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 wonderfully comforting about waking up to a warm, fruity breakfast that feels both indulgent and easy. This Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe hits all the right notes with its soft, sweet bread and bursts of fresh blueberries—making mornings a little sweeter and way more special.

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 is one of those recipes I keep returning to when I want something that feels homemade but isn’t fussed over. The Hawaiian rolls give it a unique, fluffy sweetness that traditional French toast sometimes lacks, and the blueberries add a fresh pop without any extra work.

Sweet and pillowy texture: Hawaiian rolls make the casserole incredibly soft and tender inside while baking to a golden top.
Fresh blueberry bursts: The blueberries scattered throughout keep every bite juicy and add a slight tartness that balances the richness.
Simple, minimal ingredients: You only need six staple ingredients to pull off this crowd-pleaser — no overnight soaking required.
Perfect for gatherings: Makes a beautiful centerpiece for brunch with friends or a comforting weekend breakfast at home.

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 this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe plays a big role, bringing together a balance of creamy, sweet, and fresh flavors that make it so memorable. Plus, they’re easy to find at any grocery store—no special trips required.

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 naturally sweet and fluffy texture creates the perfect base for the custardy bake.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, they provide juicy bursts and a lovely contrast to the richness of the eggs and cream.
Eggs: The binding agent that turns the dish into a creamy, custard-like casserole.
Half and half: Adds richness without being too heavy; you can swap for whole milk, but the texture will change slightly.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the bread and berries without overpowering them.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor, taking the whole bake up a notch.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): A pretty finishing touch that melts on warm bites.
Maple syrup (optional): For drizzling, if you love that classic French toast sweetness.

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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 like to keep this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe straightforward, but it’s so easy to personalize depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry. You can easily swap out the blueberries for other berries or add a crunchy topping for texture.

Berry swap: I once made it with a mix of raspberries and blackberries, and it brought a lovely tartness that paired beautifully with the sweet rolls.
Nutty crunch: Sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a delightful contrast to the softness inside.
Dairy-free twist: If you’re avoiding dairy, try using almond or oat milk with an added tablespoon of coconut cream for richness.
Overnight soak: For a hands-off morning, assemble it the night before and bake fresh in the morning—just add 10 minutes to the baking time!

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread and Blueberries

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 11x7 or 12x8-inch baking dish—I find this size works perfectly for even cooking without overcrowding. Cut the Hawaiian rolls into about 1-inch cubes, which soak up the custard beautifully. Layer half the cubed bread in your dish, then sprinkle half the blueberries over it before repeating the layers. This layering helps the berries stay nicely distributed rather than sinking to the bottom.

Step 2: Whisk Your Custard Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, sugar, and vanilla until well combined and silky smooth. The key here is to mix it enough so the sugar dissolves but not so long that you incorporate too much air—this helps keep the texture custardy and rich.

Step 3: Pour and Soak

Slowly pour the custard over the layered bread and blueberries, using the back of a spoon or your hands (cleaned, of course!) to gently press down so each bite absorbs all that creamy goodness. Don’t rush this part—take your time to coat the bread evenly for the best texture.

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes to gently cook through. Then remove the foil and bake for another 20–30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the center still jiggles slightly when you shake the pan—a sign it’s perfectly set but still moist inside.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, dust the top with powdered sugar for a pretty touch and serve warm. A drizzle of maple syrup on the side makes it extra special, though I find the bake itself is sweet enough to enjoy solo.

Top Tip

From making this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make it even better—and will help you nail it on your first try, too.

Use fresh or frozen blueberries: I’ve found frozen blueberries work just fine if fresh aren’t in season; just thaw and drain them a bit before layering to avoid excess moisture.
Don’t overbake: It’s tempting to keep going until the center is 100% firm, but a slightly jiggly center means the custard will be creamy as it cools.
Grease your dish well: Hawaiian rolls can stick if you’re not careful, so I use a generous coat of butter or a nonstick spray to avoid any frustration during serving.
Let it rest briefly: After baking, allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes so it sets up just enough for cleaner slices.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe

blueberry French toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few extra fresh blueberries scattered on top for color and freshness. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes gives it a tropical vibe that pairs perfectly with the Hawaiian rolls.

Side Dishes

This bake plays so nicely with crispy breakfast sausages or a side of bacon to add savory balance. For a lighter option, a green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a fruit salad with citrus segments complements the blueberries beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings, I’ve styled the Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of syrup, fresh fruit, and toasted nuts—making it both inviting and interactive for guests to customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover French toast bake in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. Reheated gently, it almost tastes like freshly baked again, which is always a win for busy mornings.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers after baking and cool completely. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating

To keep that crispy top and custardy inside, I reheat leftovers in the oven rather than the microwave—15 minutes at 350°F usually does the trick. If in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave wrapped loosely with a paper towel works fine, but you might lose a bit of that lovely texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe the night before?

Absolutely! Assemble all the layers and custard the night before, then cover and refrigerate. Bake in the morning, adding about 10 extra minutes to your baking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

What if I don’t have half and half?

You can substitute with heavy cream for a richer bake or whole milk for a lighter one. Keep in mind that the texture might be a little less creamy with milk.

Can I use other types of bread instead of Hawaiian rolls?

Definitely, but Hawaiian rolls give a unique sweetness and fluffy texture that’s hard to beat. Brioche or challah would be the closest substitutes if you don’t have Hawaiian rolls on hand.

How do I know when the bake is done?

Look for a golden-brown top and a slightly jiggly center. The edges may be firmer, but the middle should have a gentle wobble indicating it’s soft and custardy inside.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe has become my go-to for lazy weekend mornings or special brunches because it feels like a treat without needing complicated steps. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that brings warmth and smiles around the table, every single time.