There’s something about the soft, fluffy texture of Hawaiian rolls combined with juicy blueberries that just feels like a cozy hug on a plate. That’s why I’m excited to share this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe—it’s a quick, no-fuss brunch favorite that is both comforting and surprisingly elegant.

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

I love how the Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe turns simple ingredients into a luscious, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect anytime you want an easy, uplifting breakfast or brunch dish. It’s truly one of those dishes that impresses guests even though it’s so straightforward.

Simple Ingredients: It uses just six pantry staples plus fresh blueberries, so you probably already have what you need.
No Overnight Soaking Required: Unlike many French toast bakes, you can prep this and bake it the same morning—time-saver alert!
Soft and Fruity: The Hawaiian rolls soak up the rich custard beautifully, while the bursts of blueberry add fresh, juicy pops in every bite.
Perfect For Anytime: Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a special holiday brunch, this dish fits right in.

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

Every ingredient here has a role in creating the right balance of texture and flavor. Hawaiian rolls bring their iconic soft, slightly sweet base, while the blueberries inject natural sweetness and a hint of tartness. The custard mixture ties it all together with creamy richness and warmth.

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 fluffy, tender crumb soaks up the custard better than regular bread, keeping the bake soft and moist without becoming soggy.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries add juicy bursts of freshness that contrast beautifully with the creamy custard and sweet bread.
Eggs: The backbone of your custard, eggs provide structure and help everything set beautifully during baking.
Half and half: It strikes the ideal richness for the custard—more indulgent than milk but lighter than cream.
Sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten the custard without overwhelming the natural flavors.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that complements both the bread and berries perfectly.
Powdered sugar: For dusting at the end—this little touch elevates the presentation while adding a subtle sweetness.
Maple syrup (optional): Serving it alongside this is a classic you can’t go wrong with, for those who love an extra drizzle of syrupy goodness.

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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’ve found the Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe to be pretty adaptable, and I love making small tweaks depending on the season or my mood. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it—it’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes personalization.

Variation: I sometimes swap blueberries for raspberries or a mix of berries, especially when fresh blueberries are out of season. It’s equally delicious and adds a lovely tang.
Dietary Twist: If you want to lighten it up, try using light half and half or whole milk, but keep an eye on the bake time as it might cook a little quicker.
Extra Crunch: For a little texture surprise, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before uncovering during baking.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based milk and egg replacers like flax eggs for a vegan-friendly twist; results vary but can still be quite tasty.

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

Step 1: Prep your baking dish and Hawaiian rolls

First, I preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease an 11x7 or 12x8 baking dish—that size is perfect for this recipe. Cutting the Hawaiian rolls into 1-inch cubes is key; I like to make sure they’re uniform so every piece soaks custard evenly. Tossing the cubes into the dish, I layer half the bread and half the blueberries, then repeat. This layering helps distribute the berries so they don’t clump in one spot.

Step 2: Whisk your custard mixture

In a large bowl, I whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and well combined. It’s important to get the sugar fully dissolved into the mix so you don’t get gritty bites later. Pour your custard slowly over the bread and blueberry layers, making sure to coat every piece. If you’re patient here, you’ll notice the bread soaking up the custard deliciously.

Step 3: Cover and bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, then bake for 40 minutes. This step lets the custard set without drying out the top. After 40 minutes, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to get that beautiful golden-brown crust on top. Keep an eye on it—you're looking for the center to be just barely jiggly. Overbaking can dry it out, so that gentle jiggle is your cue.

Step 4: Final touches and serve

Once out of the oven, I dust the French toast bake with powdered sugar because it adds a pretty, snowy finish and just a touch more sweetness. Serve warm, and if you like, offer maple syrup on the side. Honestly, this casserole is delightful with or without syrup, but I love that classic pairing when I want a little extra indulgence.

Top Tip

Making this Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe often taught me a few tricks that really help it shine. Here are my top tips to make sure your bake comes out perfect every time.

Use Fresh Blueberries: Frozen berries can work but often make the bake a bit watery. Fresh blueberries give you that ideal juicy burst without sogginess.
Don’t Skip the Grease: Butter or non-stick spray in your baking dish ensures the bake won’t stick, making serving easier and cleanup quicker.
Cover It Well: The initial covered bake helps the inside cook thoroughly without drying the top. Removing the foil near the end creates a golden, slightly crispy crust.
Watch the Jiggle: Check for a barely wobbly center before pulling it out — it’ll firm up as it cools, and this prevents a dry finish.

How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe

blueberry French toast - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple—a light dusting of powdered sugar plus a handful of fresh blueberries on top makes it look beautiful and inviting. Sometimes I add a few mint leaves for color, especially if I’m serving company.

Side Dishes

Since this bake is quite filling and flavorful on its own, I like pairing it with something light and fresh like a mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a simple bowl of yogurt and granola. For brunch gatherings, crisp bacon or sausage rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special breakfasts, I’ve placed this bake inside a large, decorative serving dish and topped it with a berry compote and whipped cream on the side. It makes it feel extra special—and guests always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cut mine into individual portions to make reheating easy and mess-free.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this French toast bake a couple of times with good results. After baking and cooling completely, I slice it into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F, wrapped loosely in foil, until heated through. This way, it stays moist without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

While frozen blueberries can work in a pinch, they tend to release more water, which can make the bake a little soggier. Fresh blueberries give the best texture and flavor bursts. If using frozen, try to gently pat them dry before adding.

Can I make this French toast bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the bake the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. The bread will soak overnight, which makes it even more custardy and flavorful. Just add extra baking time to ensure it's fully cooked through.

What type of baking dish is best to use?

An 11x7 or 12x8 inch dish works best for this recipe—it’s perfect for layering the bread and berries without overcrowding, letting the custard soak in evenly. Glass, ceramic, or non-stick pans all work fine, just be sure to grease well.

Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?

Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. You can swap blueberries with strawberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches. Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds a lovely crunch. Just adjust baking time to accommodate added moisture if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Roll Blueberry French Toast Bake Recipe has become one of my go-to breakfast wins—I love how it brings smiles around the table with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy French toast, bringing a touch of tropical sweetness and comfort to your mornings. Give it a shot, and I’d bet you’ll want to make it again and again!