wheat from the King's Hawaiian sweet bread. If You have allergies to dairy, eggs, or gluten, it is important to avoid or modify this dish to prevent allergic reactions. Cross-contamination with other allergens may also occur during preparation at the bakery.
Why this recipe?
The Sweet Bread French Toast from King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant delights with its signature soft, sweet King's Hawaiian bread, soaked in a rich custard blend and perfectly griddled to golden perfection. This dish balances fluffy texture and subtle sweetness, paired with buttery syrup that enhances the unique flavor of the original Hawaiian sweet bread. You will appreciate the nostalgic and comforting taste that stands out from traditional French toast recipes. Copying this recipe at home lets you recreate a beloved, restaurant-quality breakfast experience with an irresistible Hawaiian twist.