Hawaiian French Toast

5 from 4 votes
13 Comments

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This Hawaiian French Toast is a copycat breakfast recipe from the Hukilau Cafe in Hawaii. With coconut and macadamia nuts, it’s full of tropical island flavor in every bite!

Coconut Macadamia Nut French Toast on a plate topped with whipped cream.
Featured with this Recipe
  1. Ingredients in Hawaiian French Toast
  2. Make Your Own Toasted Coconut Flakes
  3. Our Favorite Syrup for Hawaiian French Toast
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
  5. More Sweet Breakfast Treats
  6. How to Make Hawaiian French Toast
  7. Hawaiian French Toast Recipe

This Hawaiian French Toast is a recipe we made to replicate a favorite breakfast we ate in Hawaii. There was an awesome family breakfast place in Kauai that I think we ate at three different times while we were there. We tried several different yummy breakfasts but every time we would still split an order of this sweet breakfast treat. After having it three times I made some serious mental notes so I could make it again at home. I have to admit, I like our version of this Hawaiian French Toast even better! It is like a little piece of paradise in every bite.

Ingredients in Hawaiian French Toast

  • Bread – we like to use loaves from Great Harvest Bread, but you can use brioche, Texas Toast, or French loaf.
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Lite Coconut Milk – the canned coconut milk, not the cartons.
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Coconut Extract
  • Toppings – a dusting of powdered sugar, sliced bananas, toasted coconut flakes, macadamia nuts, fresh berries, syrup, whipped cream

Make Your Own Toasted Coconut Flakes

You can make your own toasted coconut flakes in the oven. Sprinkle coconut flakes out onto a baking sheet. Bake at 325 for 8-10 minutes until most of the flakes are golden brown.

Our Favorite Syrup for Hawaiian French Toast

I like this recipe by far the best with our homemade coconut syrup! Anytime we visit Hawaii we load up on coconut syrup to bring home. Unfortunately it’s not that often that we get to Hawaii so I ended up creating my own coconut syrup recipe that is TO DIE FOR good! It is every bit as good as the stuff you can get on vacation. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Sugar
  • Coconut Greek Yogurt – you could use regular coconut yogurt too, but the Greek variety gives it more bulk and flavor.
  • Butter
  • Coconut Extract

Melt all the ingredients together and whisk over low heat until they’re all combined and smooth. It’s delicious on waffles, toast, homemade rolls, just about anything!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Hawaiian bread for French toast?

Yes! Hawaiian sweet bread is very sweet and makes delicious French toast! The King’s Hawaiian brand is great. For a fun breakfast sandwich slider, make French toast with cut in half sheets of King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Then put eggs, turkey, and Havarti cheese in the middle of the sheets of rolls. Cut into individual rolls and serve!

Who made French toast first?

The first recorded French toast recipe actually came from Rome in 300 AD!

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover French toast in an airtight container or freezer bag in the fridge or freezer.

How do I avoid soggy French toast?

You want to just dip the bread quickly on each side. Avoid soaking the bread in the egg mixture.

READ NEXT: 33+ Breakfast Ideas

More Sweet Breakfast Treats

If you’re more into the sweet breakfast or brunch than savory, try some of these delectable dessert-like breakfasts at home. They’re all perfect for a special occasion or a lazy weekend morning.

How to Make Hawaiian French Toast

Coconut Macadamia Nut French Toast on a plate topped with whipped cream.

Hawaiian French Toast

5 from 4 votes
This Hawaiian French Toast is a copycat breakfast recipe from the Hukilau Cafe in Hawaii. With coconut and macadamia nuts, it's full of tropical island flavor in every bite!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine French
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf unsliced bread we like to use Great Harvest bread but you can use brioche, Texas toast, or French bread
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 14 ounces light coconut milk
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons coconut extract

TOPPINGS:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups sliced bananas
  • 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
  • 1/2 cup macadamia nuts
  • 1 cup coconut or maple syrup
  • 1 cup cool whip or whipped cream

Instructions

  • Shave the heels off the ends of the bread then cut into 8 large slices.
  • Combine eggs, milks, and spices in a shallow bowl or dish.
  • Dip both sides of the bread in egg mixture.
  • Melt butter in a large pan, skillet, or griddle. Brown each side of the bread then place on a cookie sheet. You might have to cook in batches depending on the size of your skillet. When all the pieces are done, place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake at 350° for 15 minutes.
  • Serve with powdered sugar, sliced bananas, toasted coconut flakes, macadamia nuts, coconut or maple syrup, and whipped cream.

Notes

I like this recipe by far the best with our homemade coconut syrup! Anytime we visit Hawaii we load up on coconut syrup to bring home. Unfortunately it’s not that often that we get to Hawaii so I ended up creating my own coconut syrup recipe that is TO DIE FOR good! It is every bit as good as the stuff you can get on vacation. Here’s all you need to top your Hawaiian French Toast:
  • Sugar
  • Coconut Greek Yogurt – you could use regular coconut yogurt too, but the Greek variety gives it more bulk and flavor.
  • Butter
  • Coconut Extract
Melt all the ingredients together and whisk over low heat until they’re all combined and smooth. It’s delicious on waffles, toast, homemade rolls, just about anything!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 654kcalCarbohydrates: 100gProtein: 13gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 521mgPotassium: 534mgFiber: 7gSugar: 51gVitamin A: 184IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 224mgIron: 4mg

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I’ve never been to Hawaii, but this is just about the most delicious thing on the planet!

  2. 5 stars
    I loved visiting Kauai and can’t wait to recreate this at home! Did you go to Ono Family Restaurant in Kapaa? Its one of our favorites! If you figure out how to re-create the Hawaiian pancakes with coconut syrup let me know!!

    1. Yes! That is the place! We also loved their Shave Ice right outside. I want to go back!
      I’ll have to figure out the pancakes next time. 🙂

  3. I live on Oahu… what place are you adapting this from? I move in December back to the mainland and I hate to think I missed a yummy breakfast place here!

  4. I buy coconut milk in a carton in the milk isle (next to the almond milk) or do you mean canned coconut milk? Thanks!

  5. Thank you. Also, is there something significant with the Great Harvest bread (other than it's amazing:). Would it be fine to just use my own home made bread? 🙂

  6. 5 stars
    Hello there i just want say thank for the inspiration i found your site amazing

    Thank you

    -Kathy
    healthandwellnessconsultants.com

  7. I just put a bunch of coconut flakes on a cookie sheet and watched them closely under the broiler in the oven, when they start getting brown and toasty (like a toasted marshmallow) pull them out.