Step 1

Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter.

Step 2

Add the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whip on medium speed for 1 minute. With the mixer running, slowly pour in the maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla bean paste and whip until completely combined. Transfer to a serving bowl and reserve.

Step 3

Keep the rolls intact and slice across the equator to create 1 large top and 1 large bottom roll. Place the bottom roll in the baking dish, then spread with 2 tablespoons of the maple butter. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and half of the blueberries and top with the top roll.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, eggs, remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture over the rolls. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 6

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil, then continue to bake until golden brown, about 10 more minutes.

Step 7

Arrange scoops of the maple butter on top and sprinkle with the bacon and remaining blueberries. Serve with additional maple syrup.