Name: Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (12 rolls) Hawaiian rolls; 1 cup blueberries; 8 eggs; 1 1/3 cups half and half; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; powdered sugar (for dusting); maple syrup (for serving, optional)

There’s something just magical about the way soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls soak up a creamy custard that’s warmed by a pop of fresh blueberries. The Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe is my go-to when I want to impress friends or feel festive on a weekend morning without too much fuss.

A white plate holds a thick slice of bread pudding layered with plump blueberries inside. The top layer is golden brown with a crispy texture, dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. Syrup is being poured from above, glistening as it flows over the uneven surface and blueberries. On the side of the plate, a shiny silver fork rests next to the serving. The background is a soft-focus white marbled texture with a bowl of fresh blueberries slightly blurred behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became a staple in my breakfast rotation because it hits that perfect sweet spot between indulgent and easy. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the loveliest aromas while baking – a warm invitation to gather around the table.

Effortless layering: Cubed Hawaiian rolls soak up the custard beautifully without turning mushy, creating a perfectly tender bake.
Vibrant blueberries: Adding fresh berries bursts each bite with juicy sweetness and a fun pop of color.
No overnight soak needed: Unlike many casseroles, this one’s ready to bake in just 15 minutes prep time.
Great for company: It’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a cozy family brunch.

A baked dish in a white oval baking dish with blue rim filled with golden brown bread pieces mixed with fresh dark blueberries, all dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar. The bread cubes are toasted unevenly, showing crispy edges and soft centers, and blueberries are scattered evenly throughout the top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a small bowl of fresh blueberries and a small bowl of powdered sugar in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe plays a key role that transforms classic French toast into a luscious bake you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, the combination is both comforting and fresh.

Flat lay of a small stack of golden Hawaiian rolls cut into cubes, a handful of plump fresh blueberries, eight whole eggs with smooth light brown shells arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy half and half, another small white bowl holding fine white granulated sugar, and a third small white bowl containing clear vanilla extract, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Hawaiian rolls: Their sweetness and pillowy texture take center stage, soaking up custard without falling apart.
Blueberries: Fresh berries add juiciness and subtle tartness that balances the sweetness.
Eggs: The binding agent that turns the mixture into a rich, custardy texture.
Half and half: Adds creaminess without being too heavy, enhancing the custard’s silky mouthfeel.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to lift the flavors without overwhelming the natural berry taste.
Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic depth that makes the bake smell heavenly and taste irresistible.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): A light, elegant finish that adds a touch of extra sweetness and looks so pretty on top.
Maple syrup (optional): My favorite serving companion; it adds that classic French toast flair.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your taste or what you have on hand. I love playing with mix-ins or adjusting sweetness to keep it fresh every time.

Variation: I sometimes swap blueberries for raspberries or even diced strawberries for a slightly different berry burst — both are delicious! If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top before baking.
Dietary tweak: For a lighter version, try using whole milk or a milk alternative, though the texture will be a touch less rich.
Extra flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the custard mixture for an extra warm note that pairs beautifully with the pineapple-soft Hawaiian rolls.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cube the Hawaiian rolls with care

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your baking dish well — I usually use an 11x7 or 12x8 inch dish, which works just right. Remove the Hawaiian rolls and cut them into about 1-inch cubes. I like to keep them fairly uniform; it helps them cook evenly without turning too mushy or staying too firm.

Step 2: Layer bread and blueberries

Spread half of those cubed rolls in the bottom of your dish, then sprinkle half of your fresh blueberries on top. Repeat with the remaining bread and berries to create two lovely layers. This layering ensures every bite has that fruity surprise.

Step 3: Whisk and soak with the custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, sugar, and vanilla until fully combined and smooth. Pour this custard mixture slowly over the layered bread and blueberries, aiming to cover all the cubes. I like to gently press a few cubes down to help them absorb the custard evenly.

Step 4: Bake covered, then uncovered

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes to let it set without drying out. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center just jiggles slightly when you gently shake the dish. That jiggle means it’s perfectly creamy inside.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Let your French toast bake cool for a few minutes before dusting generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm with maple syrup on the side – but honestly, it’s delicious even without!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe countless times, and a few simple tricks make all the difference between good and great. Here are my go-to tips for a flawless bake every time.

Grease generously: Hawaiian rolls are sticky when baked, so a well-greased dish will help you serve slices without stress.
Don’t rush the custard soak: Pour slowly and gently press bread cubes to ensure each bite is rich and custardy.
Check doneness visually: Look for a golden top with a slightly jiggly center to avoid overbaking.
Cool briefly before cutting: This helps the bake set, so your slices hold together beautifully without falling apart.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe

Blueberry French Toast Bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My favorite garnish is a simple dusting of powdered sugar, which adds a lovely sweetness and looks so pretty. Sometimes I toss on a few fresh blueberries or a sprig of fresh mint for color and freshness. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of whipped cream or dollops of Greek yogurt make it feel like a brunch treat.

Side Dishes

This French toast bake pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or breakfast sausages for a savory complement. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy green salad adds brightness that balances the richness. And a piping hot cup of coffee or your favorite morning tea rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve portions in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to echo the tropical vibes of Hawaiian rolls. Another fun idea is layering the bake in a trifle dish and topping with extra berries and edible flowers for a stunning brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover French toast bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating works best in a toaster oven or regular oven to revive the crisp edges—microwaving can leave it a bit soggy.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully! I portion it out into individual slices, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven the next morning.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture, reheat slices at 350°F in the oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the top crisps back up. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar after reheating for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen blueberries work well for this bake. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess moisture before layering, so your casserole doesn't get soggy. I’ve used frozen berries many times with great results.

Can I prepare the bake overnight?

You can prepare all the layers and custard the night before and cover it tightly in the fridge overnight. However, since the Hawaiian rolls soak up custard quickly, it might get a bit softer than fresh. I personally prefer making it the same day for the best texture.

What kind of baking dish works best?

An 11x7 or 12x8 inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. A dish that’s too small will make your bake too thick and might need longer cooking time, while a larger dish spreads it too thin and can dry out. I’ve had consistent success with these sizes.

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish or prepare the bake in two smaller dishes. Keep in mind cooking times might be slightly longer if you double it in one big dish since it will be thicker. I recommend checking the bake after 60 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because of how simple ingredients transform into something truly comforting and shareable. I love how it brings together buttery sweetness and fresh berries in a way that's easy enough to make anytime but fancy enough to impress. Honestly, once you make this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want to make a morning feel a little more special. Give it a try—I’m betting it’ll become one of your favorites, too!