There’s something so inviting about waking up to a warm, sweet breakfast that fills the kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and vanilla. This Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe hits the spot perfectly — it’s quick to pull together, bursting with juicy blueberries, and gets that beautiful golden crust that makes mornings feel extra special.

The image shows a close-up of a thick slice of bread pudding with three main layers. The bottom layer is soft and creamy with a light yellow color and visible blueberries embedded inside. The middle layer contains a golden-brown crust made from toasted bread pieces, some dusted with white powdered sugar. The top layer has fresh dark blue blueberries scattered unevenly. Golden syrup is being poured over the slice from above, adding a shiny amber glaze. The dish is served on a white plate set on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting to the side and blurred blueberries and a white bowl in the background. 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

I remember the very first time I made this bake for a lazy weekend brunch – the soft Hawaiian rolls soaked in that rich custard with bursts of blueberries felt like a little bit of sunshine on a plate. It’s simple, but the flavors just sing together, winning over everyone at the table.

Simple Ingredients: You need just six everyday staples, making this bake easy to pull off even on short notice.
No Overnight Prep: Unlike many French toast casseroles, this one doesn’t require planning ahead.
Delicious Texture: Fluffy on the inside with a golden, slightly crisp top that’s irresistible.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for weekend breakfasts, brunch parties, or holiday mornings.

A white oval baking dish with a blue rim contains a golden-brown baked pudding with visible toasted bread cubes and scattered fresh blueberries throughout the top layer. The surface has a slightly crispy texture with powdered sugar lightly dusted over everything, creating a delicate white coating. Around the baking dish, there is a small bowl of fresh blueberries and a small container with powdered sugar, all placed on a white marbled surface. The scene has a soft, natural light showing the rich colors of the blueberries and the warm tones of the bread pudding. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s success comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Hawaiian rolls bring a soft, slightly sweet base that’s sturdy yet tender once baked, while blueberries add fresh, jammy pops throughout. The custard, made rich with eggs and half and half, soaks the bread perfectly for that perfect French toast consistency.

Flat lay of a stack of soft, shiny Hawaiian rolls with a golden-brown crust, a handful of plump, fresh blueberries scattered beside them, eight uncracked brown eggs with smooth shells arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy half and half, a small white bowl containing fine granulated sugar, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a white ceramic dish holding a delicate mound of powdered sugar for dusting, all 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 natural sweetness and soft texture make them better than regular bread for this bake.
Blueberries: Fresh ones work best; they add juicy bursts and a lovely color contrast.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the custard.
Half and half: Makes the custard creamy without being too heavy.
Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a pretty, delicate finish right before serving.
Maple syrup (optional): For those who want an extra drizzle of sweet goodness at the table.

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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

I love swapping the blueberries for other fresh or frozen fruit depending on what’s in season — peaches, raspberries, or even chopped strawberries work beautifully. Don’t hesitate to jazz it up with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the custard for an extra cozy flavor.

Variation: One weekend, I tried adding a handful of toasted pecans on top halfway through baking—total game changer for texture and crunch!

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Blueberries

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your baking dish well. I usually reach for an 11x7 or 12x8 inch pan because it gives the bake enough room to spread and cook evenly. Take your Hawaiian rolls, pull them apart, and cube each roll into about 1-inch pieces — think bite-sized but not too small.

Then, layer half of those bread cubes into the bottom of your prepared dish. Sprinkle half your blueberries evenly on top. Repeat this layering with the remaining bread and berries. This layering helps distribute blueberry flavor all through the bake.

Step 2: Whisk the Custard

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, half and half, sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This custard is what turns that bread into the soft, custardy French toast bake we all love, so make sure it’s smooth and well mixed.

Step 3: Soak the Bread & Bake

Pour the custard mixture slowly over your layered bread and blueberries. I like to do this gently and in a circular motion to help the custard soak evenly through all the pieces. You might need to press lightly on the bread with a spatula to make sure it all absorbs.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes covered, which lets everything steam and cook without drying out.

Step 4: Get That Golden Finish

After the covered bake time, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you want the top golden brown and slightly firm, but the center should still jiggle a bit when gently shaken. That’s the telltale sign of perfectly creamy French toast bake.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over the top for a pretty finish. Serve warm with real maple syrup on the side if you like your bake a little sweeter. Honestly, the powdered sugar alone is tempting enough to skip the syrup sometimes!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe several times for friends and family, a few key tips have really helped me get perfect results every time.

Proper Pan Size: Using the right baking dish (about 11x7 or 12x8) ensures even cooking without the custard running too thin or too thick.
Gentle Custard Pouring: Pour custard slowly and press the bread gently to help it soak through – this stops dry spots inside.
Don’t Skip the Foil: Baking covered first prevents the bake from drying out and lets the custard set beautifully.
Timing the Final Bake: Check the bake towards the end and look for a lightly jiggly center for creamy texture rather than a fully firm pudding.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe

Blueberry French Toast Bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with a simple dusting of powdered sugar to keep things classic, but when I want to dress it up, a handful of fresh mint leaves or a few extra blueberries on top looks lovely and adds freshness.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with crispy breakfast sausages or a side of scrambled eggs if you want to round out your morning meal with something savory. For a lighter option, a fresh fruit salad is perfect alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

At a recent brunch, I served individual portions in small ramekins with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of blueberry compote. It felt so indulgent and gave guests their own personal baked treat — definitely worth trying for special occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly cover the French toast bake with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3-4 days, and any leftovers still taste great warmed up for breakfast the next day.

Freezing

I've also frozen this bake – I cut it into portions and wrap each one tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the texture nice without drying it out like a microwave would. If you want the top crisp again, uncover during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight before baking it fresh in the morning. This actually helps the bread soak up the custard even better.

What kind of blueberries should I use?

Fresh blueberries are ideal because they remain intact and offer a brighter flavor during baking, but frozen blueberries work well too — just add them directly without thawing to prevent a soggy bake.

Can I substitute the Hawaiian rolls?

You can use other soft, slightly sweet breads, like brioche or challah, but Hawaiian rolls give this bake its signature flavor and texture that’s hard to beat.

Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?

Definitely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg added to the custard mix adds a cozy warmth to the flavor profile without overpowering the blueberries. It’s a personal favorite tweak of mine.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe has become my go-to for easy weekend breakfasts and casual brunches. Its simplicity means you can have something homemade and comforting on the table without fussing, while still feeling like a treat. Honestly, I can’t wait for you to try it and hear what you think — it’s as cozy and delicious as it is easy. So go ahead, grab those rolls and blueberries, and make your morning a little sweeter.