Coconut Crusted French Toast with Rum Maple Syrup

Author: Madly Delicious

This Coconut Crusted French Toast with Rum Maple Syrup is tropical brunch perfection. Made with soft Hawaiian rolls, a cinnamon-vanilla custard, and coated in finely shredded coconut for a lightly crisp exterior, it’s finished with a buttery maple syrup spiked with rum. A sweet and cozy breakfast twist that’s perfect for weekends—and easy to make vegan!

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Prep Time 12

Cook Time 8

Total Time 20

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Caribbean-Inspired, Fusion, Modern-Inspired

Servings - 6 (depending on if you have 2 or 3 rolls)

Equipment

Flat top or large skillet

Ingredients

10-12 (1-pack) Sweet Hawaiian rolls or similar (vegan option: use Whole Foods sweet dinner rolls)
4 large eggs (or 1 cup Just Egg for vegan)
½ cup milk of choice
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ cup macaroon coconut (also known as desiccated coconut, very fine)
Butter or plant-based butter for cooking

Rum Maple Syrup

½ cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp rum of choice (start with 2 and add another if desired)

Instructions

Make the Custard: In a shallow bowl or dish, whisk together the eggs (or Just Egg), milk, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
Prepare the Coconut Coating: In a separate small bowl, add the macaroon coconut (desiccated coconut) and set aside.
Dip and Coat the Rolls: Working one to two at a time, dip each Hawaiian roll into the custard mixture, coating all sides. Then press gently into the coconut, coating the top and sides only (or more if you like), and set aside. Or start cooking in batches (see below).
Cook the French Toast: Heat a flat top or large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or plant-based butter. Once melted and hot, cook the coated rolls coconut-side down first, pressing gently to flatten just slightly. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and toasted. Flip and continue cooking all sides until warmed through and golden all around.
Make the Rum Maple Syrup: While the French toast cooks or just before serving, gently warm the maple syrup in a small saucepan or microwave, then stir in the rum. Taste and add more rum if desired.
Serve: Serve warm French toast rolls drizzled with the rum maple syrup. Add extra coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar if you'd like!

Notes

Vegan Option

Use Just Egg in place of eggs, plant-based milk, and plant-based butter. For the rolls, the Whole Foods brand sweet dinner rolls are a great vegan alternative to Hawaiian rolls.

What is Macaroon Coconut?

Macaroon coconut (also called desiccated coconut) is finely shredded and often softer and moister than standard shredded coconut. It helps create an even, toasty crust. If you only have shredded, pulse it in a food processor briefly to break it down.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can mix the egg batter and prep the coconut in advance. Store the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours and dip/coat when ready to cook.

Rum-Free Option

Omit the rum for an alcohol-free version and add a splash of vanilla or a squeeze of orange juice to the maple syrup instead for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These are great topped with fresh tropical fruit like mango, pineapple, or banana—especially if serving for brunch.

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