If you’ve ever wanted to combine the comfort of pancakes with the ease of a casserole, then this Pancake Casserole is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy stack of pancakes with the perfect balance of sweetness, all while being served in a fun, family-style dish that’s perfect for gatherings. The best part? You can prep it the night before, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving a cozy weekend breakfast, this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Pancake Casserole
This recipe isn’t just about a meal—it’s about making memories. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy morning or treating your guests to something extra special, this Pancake Casserole is sure to make your day. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a lazy dinner. You can top it with all kinds of goodies—fruit, syrup, or whipped cream—and it’s still amazing.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s an affordable meal that still feels indulgent. No need to spend a lot to create something delicious.
Quick and Easy: You can make it the night before, and all you have to do in the morning is pop it in the oven. Easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy!
Customizable: Add your favorite fillings—blueberries, chocolate chips, or even some crispy bacon for a savory twist. The possibilities are endless.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s the kind of dish that’s sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a fun alternative to traditional pancakes, which means it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this deliciously comforting Pancake Casserole:
- Pancake Mix: The base of the casserole. Use your favorite pancake mix, whether it’s homemade or store-bought. You can also try a gluten-free pancake mix if you prefer.
- Eggs: These provide structure and help create the fluffy, soufflé-like texture of the casserole.
- Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Butter: For extra richness and flavor. You’ll also use some for greasing the baking dish.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings out the sweetness in the casserole.
- Brown Sugar: Gives the casserole a lovely caramelized flavor as it bakes.
- Maple Syrup (Optional): For extra sweetness—because who can resist a little extra maple goodness?
- Toppings (Optional): Fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or even some chocolate chips or nuts to sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this comforting Pancake Casserole:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and perfectly.
Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, eggs, milk, vanilla, and brown sugar until smooth. If you want to add extra flavor, this is the time to stir in any spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Pour Into the Dish: Pour the pancake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Add Toppings: Top the batter with your favorite toppings. Fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of nuts—this is where you can get creative!
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The casserole should puff up slightly while baking.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting it into squares. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or your favorite toppings!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Pancake Casserole
This Pancake Casserole is perfect on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are some delicious ideas:
Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even roasted apples for a touch of sweetness and color.
Syrup: Drizzle with maple syrup for that classic pancake experience.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a rich, creamy touch that’s perfect for indulgent mornings.
Yogurt: A spoonful of Greek yogurt balances the sweetness and adds a tangy contrast.
Bacon or Sausage: For those who love a savory side with their sweet breakfast, crispy bacon or sausage pairs perfectly with this casserole.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Make the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply pop it in the oven and bake!
Spice It Up: Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free milk alternative and swap the butter for a plant-based option.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Double the Batch: If you’re serving a large crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. It’s great for big family gatherings!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use homemade pancake batter?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer homemade batter, just use your favorite pancake recipe and follow the instructions for pouring it into the baking dish.
Q2: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Use a gluten-free pancake mix to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next morning for a warm, easy breakfast.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes! This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing. It can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Q6: How do I reheat frozen Pancake Casserole?
A6: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the casserole?
A7: Absolutely! Add chocolate chips, raisins, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
Q8: How can I make this casserole extra fluffy?
A8: For an extra fluffy casserole, make sure you don’t overmix the batter. Stir gently to combine the ingredients and keep the airiness in the mixture.
Q9: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Use dairy-free milk and butter for a dairy-free version.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! If you’re feeding a large crowd, double the recipe and bake in a larger dish.
Conclusion
There you have it—Pancake Casserole that’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a group or treating yourself, this dish brings all the deliciousness of pancakes with the ease of a casserole. So go ahead, give it a try, and let your taste buds enjoy the magic!
Print
Pancake Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes (including roasting squash)
- Total Time: 8 hours (refrigeration)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A family-friendly casserole perfect for brunch! Made with layers of fluffy pancakes soaked in a rich custard mixture, this dish is baked to perfection and topped with butter and maple syrup. Pair it with crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or eggs for a complete breakfast spread.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 24–30 pancakes (homemade or store-bought)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Unsalted butter and maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange Pancakes: Place the pancakes in the baking dish in 3 rows, slightly overlapping, starting from one long end.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla bean paste, and salt until well combined.
- Pour Over Pancakes: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the pancakes, ensuring they are evenly soaked.
- Refrigerate: Cover the casserole and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the center is set.
- Finish and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Dot with small pats of butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
Notes
- For added flavor, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg into the egg mixture.
- Use mini pancakes for a fun twist, or try flavored pancakes like chocolate chip or blueberry for variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 155mg