Name: Blueberry Hawaiian Roll 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 (optional)

There’s something pure and cozy about a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe delivers just that—soft, fluffy, sweet Hawaiian rolls studded with juicy blueberries, all soaked in a creamy custard and baked to golden perfection. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and has become one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress without fuss.

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 Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe has a way of making any morning feel special, whether it’s a holiday brunch or a lazy weekend treat. I’m always amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavors and textures — soft bread, juicy bursts of blueberry, and that rich, custardy base.

Effortless and Quick: Unlike traditional French toast bakes that require overnight soaking, this one comes together in about 15 minutes prep time.
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Fruity: Blueberries add just the right amount of tartness to the sweet, pillowy Hawaiian rolls.
Crowd-Friendly: It’s great for feeding a crowd and easy to double up or halve depending on your group size.
Customizable Comfort Food: You can add your favorite berries, nuts, or spices to make it your own.

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

Each ingredient in this Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe plays a key role in building those irresistible layers — from the rich custard soak to the soft, sweet rolls and fresh blueberries that pop up through every bite. Here’s a look at why each one is essential:

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 naturally sweet, tender texture soaks up the custard beautifully without turning mushy.
Blueberries: Fresh is best—they burst with juice which keeps the bake moist and adds bright flavor.
Eggs: The custard’s backbone; eggs bind everything together and give a fluffy texture when baked.
Half and Half: Adds richness and creaminess, making this any-bite-you-take heavenly.
Sugar: Balances the tartness from the blueberries and adds sweetness without overpowering.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warm depth to the custard and rounds out flavors.
Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Adds a pretty finish and an extra hint of sweetness when served.
Maple Syrup (optional): Classic topping that brings warmth and pairs beautifully with the fruit and bread.

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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 my favorite things about this bake is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to swap blueberries for strawberries or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard, this recipe is like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch.

Variation: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch, which adds a lovely contrast to the soft bread and juicy berries.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the half and half for full-fat coconut milk to keep it creamy but make it dairy-free.
Extra Fruity: Mix blueberries with raspberries or blackberries if you want a berry medley that’s a little more complex.
Make it Overnight: Though this recipe doesn’t require it, letting it soak overnight in the fridge deepens the flavor if you prefer that texture.

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread Cubes

I start by cutting the Hawaiian rolls into about 1-inch cubes. I find uniformity helps the custard soak evenly and gives consistent texture. Don’t rush this step — taking the time to cut neat cubes makes the finished bake look prettier too.

Step 2: Layer Bread and Blueberries

Next, I spread half of the bread cubes in a greased 11x7 or 12x8-inch baking dish, then sprinkle half the blueberries over that layer. Repeat with the remaining bread and berries for a beautiful visual and luscious bursts of fruit throughout.

Step 3: Whisk the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, and vanilla extract until combined and slightly frothy. This airiness helps with the custard’s fluffiness once baked. Pour slowly over the bread and berries, making sure to coat every piece evenly.

Step 4: Bake Covered, Then Uncover

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Then, uncover and continue baking for 20-30 minutes so the top turns golden brown and just firm to the touch, with a little jiggle left in the center. That’s when you know it’s perfectly set but still soft.

Top Tip

Through my experiments, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make this Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe shine. These can help you avoid the common pitfalls and get a beautifully textured result every time.

Use Fresh Blueberries: Frozen berries can get mushy when baked, so go for fresh if possible for bursts of flavor without excess moisture.
Don’t Skip Greasing the Dish: Hawaiian rolls are soft and sticky, and this step makes sure your bake slides right out, perfect for serving.
Cover to Steal Moisture: Baking covered at first traps steam, helping the bread soak up custard and stay tender inside.
Watch the Jiggle: The center should be slightly jiggly post-bake; overbaking makes it dry.

How to Serve Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe

blueberry hawaiian roll - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love dusting the top with powdered sugar right before serving—it adds a little sweetness and makes it look extra pretty. Sometimes I sprinkle a few fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint for color and freshness that brighten the plate.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this bake with crispy bacon or sausage links. Fresh fruit salad on the side complements the sweetness nicely, and a cup of strong coffee or fresh squeezed orange juice makes the breakfast feel restaurant-worthy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I’ve served the French toast bake in individual ramekins for charming single portions. Another fun idea is layering in some cream cheese dollops between bread layers for a cheesecake-like surprise. It’s always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover French toast bake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The moisture helps keep the custard creamy and the bread from drying out. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen portions by wrapping them tightly in foil and storing in freezer-safe bags. When ready to eat, let thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat for best results. Freezing can slightly change the texture, but it still makes a great quick breakfast.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual servings in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. This gently warms without drying out the custard. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the texture a bit rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute other berries for blueberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! While blueberries complement the sweet Hawaiian rolls wonderfully, raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries would also work beautifully. Just be mindful of the moisture content to avoid a soggy bake.

Do I have to soak the bread overnight?

Nope! One of the best things about this Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe is that it doesn’t require an overnight soak. The custard soaks into the bread during the bake, making it quick to prepare and still deliciously tender.

What size baking dish should I use?

I recommend an 11x7 or 12x8-inch baking dish. These sizes give the bake enough room to cook through evenly without getting too dense or dry. Greasing the dish well also helps with easy serving.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the half and half for full-fat coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free milk alternative. I find using something rich and creamy keeps the custard texture just right.

Final Thoughts

This Blueberry Hawaiian Roll French Toast Bake Recipe has become so much more than just a breakfast for me — it’s how I kick off special weekends with friends and family. It’s simple enough to make any day feel festive, yet it never fails to impress. I can’t recommend it enough for your next brunch or lazy morning indulgence. Give it a try and watch it become a staple on your table, too!